Decline in landfill sites continues

MORE than 30 landfill sites have closed in the past year. This is on top of nearly 50 sites that closed in the previous 18 months. This is the headline conclusion an annual report published by BDS Marketing Research Ltd, which estimates the volumes of waste accepted at individual landfill sites across the country.

According to BDS, the closures are due to a combination of factors: the landfill tax has increased while some sites have completed their void; the recession has hit waste volumes with several sites being mothballed; and the development of alternative waste-treatment options is diverting waste streams away from landfill.

BDS estimate that the largest national landfill company continues to be WRG. They are thought to be the largest operators in an area extending from the South East to the North West.

Biffa are the second largest landfill company, followed by Viridor. Together, the three leading companies represent an estimated 45% of the landfill market.

Veolia, SITA and Cory are also major players in the industry, and BDS estimate that the top six landfill companies represent 70% of the market.

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