Laura Sharman 03 August 2020

Waste incinerators more likely to be built in deprived areas, research uncovers

Waste incinerators are three times more likely to be built in poorer areas than in the UK’s richest areas, an investigation has revealed.

Unearthed found waste incinerators are being disproportionately built in low-income areas and neighbourhoods with high populations of people of colour.

The research discovered nearly half of new incinerators are on track to be built in the UK’s top 25% most deprived neighbourhoods, with more than two thirds planned for the northern half of the country.

More than 40% of all existing incinerators are sited in areas more diverse than their local authority average.

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told Unearthed: ‘Local councils are responsible for planning how waste is managed in their areas, including determining planning applications for new energy–from–waste plants.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner