Authorities face £2m landfill fines

Local authorities could face up to £2 million in fines if landfill targets are not met, according to the Audit Commission.

European Union targets, and their attendant fines, come into force in 2013 and delays to big projects, such as the Costessey mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plant could push the UK 13 per cent over targets, the commission claimed.

Michael O’Higgins, the commission chairman, said: "We must keep up the pressure to reduce, reuse and recycle but if we are to avoid being heavily fined for failing to meet the 2013 target, then we must also push ahead with the treatment plants that are in the pipeline."

Norfolk council claims it will exceed its targets, and Joel Hull, residual waste treatment contracts project manager at the city council, told the Norwich Evening News he was very confident Costessey’s MBT would be functioning in 2011.

He said: "We have planning permission and permits from the Environment Agency and we are expecting the MBT plant to be operational by 2011."

The Landfill directive allows for authorities to trade landfill allowances so authorities which exceed targets could sell their remaining capacity to councils which are behind schedule.