DECC welcomes plans to utilise landfill

The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has welcomed plans to utilise landfill material to produce fuel.

As part of the coalition's Anaerobic Digestion strategy published this week, the prospect of transforming waste into electricity was highlighted.

Energy and climate change minister Greg Barker insisted it was "madness" for the UK not to utilise the potential of rubbish to create more power and said he is firmly behind the government's plans.

"The Anaerobic Digestion strategy and action plan will help us unlock the potential to get more energy from waste to reduce emissions in the fight against climate change," he remarked.

As part of the strategy, the government aims to showcase the cost and environmental benefits of using landfill in this way to potential developers and local councils.

A recent statement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs noted that consultations will take place next year over possible restrictions being placed on dumping certain materials such as wood on to landfill sites.

Posted by Lauren Steadman