Eunomia Research & Consulting was engaged by Atlantic Energy on behalf of the Cornwall Waste Forum (CWF) to examine a number of questions regarding the approach to waste treatment in Cornwall. The aim of this independent study was to consider whether there may be a practicable and more affordable alternative to Cornwall Council’s current waste management arrangements, delivered through a 30 year integrated waste contract that the council signed with SITA in 2006.

The aim was not for the study to consider whether the decisions taken in the past were right or wrong; but to look at what decisions, if any, could be taken in the future to give Cornwall better financial and environmental outcomes for its waste services.

Cornwall Council, in common with other local authorities, faces severe constraints on its budget and must look closely at the value for money it achieves in all of the services it delivers. Reviewing the contract with SITA could present a significant opportunity for the council to identify savings. Changing its approach to waste has the potential to deliver major savings without a reduction in the services delivered to local residents. Indeed, it would open up possibilities such as separate food waste collection and improved recycling rates. There is a strong case for a thorough review of the SITA contract, which could help relieve budgetary pressure on other areas of council services.

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