Veolia slams union over “leaked email” recycling claims

Waste management firm Veolia has slammed allegations by union GMB that it has been incinerating materials meant for recycling.

The union claimed yesterday that it had seen a leaked email indicating that recyclable material from its Sheffield City Council contract was burned to create heating energy to fill council quotes.

GMB had said that that its actions were a “scandal”, particularly as GMB members at Veolia’s recycling plant receive a bonus payment if they meet their recycling targets.

Veolia has responded saying the claims are “false and entirely incorrect”.

Philip Gilmour, regional director, North for Veolia UK said: “I can confirm that the GMB statement regarding recyclable materials from Sheffield’s Household Waste Recycling Centres is false and entirely incorrect.

“Veolia has not instructed any of the Sheffield HWRC contractors to dispose of recyclable material. I have reviewed the ‘leaked’ email that the GMB reference too and there is no such instruction in that email either. I have asked the Union to clarify this as a matter of urgency.

“The HWRC service in Sheffield is geared towards high levels of recycling and there have always been recycling targets that the service providers are targeted to achieve.

“This year’s recycling rate from our HWRCs is already 2% above last year’s impressive achievement and we would like to thank residents for their continued efforts to support recycling in Sheffield.

“As always we welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with the GMB to clarify this matter with them.”

Sheffield City Council have been contacted for comment.