The Green Party is campaigning against the Costessey incinerator and any other plans for the burning of Norfolk's waste. The Green Party is totally opposed to incineration for a variety of reasons, including concerns about the effect on human health and the environment and the way that incinerators create a demand for waste.
The Green Party believes in the 'zero waste' philosophy, which involves reducing the amount of waste produced, re-using, repairing and recycling materials and environmentally-friendly treatment of residual waste to recover usable materials and compost organic matter. The most effective way to reduce the amount of waste produced is through government taxes on packaging and tax incentives to encourage re-use schemes and businesses that repair and recycle. However, local councils can and must play their part in working towards zero waste, most notably by ensuring there are comprehensive recycling facilities. The Green Councillors have successfully pushed for some improvements to Norwich's recycling facilities but they believe there is still a long way to go.
For more information, see the news items below or visit the website of campaign group NAIL2 (Norfolk Against Incineration and Landfill)
Norfolk County Council is consulting residents over possible sites for new waste treatment plants in Norfolk. 64 possible sites across the county have been put forward by landowners and waste companies. One of the sites is WRG resurrecting its bid to build a waste incinerator at Longwater next to Costessey.
Ruth Makoff, Green Party City Council Candidate for Wensum ward, which borders Costessey, said: "Some of the waste treatment proposals in the document are positive measures such recycling and composting plants. However, I was extremely disappointed to see possibility of an incinerator at Costessey in the consultation. Concerns about the effect of incinerators on health and the environment are as strong as ever. If an incinerator were to be built at Longwater the westerly winds would blow emissions towards Costessey and the rest of the city.
"The Green Party will be responding to urge the County Council to rule out incineration anywhere in Norfolk and instead promote improved recycling facilities, re-use and repair schemes and clean residual waste treatments that do not involve burning."
To respond to the consultation please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf or phone the County Council on 0844 800 8020 to ask for a consultation form.
17/02/07 - Good news on incinerator plans
02/09/06 - Mixed news on incinerator
07/03/06 - Incinerator latest
01/02/06 - LibDems and Labour fail to back Green call to stand firm against incineration
30/01/06 - Greens seek Council support for 'recycling not incineration'
18/01/06 - Greens reject government call for more incineration
12/12/05 - Greens challenge incinerator plans
01/12/05 - Greens deplore Costessey incineration plant plans