Another 30 landfill sites closed in last year

BDS publish latest annual report on waste volumes deposited at landfill sites in Great Britain

BDS Marketing Research Ltd have identified 130 landfill sites that have closed since 2008. Over the last year alone, the consultancy has identified 30 sites that have shut, although this has been partly mitigated by eight sites that have opened or reopened.

According to BDS, the recession has seen a further drop in waste to landfill as local authorities grapple with the latest increase in landfill tax. Some landfill sites have completed their void and planning has not been allowed for an extension or the site has come to the end of its natural life. The development of alternative waste-treatment options is also diverting waste streams away from landfill.

These trends and conclusions are part of the annual report published by BDS which estimates the volumes of waste accepted at individual landfill sites in the country. For each landfill site and company, BDS estimate the amount of waste each landfill site has taken, with the information broken down by inert, municipal and other wastes.

BDS estimate that the largest national landfill company continues to be FCC. They are thought to be the largest operator in an area extending from the South East to the North West. Biffa are the second largest landfill operator, followed by Viridor, Veolia and SITA. Together, BDS estimates that these five companies represent more than 60% of the landfill market.

There are, however, some marked regional differences. In most parts of England, the leading six landfill companies represent more than 80% of the market, while in northern England, Wales and Scotland, the largest landfill companies have a much smaller share of the market. In these areas, the shares of the leading companies represent around 70% or less of the total landfill market.

For further details of the report entitled: ‘Estimates waste volumes deposited at landfill sites in Great Britain’, contacting BDS Marketing.