The Partnership's waste project will make a significant contribution to meeting the UK's landfill diversion target by helping to divert nearly 1/4 million tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) from landfill in 2020. The project is also expected to help improve waste reduction and recycling rates in line with national targets.
Waste Minister Joan Ruddock said:
"PFI projects like this one are essential to help England reduce its reliance on landfill and to help tackle climate change.
Dealing with our waste in a more sustainable way not only increases recycling and reduces harmful landfill emissions, but can also create significant market opportunities.
I am pleased to see these authorities working together to deliver this ambitious project."
The Partnership is comprised of three unitary metropolitan councils: Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Waste companies will be invited to put forward potential waste treatment solutions. The Partnership is open to considering all types of treatment technology or a mixture of solutions. The climate change impacts of the technology choice will be considered during the procurement process.
This project has the potential to reduce up to 77,910 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions with the reduction of BMW to landfill.
It is expected that the Partnership will issue a notice to prospective bidders in the Official Journal of European Union (OJEU) shortly.
