Forum Topic

Another blaze at recycling plant

The recycling plant in Transport Avenue is on fire - yet again. What's going on with this place? Residents advised to keep windows closed. LFB called to the scene just after 10pm on Friday. About 50 tonnes of refuse alight. Cause not known.

Ian Francis ● 2740d3 Comments

In normal circumstances none of LBH's waste goes to landfill but is sent by train to West London Waste Authority's incinerator near Bristol. The only exceptions are special items like asbestos and (I presume) stuff that has already incinerated itself.Nobody is happy about fires at Transport Avenue but fires at waste facilities are common - I'm told there is one every week in the UK. It's nevertheless a worry that transport Avenue seems to have more than its fair share.I am visiting the site on Monday (not related specifically to the fire) and may find out some more.

Guy Lambert ● 2732d

My somewhat sketchy understanding is that to incinerate "cleanly" the temperaturte must be very high, which makes incineration expensive. Of course, incineration is never really clean, but it can be much dirtier at lower temperatures.

Christopher Gillie ● 2732d

I'm surprised that the recyclate then goes to landfill rather than incineration.

Philippa Bond ● 2733d