Latest news with #incineration
Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Times
John Swinney in talks to avoid sending waste to England
Truckloads of Scottish waste being sent to England may be stopped after the first minister admitted that a scheme to ban landfill sites north of the border may need to be delayed. A ban on rubbish being sent to Scottish landfill sites, due to come into force at the start of next year, covers most domestic and commercial waste. However, Scotland does not have enough incinerators to cope with the surge in demand that the policy will cause. Experts have said that up to 100 truckloads of Scotland's waste will instead need to be moved down south, seven days a week, for a year from January once the ban begins. Speaking to journalists at Holyrood, John Swinney said he was in dialogue with local authorities to avoid the situation of sending truckloads of waste south of the border, but he failed to rule out a further delay to the landfill scheme.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Environmental groups raise concerns about waste-to-energy option to handle Ottawa's garbage
A garbage truck picks up residential waste in Centretown Wednesday, May 29, 2024. as council gives rubber stamp to new curbside waste policy going into effect Sept. 30. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa) As Ottawa's Trail Road dump continues to fill up, the city is looking at possible options – including a waste-to-energy incinerator, which is raising concerns with some environmental groups. At the city's Environment and Climate Change Committee on Tuesday, councillors heard options from city staff about the next steps for dealing with the city's garbage and concerns from the public. The City of Ottawa has identified a waste-to-energy incinerator as one of the best options to deal with the city's future garbage, but it would cost between $497 million and $882 million to build and there is a complex regulatory approval process. With the Trail Road landfill expected to reach capacity in the next 10 to 15 years, the city is exploring options to deal with its trash. In 2023, council directed staff to explore 'proven technologies' to handle the city's future waste management needs, including looking at waste-to-energy incineration and mixed waste processing. 'Very problematic. It's concerning to see this being considered,' says William van Geest, the executive director of Ecology Ottawa. 'There are serious concerns from a health standpoint, from a climate standpoint, the pollution of air, water and soil. I don't like seeing it.' He says he'd like to see more of a focus on diversion instead. 'There are some fantastic organizations doing some great reuse of textiles, sharing materials of tools, sharing of equipment. The city had an option to pursue, pay-as you-throw, which would have reduced landfill contributions quite significantly,' he says. Angela Keller-Herzog, executive director of Community Action for Environmental Sustainability (CAFES) Ottawa says she is worried about pollutants. 'The reality is that there's hazardous, toxic ash that is produced. Some of it is filtered out, but some of it still goes up and then enters the rest of the environment, including deposition on soil and water,' she says. 'We have started to study the issue and learn more. There are some serious health concerns. So, we have asked that Ottawa Public Health be fully involved in the terms of reference for this next study, and that there should also be a public engagement where the public gets to know what's going on.' It's something city staff are considering. 'We'll want to investigate that further. Wanting to understand and work with our partners in Ottawa Public Health also work with the province and the federal government when it comes to those measures, in order to understand, to make sure that we're bringing the best information back for council's consideration,' says Shelley McDonald, City of Ottawa director of Solid Waste Services. She tells CTV News Ottawa the facility would be similar to the York-Durham site, just east of Toronto. She says a location for Ottawa's waste-to-energy facility, will be 'part of the next steps looking at siting and looking at those opportunities.' Timelines What the city decides to do will be a 'multi-year process,' which may end up being decided by the next term of council. 'So, if it's a new landfill or if it's a waste energy technology, there is an environmental assessment that needs to take place, plus environmental compliance approvals that are required. And so, that is a multi-year process that could take up to ten years in order to receive that approval. So, working very closely with the province in order ensuring that the air, land and water is the safety of air, land and water is maintained,' says McDonald. Capital Ward Coun. Shawn Menard, chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, says there is still time to get this right. 'We've given ourselves some breathing room. And we've got to make the right decision within that time that we've got now,' he says. 'It doesn't have to be a huge rush to make that decision. So, we want to get it right. And I think we are further along than we would have been before, based on the feasibility study staff have done and the options that we're moving forward with analyzing into early next term.' With files from CTV News Ottawa's Josh Pringle
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
SNP to dump 100 truckloads of waste a day in England
