Essex councils look to MBT to treat residual waste

A proposed mechanical and biological treatment (MBT) facility for Essex has moved a step closer after Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council selected Urbaser and Balfour Beatty as their preferred bidder for residual waste treatment.

The MBT plant will process kerbside-collected residual waste, trade waste collected by local Essex authorities, street sweepings, and all non-recyclable waste from household recycling centres across Essex and Southend.

The facility is to be built in Basildon and will treat up to 417,000 tonnes of municipal waste a year. Once completed, it will create 87 full-time jobs, as well as apprenticeship positions.

County Councillor Kevin Bentley, cabinet member for economic development & waste, said: “We are confident that the proposal from Urbaser and Balfour Beatty will enable Essex and Southend to achieve a sustainable waste management solution which is affordable and environmentally acceptable.”

Urbaser Balfour Beatty’s bid director Tom Meacock added: “Over the coming months we look forward to meeting, talking with and listening to local residents, businesses and community groups to ensure our facility is something the people of Essex will be proud of.”

Source: edie newsroom