Barnet Council faces 'bankruptcy or rebuild' on Edmonton incinerator

Councillors from Barnet are part of the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) that has indicated support for the controversial £1.5 billion reconstruction of the Edmonton Eco Park incinerator. The authority, responsible for waste disposal for approximately two million residents across seven boroughs including Barnet, stated that the only viable choices are to rebuild the facility or face financial bankruptcy.

This decision marks a reversal for the Green Party, which now controls the NLWA board. Previously, ahead of local elections in May, Green representatives across north London had pledged to explore "every option to cancel" the project. However, upon taking leadership of the NLWA, the party stated they had inherited a "poisoned chalice" and found "no better options" available.

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Barnet councillors back Edmonton incinerator project

North London Waste Authority board members state continuation is the only viable option.

Financial realities and project delays

In a statement from the seven controlling board members, supported by Waltham Forest councillors Em Dean and Daisy Richardson, the Greens acknowledged an "instinctive opposition" to burning waste but stated they would "not shy away from reality." They attributed the current situation to "political mismanagement by the previous Labour-controlled board." The authority also reported renegotiating the contract with the appointed contractor, Acciona, to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers and has introduced new oversight measures to prevent past issues.

The construction of the new incinerator has encountered significant delays. Originally planned to be operational by 2027, the project has been impacted by factors including Brexit, the war in Ukraine, and increased interest rates. The scheme was approved in 2017, with construction commencing in 2022. The existing incinerator, operational since 1971, is scheduled to remain in use until 2030.

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Resident opposition and environmental concerns

The project has faced strong opposition from resident groups, notably Stop the Edmonton Incinerator Now (STEIN). These groups have voiced concerns about potential increases in waste volumes and the release of harmful particles into the air. The NLWA has stated the new energy-from-waste plant will employ advanced processes, including selective catalytic reduction and a combined dry/wet scrubber, to manage emissions and convert nitrogen oxide into water and nitrogen.

Councillor Jacob Cable, a senior Hackney councillor and NLWA chief, previously described scrapping the project as "devastating both financially for the seven constituent boroughs." He also stated that not completing the facility would be "detrimental" to North Londoners, denying them a "safe, clean and low-carbon solution for managing their waste."

What happens next

The NLWA board, which includes representatives from Barnet Council, is expected to formally endorse the rebuild of the Edmonton Eco Park incinerator. The authority has also called for national government support to help implement broader waste reduction strategies across the boroughs.