The SNP is set to dump up to 100 truckloads of rubbish into England each day after a landfill ban. The Scottish Government has banned black bag waste from being buried in landfill north of the Scottish Border after Dec 31 this year. But Scotland does not have enough incinerators to manage the waste, which experts have said could amount to 600,000 tonnes in the ban's first year. Councils and commercial waste companies have approached rubbish-handling operators in England to negotiate 'bridging contracts' However, most incinerators have limited spare capacity, meaning that much of Scotland's excess waste is expected to be sent to landfills in England instead. The move has provoked fury, with the Scottish Tories questioning 'what the point is in introducing this ban if it is still going to result in so much waste just being shipped south of the Border'. David Balmer, a waste expert from ERS Remediation, told BBC Scotland's Disclosure programme: 'You're looking at the equivalent of between 80 and 100 trucks minimum running seven days a week to take this material to a facility in England or abroad.' The fleet of lorries transporting the rubbish to sites in England, which could include Cumbria, Northumberland or Manchester, would also cause a rise in greenhouse gas emissions. 'Temporary situation' Gillian Martin, the SNP's climate action and energy secretary, said: 'The reason for the incineration gap is due to outside factors, particularly inflation and the cost of initially building them. 'We've got plans for more incinerators, with energy from waste schemes, to come on in the next year and over the next three years – so it is a temporary situation.' She said 'the positive environmental impact of stopping landfill far outweighs any impact of any temporary measures to export' the rubbish over the Border. Ms Martin explained that 'landfill produces methane, which is a particularly potent gas' and said this was 'vastly responsible in the short and medium term for warming up the planet'. Methane is around 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. However, it was pointed out that these emissions would still be created, only in England rather than Scotland. 'Some of them will be going to incineration in England. We're not the only country that has waste-to-energy plants,' Ms Martin said. 'The north of England has many as well. There's a very short-term measure until more of our incinerators and waste-to-energy plants come on stream.' The Scottish Government had previously planned to impose a ban on sending biodegradable waste to landfill from Jan 2021, but the deadline was delayed five years after industry leaders warned that the country was not ready. The lack of waste treatment capacity prompted warnings at the time that a million tonnes of rubbish would have to be disposed of outside Scotland, with the majority of it simply shifted across the Border. This caused a rush to build more incinerators but SNP ministers decided to curtail the number of developments because of overcapacity concerns. There are currently eight operating in Scotland. Capacity gap widens Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), an SNP quango, has estimated that the capacity gap is now 600,000 tonnes, but ministers have ruled out a further delay to implementing the ban. Among the rubbish barred from landfill in Scotland will be non-recyclable black bag municipal waste, wood, textiles, paper and food. Some inert material, such as ash from incinerators and building rubble, will still be allowed at landfill sites. Douglas Lumsden, Scotland's shadow net zero and energy secretary, said: 'There should be red faces all round among SNP ministers at this news. 'Their landfill ban has already been pushed back several years yet in typical nationalist fashion they have still failed to get their ducks in a row. 'The public will frankly be asking what the point is in introducing this ban if it is still going to result in so much waste just being shipped south of the Border.' Earlier this year, the UK Government published a consultation on the 'near elimination of biodegradable waste disposal in landfill from 2028'. However, there is no immediate plan for a ban in England. Scotland's recycling rates have increased by fewer than two percentage points over the past decade to 43.5 per cent of waste. They are lower than the figures for England and Wales, and far behind the 64.7 per cent recorded in Wales. The Scottish Government said the 'vast majority' of councils had alternative measures in place before the landfill ban comes into force, but they will 'work closely with local authorities and sector bodies to monitor and review any related issues, which may arise as the date of the ban approaches'.
CBC
09-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
City exploring 3 options to replace Trail Road landfill
Social Sharing The City of Ottawa has identified three viable options to replace the Trail Road landfill before it reaches capacity in as few as 10 years. According to a report released Friday ahead of next week's environment and climate change committee meeting, the city's best options include incineration, continuing to use the current dump alongside a private facility, or creating a new municipal landfill. Once council approves those options, staff will begin examining each in depth, for which about $600,000 has already been set aside. The Trail Waste Facility Landfill opened in 1980 and was originally expected to last 20 years. City council approved an expansion in 2007, giving the dump another 10 to 40 years, depending on use. Based on current level of disposal, the landfill is now expected to reach capacity around 2035. Nevertheless, the report says a final decision isn't required until 2029. Top 3 options The "waste management technologies feasibility study" explored five scenarios for replacing the landfill. Two of those options failed to make the cut: a mixed-waste processing facility (MWP) where all categories of refuse would be disposed of in one place, and combining MWP with a waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration facility. "The WTE Incineration Facility was the highest ranked technology as it offers significant environmental benefits, including a 77 per cent landfill diversion rate and energy recovery, which aligns with the city's strategic priorities," staff wrote. However, building such a facility could cost up to $862 million and would require a complex regulatory approval process, staff said. If the city continues to use Trail Road until it reaches capacity, municipal waste would then be sent to a private facility for disposal. But there are potential drawbacks with that option, too, staff warned. "This option tied for highest ranking; however, it exposes the city to long-term financial and environmental risks, including escalating landfill tipping fees, reduced airspace and/or capacity at regional waste facilities, limited control over disposal operations, and an increased risk of potentially higher GHG emissions." The option to build a new landfill was ranked third and would cost up to $761 million, according to the report. If approved by council, staff would move forward with an in-depth evaluation of the top three scenarios and report back with a recommendation during the next term of council. Despite the tight timeline, staff say the project remains on schedule.
