Is Shanks going to build new incinerators in east London?
No. The solution proposed by Shanks for east London relies on recycling, composting and waste processing. No upper limits are being put on recycling, so there is no danger of energy from waste crowding out recycling efforts. After separation of recyclable materials, waste will be processed in a bio-drying facility. This dries the waste, greatly reducing its weight (by 25-30%). The process also has the effect of stabilising the waste and reducing its biological activity to a very low level. The dried residue is screened further to separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals, glass, aggregates and a compostable fraction – these contribute to materials recycling targets. The residue left by this process (about 45% of the received waste) can then be used as fuel and Shanks will enter into contracts with customers for the fuel in existing industrial facilities and power stations.
