Mike Averill of Shanks, who stepped down as chairman of the ESA last week, said in his outgoing speech that: “There has been contact between the EWA (Energy from Waste Association) and ESA about joining forces. I welcome these discussions and believe there should be a merger of some kind between the Associations. This will result in a stronger trade association which will be able to represent the industry as a whole and be a more powerful voice with Government. Negotiations are taking place and I wish them a successful and speedy conclusion.”
Andrew Banfield, acting director of the EWA confirmed that his association was talking to the ESA.
“Talks are taking place openly and no conclusions have been reached. It is premature to talk about the detail.”
While cost savings could be achieved for some of the waste companies who are big supporters of the EWA, a key reason for the merger talks is thought to be that supporters of energy from waste are increasingly arguing that it should be carried out alongside recycling and other waste recovery options such as composting.
Arguing for construction of an energy from waste plant might be better made from within the ESA rather than by the traditional EWA.
Sarah Oppenheimer, waste campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said that from the lobbying point of view in private waste management companies offered express understanding for recycling and other forms of sustainable development. “But, we still find that the industry is combative over energy from waste plants. Yes we understand their needs as a business but we think there is a need to look at how they can lobby government to effect the right framework for sustainable development.”
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