Montgomeryshire Assembly Member and Shadow Minister for the Environment, Russell George, said he was ‘disappointed’ by the decision made by Powys local authority to move food waste collection services away from Newtown to Oxfordshire.
Powys and Ceredigion County Councils, who work together as the Central Wales Waste Partnership, have recently announced that they intend to end their current waste food collection contract with Cwm Harry Resource Collection in Newtown and award a new contract to Agrivert Ltd – based in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire – for the long term treatment of the region’s food waste.
One of the principle reasons that the two authorities cite for the change is that instead of food waste being composted, it will now be treated by a process called Anaerobic Digestion, which will divert waste from landfill and convert it into renewable electricity.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“I am of course disappointed by the move taken by Powys to move waste food collection away from Cwm Harry in Newtown.
“I would be interested to know if they have undertaken an ecological impact study of moving waste 125 miles across the border, compared with how much potential energy this waste could generate.
“I believe the Welsh Government also has to shoulder some of the blame for this decision, for not making anaerobic digestion a strategic policy priority and for not investing in the technology as a potential source of renewable energy.
“Instead of its fixation on building hundreds of wind turbines across the Mid Wales, it should be working more constructively with local authorities and Welsh business to help develop new technology, share environmental best practice and promote efficient recycling methods to help deliver a more sustainable environment.”
Newtown Councillor, Frank Torrens, also blasted the Council’s decision. He said:
“Powys does have a duty to manage its waste efficiently and sustainably but it also should be doing everything it can to support and protect local jobs.
“I will now be raising this disappointing news with the Lib-Dem Cabinet Member responsible, Ken Harris.”
