City’s waste to provide energy for 28,000 homes

A 12-year contract for Bradford’s waste treatment which will provide energy for up to 28,000 homes will be signed today by representatives of the council and Associated Waste Management as its waste treatment partner.

The company was chosen as the preferred bidder for the contract following an analysis and evaluation process. It will see Bradford’s 150,000 tonnes a year residual waste treated mainly at a newly commissioned waste treatment facility in south Leeds, which will produce additional recyclables as part of preparing the waste for export to off site thermal treatment to generate electricity.

A significant portion of thermal treatment capacity, currently being developed by energy company SSE at their Ferrybridge facility, has been reserved for this purpose.

Energy generated from Bradford’s residual waste will be fed in the power grid, which could be enough to power around 28,000 homes.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, of Bradford Council, said: “This solution will secure a method of treating the residual waste from Bradford for the next 12 years with an option for a further three years.

“The process will lead to an increase in recycling rates as well as a high level of diversion from landfill.”

Specialist energy and waste lawyers at Walker Morris  advised Associated Waste Management on all aspects of the procurement and dialogue process, including contract negotiations and employment advice.