Incinerator plans in doubt as waste contract ends

Plans to build a waste incinerator near Hull are in doubt after two councils announced their contract with a waste company is to end in 2013.

Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council said they had "mutually agreed" to end the contract with the Waste Recycling Group (WRG).

The firm provides bin collection and household waste recycling services.

The councils said the decision meant a planned incinerator near Hull would "not be built within this contract".

In 2008, councillors from both councils said they were committed to the incinerator project at Saltend, which was planned to be built within the next few years.

Campaigners 'ecstatic'

A spokeswoman for the councils said new arrangements would be put in place for the treatment and disposal of waste when the contract came to an end.

A Hull City Council spokeswoman said they would not be releasing details of why the contract was ending.

John Dennis, of the Hull and East Riding Opposing the Incinerator (HOTI) group, welcomed the announcement, and said they were "ecstatic" at the news.

A statement from WRG said: "WRG is fully committed to continuing to provide a first class waste management service under the existing contract until 31 March 2013, that will underpin the two councils' continued efforts to increase recycling rates and improve sustainability."

It added: "We will look forward to having the opportunity to bid for any future new waste treatment and disposal services that the two councils may seek to procure beyond 2013."