Guernsey's original incinerator plans could be scaled down

Mike Torode spoke out the day before the States considers alternative methods of disposal.

An �80m incineration plant has been proposed on Long Hougue, but other options include more recycling and shipping waste to Jersey.

Bur Mr Torode says time is running out as Guernsey runs out of landfill space and incineration is the best option.

�8m 'wasted'

Mr Torode said: "There's a strong public acceptance that we need to recycle more and I support that.

"But there is widespread acceptance that there will be residual waste and there is no alternative to an incinerator."

He said that recycling could reduce the amount of waste, so an incinerator could be half the size originally planned.

And he rejected calls to move waste off the island to Jersey where a joint incineration plant is being considered.

Mr Torode said: "It would cost �8m for a transfer station.

"If we come up with a smaller and cheaper incineration plant, why waste �8m on at transfer station we cannot use?

"I don't think we shall get that permission and if we did it would be short term.

"European rules will ban the acceptance of other people's waste, especially when we have a way of disposing of our own waste."

Deputy Charles Parkinson is concerned the Environment Department's review of alternatives to an incinerator does not go far enough.

He is putting forward an amendment to ensure all options are followed up before a final decision on waste disposal is made.

He said: "There have been a number of proposals which seem at first sight very much cheaper than the incinerator.

"It would be nice for the Environment Department to follow them up to see if they are viable."