Staffordshire's drive to maximise recycling and generate energy from the left over household waste has been given a massive boost.

Further information on the proposals should visit a dedicated website at www.staffsprojectw2r.info or ring the information line on 0845 3004430.

Government has given Staffordshire funding approval for its household waste management programme - to the tune of £122.4 million.

The cash is earmarked to build a state-of-the-art energy from waste plant, which the county council plans to develop at the Four Ashes Industrial Estate near Cannock.

The county council's plans to generate energy from waste will protect the tax payer from a whopping £7.5 million extra costs - every year for the next 25 years.

John Taylor, Leader of the county council said: "This plant is a key element in Staffordshire Zero Waste to Landfill policy, which aims to tackle the rising environmental and economic costs of landfill by ensuring maximum value is extracted from the waste people throw away.   

The project will divert 300,000 tonnes of waste from landfill and produce enough electricity to power 24,000 homes."

The Government was impressed by Staffordshire's proposals to tackle the growing waste mountain - which helped it make the significant award decision in record time.

Staffordshire's complete approach impressed the Government, focusing clearly on the full hierarchy of waste minimisation, recycling and then diversion away from landfill.

Staffordshire County Council Leader John Taylor said the award was a massive boost for Staffordshire residents.

"This cash means we can deliver the maximum benefits for the people of Staffordshire with the minimum possible costs to the council tax payer. We can maximise recycling, reduce unpopular landfill operations and generate energy.

"If we don't take action it's going to cost over £1 billion over the next 25 years as the costs of landfill spiral. We have got to take action to protect the people of Staffordshire.

"Waste is an expensive business. That's why we have focused on waste reduction and recycling first. But generating energy from the left over resource is the way ahead. This is about protecting the environment, public services and the tax payer."

"The Staffordshire approach has involved being open, honest and upfront about the solutions at every stage and working in partnership to deliver the maximum value for Staffordshire people.

"This has been recognised by the Government with what is a major grant. This is a real Staffordshire success story," he said.

The planning committee is expected to make a decision on the Four Ashes application soon this autumn.

In the meantime the council will continue to keep local residents and communities updated on the development of this vitally important project.

Anyone who wants further information on the proposals should visit a dedicated website at www.staffsprojectw2r.info or ring the information line on 0845 3004430.

Last Modified: 25/09/2008 12:36:43
Back to top