Archived press release

Belfast incinerator a toxic solution to waste problem

9 March 2009

The proposed incinerator on Belfast Lough's North Foreshore[1] will be an expensive source of pollution, posing long-term health risks, and will lock Northern Ireland into a waste maximisation policy, Friends of the Earth said today (9 March 2009).

In a new briefing, the organisation sets out its opposition to incineration, as well as its support for a more concerted effort to reduce waste and improve recycling. It also suggests alternative methods of extracting energy from waste.

Niall Bakewell, Northern Ireland Activism Co-ordinator for Friends of the Earth said:

"Burning waste produces myriad toxins, including dioxins, heavy metals and furans. The various methods that the Council proposes for mitigating the harmful effects of incineration are highly questionable[2].

"The location of the plant will mean that the potential energy benefits are wasted. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, meaning that few will avail of the heat produced by the plant. Anaerobic digestion, resulting in methane that could be used for combined heat and power, would be a much more efficient process. It would also produce compost."

Niall continued:

"Better doorstep separation and collection could result in fewer recyclable items (such as yoghurt pots) ending up in landfill, or worse, an incinerator.

"The Council should also join other local authorities in the UK in putting pressure on the Westminster Government to reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging being produced in the first place."

Friends of the Earth encourages Belfast residents to read its briefing before they fill in and return their questionnaires. The questionnaire can also be completed online. The closing date for submitting responses is 23 March 2009.

Notes

[1] In the Belfast City consultation brochure and questionnaire the Council claims that the best way for the city to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste ending up in landfill, thereby avoiding EU fines, is to burn large amounts of it in an Energy From Waste (EFW) incinerator plant.
[2] The Council claims that by maintaining a certain temperature it can reduce the amount of dioxins produced. Friends of the Earth disputes that it would be able to do this consistently. The Council also proposes using the resultant ash as a building material, but this will bequeath a toxic legacy to future generations.

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust