FENLANDER: AmeyCespa treatment plant breakdown not preventing Fenland’s waste from being recycled

THE breakdown at AmeyCespa’s refuse treatment plant in Waterbeach will not prevent waste from Fenland residents’ brown and blue bins being recycled.

Operations were suspended at the plant at the end of last year when the 150-tonne mechanical wheel failed. But the suspension only affects the treatment of the normal waste from the green bins, prior to it going to landfill.

Compostable kitchen and garden waste from the brown bins is treated in separate facilities at the Waterbeach site and continues to be used to make soil conditioner.

Recyclable material from the blue bins continues to be sorted in Peterborough before being taken elsewhere to make new products.

AmeyCespa have said substantial repair work is required at the plant, meaning that it might not be back in full operation until 2014.

Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder responsible for the environment, said: “Clearly this is a very frustrating situation for the county council and AmeyCespa, but please continue to use your blue and brown bins, because by doing so you continue to make a difference to the environment, save money and save valuable resources all at the same time.”

Council Tax payers are protected from any extra costs incurred as a result of the breakdown. The additional tax associated with sending the normal waste to landfill is paid by AmeyCespa.

Investigations are continuing to determine the cause of the mechanical failure.