This is where we will post questions and answers relating to the
project. Specific questions relating to Great Blakenham are
answered under "The site we are offering". Specific questions
realting to Energy from Waste are answered under "Our preferred
technology".
Why is the council looking at alternatives to landfill?
Demanding European legislation and tough Government targets,
mean that we have to reduce the amount of waste sent to
landfill. As well as the environmental effects there
will also be financial implications. Penalties incurred could
affect your Council services.
Landfill has been the best option for so long, why change when
the current system seems to work perfectly well?
Landfilling has a detrimental effect on the environment; methane
and carbon dioxide is produced which contributes to global warming
and pollution called leachate can leak into groundwater. We
are looking for a more environmentally friendly and more
sustainable approach to dealing with our waste.
Will I be able to have a say, and if so when?
Public consultation is important to us and we began
discussing current waste options in earnest in April 2006.
There will continue to be further opportunities to make
comments and feed in to the planning process. If you have any
questions now, please email us at
suffolk.recycling@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk
We are always being told Suffolk is doing well, is this not
still the case?
We are doing very well, Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury are
two of the top districts for recycling (2004/5). However, we could
do better and if we are to meet the targets, we will need to.
I understand we have to meet recycling targets - where does
Suffolk stand at the moment?
The government sets the targets. We agreed a special target with
the Government to deliver 35% recycling and composting which we
achieved in 2005. We are now on course to meet the next Government
target of 39%. As stated above Suffolk is an excellently performing
county and St Edmundsbury is the best performing council in the
country (2004/5).
Why can't we just recycle everything?
It is estimated that about 60% of the contents of the average
wheeled bin can be recycled. However, high recycling and
composting rates alone will not meet the long term targets of
diverting waste away from landfill. There are some items that
can not be recycled, for example, certain types of plastics,
disposable nappies and hazardous waste such as paint.
There will always be waste in our black bins that we need to deal
with. Rather than simply landfilling this waste, it is
important that we try and recover energy where possible.
If we do not reduce the amount that we send to landfill what
happens?
The authority will face enormous penalties if we do not reduce
the amount we send to landfill. This could have a direct effect on
council services.
How will these penalties impact on me?
We could see a dilution in the range and quality of services
that the Council can provide.
What impact will the changes have on my kerbside
collection?
None, but we are relying on you to do even more. Contact
your local borough / district council to see how you can contribute
even more to the tremendous efforts being made towards
recycling or visit
www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk
Will there be an opportunity to recycle more by the weekly
kerbside collections?
By 2010 everyone in Suffolk should be able to recycle paper,
tin, plastic, card and garden waste at the kerbside.
How is my district/borough council involved in the
process?
All the district and borough councils are working in partnership
with the county council. Councillors with a responsibility for the
waste meet regularly. We have external funding for a project to
bring us even closer together. ERM consultancy is working with us
to see what more we can do to improve working together even
closer.
What happens in other countries?
Other European countries landfill at a much lesser rate, due to
extensive recycling and a greater emphasis on alternative treatment
technologies for residual waste. For example, Vienna
recycles a large amount of its waste but also has 2
incinerators to dispose of its residual waste.
If you have any other questions, phone our information line at 0845
603 9412 or email us at
suffolk.recycling@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk