Shrewsbury incinerator accepting its first waste after tests
Shropshire's controversial £60 million incinerator has been fired up for a series of tests and has now accepted its first delivery of waste for burning.
The incinerator at Battlefield Enterprise Park in Shrewsbury uses household rubbish to produce electricity.
Catherine Slater, of waste company Veolia, said the incinerator was going through a series of trials prior to its official opening in the autumn. When complete, the incinerator will be capable of processing more than 90,000 tons of household waste each year, and producing enough electricity to power 10,000 homes.
In 2007, Veolia won the 27-year, £850 million contract from the Shropshire Waste Partnership, which is now part of Shropshire Council.
There has been fierce opposition to the plant, with concerns ranging from its size and appearance to possible health issues from the gas released by burning waste.
However, the company has said there is no risk to public health.
Shropshire Council initially refused planning permission for the site, but Veolia successfully appealed.
