Scrapping of Merthyr incinerator a victory for people and for common sense

25 Hydref 2011

The scrapping of plans for a huge incinerator near Merthyr Tydfil is great news for the thousands of local residents who have opposed it, and a major blow to proposals for other incinerators across Wales.

Friends of the Earth Cymru campaigner, Haf Elgar, said:

"Friends of the Earth Cymru is delighted that Covanta have withdrawn their proposal for a monster incinerator above Merthyr. It's a victory not just for the local communities who fought against this giant American company, but also for common sense and a sensible waste management policy for Wales.

"We've always said this was the wrong technology in the worst possible location, and we worked long and hard with Merthyr Friends of the Earth and other groups from across the community to oppose this monstrous proposal.

"Incineration is not green - it produces toxic ash, air pollution and climate-changing carbon dioxide. It demands decades of high levels of waste, and hits the recycling that could create ten times as many jobs [1].

"Any large incinerators would be a waste management disaster for Wales. This success for Merthyr will be a big boost for the local campaigns opposing other incinerators in Cardiff, Newport, Anglesey and Deeside."

NOTES

1. Research by Friends of the Earth in 2010 showed well over 1000 jobs could be generated from high recycling in the Heads of the Valleys area of Wales alone

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