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Garbage options: Ottawa identifies waste-to-energy incinerator as one of the best options for city's garbage
The city of Ottawa's landfill could soon reach capacity in 12-15 years. Last month, city council voted to limit the number of trash containers to three per household. Building a new landfill could cost hundreds of millions of dollars. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa) The City of Ottawa has identified a waste-to-energy incinerator as one of the best options to deal with the city's future garbage, but it would cost between $497 million and $882 million to build and there is a complex regulatory approval process. With the Trail Road landfill expected to reach capacity in the next 10 to 15 years, the city is exploring options to deal with the city's future garbage. In 2023, council directed staff to explore 'proven technologies' to handle the city's future waste management needs, including looking at waste-to-energy incineration and mixed waste processing. The city explored five options: Status quo and private landfills once Trail Road landfill is full Waste-to-energy incineration facility Mixed waste processing facility Waste-to-energy incineration and mixed waste processing facility Build a new landfill A report for the Environment and Climate Change Committee meeting on June 17 says a feasibility study recommended two top-ranked options – building a waste-to-energy incineration facility or continuing to dispose of non-diverted waste at the Trail Road landfill until it reaches capacity and then using one or several private landfills in the region. Staff recommend the city conduct an 'in-depth evaluation' of three scenarios; the use of private facilities once Trail Road is full, building a waste-to-energy incinerator (WTE) in the City of Ottawa, and also explore building a new municipal landfill because it would be required if the city does proceed with a waste-to-energy incinerator or a mixed waste processing facility. 'The WTE Incineration Facility was the highest ranked technology, as it offers significant environmental benefits, including a 77 per cent landfill diversion rate and energy recovery, which aligns with the City's strategic priorities,' staff said. 'However, the implementation of a WTE Incineration Facility presents substantial capital costs ($497 million – $862 million), a complex regulatory approval process and divided public support.' Garbage truck Ottawa A garbage truck picks up residential waste in Centretown Wednesday, May 29, 2024. as council gives rubber stamp to new curbside waste policy going into effect Sept. 30. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa) A new landfill would cost an estimated $439 million and $761 million. The report does not provide a cost for the scenario using private landfills, but staff estimated tipping fees would increase from the current $150 per tonne to $250. The two other scenarios the city looked at, but are deciding not to explore further, are building a mixed waste processing facility or a scenario using both a waste-to-energy incineration facility and a mixed waste processing facility. Staff say a mixed waste processing facility would only increase waste diversion by eight per cent and 92 per cent of incoming waste would require landfilling, and a facility has 'high disposal costs.' The report recommends council direct staff to launch an 'in-depth evaluation' of the three scenarios and report back with a recommendation and a finalized business case as 'soon as practical within the next term of council.' The next term of council will decide how Ottawa handles its future waste. 'Staff recognize that the City is at a critical juncture in terms of timelines and planning for the future of waste management,' the report says. 'From approvals to implementation, long-term solutions can take upwards of 10 years. Therefore, a decision on Ottawa's future waste management system is required by 2029. This would allow for a new landfill or technology to be developed and assumes the above-noted initiatives are successful in extending the life of Trail.' The City of Ottawa generated 201,100 tonnes of garbage and bulky waste in 2024. Trail Road landfill filling up fast CTV News Ottawa looks at what you need to know about the options to deal with Ottawa's future garbage. Trail Road Landfill The City of Ottawa owns and operates the Trail Waste Facility Landfill on Trail Road. The landfill is expected to reach capacity between 2034 and 2035, based on the status quo disposal rates. Staff say the ban on industrial, commercial and institutional waste will add an additional year of life to the landfill and the plan to send 60,000 tonnes of waste a year to private landfills could add two additional years of life. 'Waste reduction and diversion efforts could result in four additional years of landfill life,' staff say. Last September, the city implemented a three-item garbage limit on household garbage to help extend the life of the Trail Road dump. The City of Ottawa has also launched an Environmental Assessment to expand the Trail Road landfill within its current boundaries, could provide 15 additional years of landfill life. Three scenarios for in-depth evaluation Here is a look at the three scenarios the City of Ottawa will study for the future of Ottawa's garbage. Staff say Option 1 and Option 2 tied for first during the comparative evaluation. The new landfill facility was the least preferred option. Option 1 - Status quo and use private landfills Cost: No cost listed. Staff looked at a tipping fee of $250 per tonne compared to $150 tonne charged today. The City of Ottawa says, under this option, the city would continue to dispose of non-diverted waste for final disposal to the Trail Road landfill until it reaches capacity and then negotiates deals to dispose of the city's garbage at one or several private landfills in the area. 