HC Deb 18 November 2003 vol 413 cc721-2W
Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what reports she has received on the release of dioxins caused by the incineration of waste. [138821]

Mr. Morley

The Environment Agency collates information on releases of dioxins from waste incinerators and places it in its "Pollution Inventory" which is available through the environment pages of its web site, www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the original energy output is typically produced by the incineration of waste. [138822]

Mr. Morley

According to a draft version of "Energy From Waste—A Good Practice Guide" to be published by the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management later this month, a typical energy from waste plant generates electricity from waste with an efficiency of around 22–25 per cent. However if district heating/combined heat and power systems are incorporated into the design of plant energy generation, efficiencies of up to 85 per cent. are possible.