CAMPAIGNERS resisting plans to build a waste to energy burner in Keighley have welcomed a national report warning of the environmental effects of burning rubbish.

The 56-page report was released by United Kingdom Without Incineration Network (UKWIN) and examines the climate change impact of waste incineration in the UK.

Aire Valley Against Incineration (AVAI), which is fighting the development of a Keighley waste to energy burner next to the Aire Valley Bypass, says the document supports its arguments.

AVAI spokesman Simon Shimbles, said: “We welcome this timely report from UKWIN. It shows incineration isn’t a green technology. We’ve always maintained burning large quantities of plastic, and producing tonnes of CO2 is wrong.

“Following on from the recent IPCC report on climate change, it’s vital we reduce our carbon footprint. We should be reducing, reusing and recycling our waste, not burning it.”

UKWIN’s report states that in 2017 the UK’s 42 incinerators released nearly 11 million tonnes of CO2. It says around five million tonnes of this was emitted through burning fossil-based materials such as plastic.

Josh Dowen, UKWIN associate co-ordinator, said: “The climate change impacts of incineration are worse than landfill. Most of what’s incinerated could and should be recycled or composted.

“It’s time to stop thinking of waste as potential incinerator feedstock and time to recognise the urgent need to reduce, re-use and recycle.”