�45 million plant will deal with fifth of Devon’s residual and household waste from East Devon and Exeter

A DEAL has been reached to divert 60,000 tonnes of work from landfill to a new energy from waste plant at Exeter, writes Rebecca Thorne.

Devon County Council and Virador waste management say the new plant will deal with around a fifth of Devon’s residual waste and household waste from East Devon and Exeter.

The plant, on the site of the former Exeter incinerator, is due to come on stream in 2014.

It is likely to cost �45million to build and will provide employment for local people.

This is a significant step by Devon to operate within the landfill allowance targets set by Government, while also recovering value from society’s waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions from this tightly-controlled process are low. Those interested can view the plant’s performance in relation to the standards set by Europe via the Internet, making it the first facility in the county to come online.

Councillor Roger Croad, DCC cabinet member for environment and community said: “I am delighted we are going ahead with this facility. It is robust, safe and clean technology which should give many years of reliable service.”

The achievement of the Exeter Energy from waste plant is the second step Devon has taken to deal with the residual waste that would otherwise go to landfill. The first was working in partnership with Torbay and Plymouth City councils on the South West Devon Area disposal contract.

Devon has achieved one of the highest recycling and compost rates in the country at 55 percent.