'This option tied for highest ranking; however, it exposes the city to long-term financial and environmental risks, including escalating landfill tipping fees, reduced airspace and/or capacity at regional waste facilities, limited control over disposal operations, and an increased risk of potentially higher greenhouse gas emissions, as it is not known if the facility is a landfill with a poor landfill gas collection system, a yet to be built WTE incineration facility or another waste management facility,' the report says. 'Nonetheless, it offers a minimal capital investment, regulatory simplicity, and ease of implementation.' Staff note the four private landfills in eastern Ontario have the potential to receive 'portions or all of the city's waste for the majority, but not all, of the city's 30-year planning period.' Score: Highest score in 'social requirements' and 'technical requirements.' Lowest score for environmental requirements. Option 2 - Waste to Energy Facility Cost: Construction costs between $497 million and $862 million, plus an average of $47 million in direct operating and maintenance costs. Staff say annual revenues from electricity sales would be $17.9 million a year. The City of Ottawa would build a waste-to-energy facility to process all post-recycled residual waste and recover energy. The city says in a traditional mass burn process, waste is fed into a hopper or feed chute where it enters the furnace and is combusted using excess air to generate heat and reduce the volume of waste. 'The WTE Incineration Facility was the highest ranked technology as it offers significant environmental benefits, including a 77 per cent landfill diversion rate and energy recovery, which aligns with the City's strategic priorities,' staff said. 'However, the implementation of a WTE Incineration Facility presents substantial capital costs, a complex regulatory approval process and divided public support. While WTE has the potential for long-term cost stabilization through energy revenue, its financial viability remains contingent on securing funding and identifying an appropriate delivery model to outline how the project will be planned, organized and implemented.' There are five mass burn incineration waste-to-energy facilities operating in Canada, including one in Durham-York Region and one in Brampton. Score: Highest score for environmental requirements. Option 5 – Build a new landfill Cost: Approximately $439 million to $761 million for capital expenditures and $16.5 million a year in operating and maintenance costs. Ontario's requirement for a renewable natural gas collection and conditioning system added between $45 million and $60 million in capital costs. Under this plan, the city would build a 'new greenfield landfill within the region' for all non-recyclable residuals after the Trail Road landfill reaches capacity. 'Landfilling remains the most widely used waste disposal method globally and will continue to play a role in the city's waste management strategy, regardless of whether waste-to-energy or mixed waste processing technologies are implemented, as both generate residual waste requiring disposal,' the report says. 'A new landfill presents high regulatory, social, environmental, and economic/financial risks, particularly due to hydrogeological uncertainty, land acquisition requirements, and leachate management challenges. Landfills also have strong potential for public opposition, and, while landfill technology is well established, securing approvals, managing long-term liabilities, and mitigating social resistance make this a highly challenging option for the City.' Score: Lowest score for social requirements. Two other options Staff explored two other options for Ottawa's waste but recommended no longer studying the options. Option 3 – Mixed Waste Processing Facility Cost: $97 million to $168 million for initial capital expenditures and an average of $70 million a year in operating and maintenance costs. Sales from the recovered commodities are estimated to be $4.4 million a year. The city builds a mixed waste processing (MWP) facility to process all non-diverted waste, recover additional recyclables and dispose of the remaining process residuals at a private third-party waste management facility. Staff say a new mixed waste processing facility would divert approximately eight per cent of remaining materials, resulting in a larger option of non-diverted waste requiring a landfill. 'While MWP offers the lowest social risk, it presents significant financial, operational, and market risks due to its reliance on third-party landfills, fluctuating tipping fees, and unstable commodity markets for recovered materials,' the report says. 'The high capital and operational costs coupled with potential maintenance and performance challenges make long-term viability a concern. Successful implementation would require careful site selection, odour mitigation strategies, and securing long-term disposal agreements to mitigate cost risks.' Option 4 – Mixed Waste Processing Facility and a Waste to Energy Facility Cost: Construction costs between $556 million and $965 million a year, plus an average of $72.8 million for operating and maintenance costs a year. Annual revenues would be $21 million a year. Under this option, the city builds a mixed waste processing facility to recover additional recyclables and builds a waste-to-energy facility to process and recover energy from the remaining waste. Staff say the combination of a mixed waste processing facility and a waste-to-energy facility would result in a 79 per cent diversion rate from the landfill, but that's only two per cent higher than just building a waste-to-energy facility for Ottawa's garbage.
