Bedfordshire Energy and Recycling (BEaR) Project
The BEaR Project is working on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council, to provide a greener solution to treat locally produced household waste. Local councils need to find alternative ways to treat waste that is not recycled. Government and EU legislation require that by 2020, waste sent to landfill must be reduced to 35% of the amount landfilled in 1995.
The BEaR facts
- We must find more environmentally friendly ways to dispose of the waste that is not recycled. Landfill sites release methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change
- Rapidly increasing taxes, transport costs and possible fines are making landfill very expensive. These increasing costs must be avoided
- Waste can and should be used as a resource. Energy can be recovered in the form of electricity and possibly heat, which will help cut down our reliance on fossil fuels.
Current position
- Central Bedfordshire is in the process of securing an option to purchase a piece of land on the edge of Brogborough landfill, close to junction 13 (M1). The site will be offered to the waste industry for the development of a facility but interested bidders can suggest other locations.
- When the process to select a contract begins, all technology solutions will be considered.
- Whatever technology is chosen, waste reduction and recycling remain top priority for Central Bedfordshire, who will continue to improve recycling services and raise awareness about how to reduce waste.