Home / Environment / Residents Slam Plan to Burn More Waste in South London
Residents Slam Plan to Burn More Waste in South London
12 Feb
Summary
- Incinerator plans to increase waste burn capacity from 347,000 to 380,000 tonnes.
- Residents cite worsening smell, traffic, and reduced property values.
- Facility breached emission limits 916 times between 2022 and 2024.
Residents in south London are expressing significant anger over the Environment Agency's indication that it is 'minded to approve' an increase in waste burned at the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility. The facility, operated by Viridor, currently processes 347,000 tonnes of waste yearly and has applied to increase this to 380,000 tonnes.
Living opposite the site, residents describe persistent issues with smell and traffic, with lorries creating continuous noise. Concerns are amplified by the facility's record of 916 emission limit breaches between 2022 and 2024. Viridor attributes these breaches to a third-party contractor, stating they posed no health risk and that safeguards are now in place.
Despite Viridor's argument that energy recovery is a cleaner alternative to landfill for non-recyclable waste, local council representatives and residents remain opposed. They cite fears of increased pollution and traffic. The ongoing uncertainty is also impacting residents' lives, with some reporting a decrease in property values and the financial strain of being unable to sell their homes.
