The NESS facility, located in Altens, south Aberdeen, handles over 100,000 tonnes of residual waste annually from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray. But just 18 months after operations began, escalating technical problems have left the Belgian waste management firm reconsidering its long-term involvement.
According to sector publication EWB, the site was handed over for operation last year with more than 1,800 outstanding defects – significantly above the industry norm of 350 for projects of this scale. A spokesperson for Indaver confirmed the firm is now “reviewing its future involvement” due to “ongoing operational issues”.
The temporary closure has triggered widespread disruption to collections, with local authorities seeking alternative disposal outlets amid mounting pressure from elected members.
‘Systemic weaknesses’
Aberdeen City councillor Deena Tissera, who has called for urgent clarification from senior council officers, said the situation points to “systemic weaknesses in the oversight and delivery” of the publicly funded scheme.
Posting on social media, she warned: “Indaver is considering pulling out of the NESS project due to serious build-quality concerns. There has been an unacceptable lack of communication and accountability.”
The facility, which forms part of a long-term solution to divert north-east Scotland’s waste from landfill, also provides heat and power to the local area. A spokesperson for Aberdeen city council said: “Due to an issue between EFW NESS and its operating sub-contractor, the facility is currently closed. Waste is being diverted to an alternative disposal facility.”
Residents have been advised to present their bins as normal.
This comes amidst news of the Scottish landfill ban set for 31 December 2025, covered last month by letsrecycle.com.
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