§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the maximum potential for anaerobic digestion systems to remove waste from the waste stream; and what assessment she has made of the environmental impact of such systems. [85838]
§ Mr. MeacherWhen reviewing the waste strategy the Strategy Unit commissioned a study of new and emerging technologies, which includes anaerobic digestion. This contains details on the environmental impacts of the processes under study. Anaerobic digestion can potentially treat a wide range of biodegradable wastes. However in practical terms its application will depend on its cost and performance compared with the other available treatment options. The report is entitled "Delivering the Landfill Directive: The role of new and emerging technologies" and is available as an annexe to the full report "Waste not, Want not" on the Strategy Unit website: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/innovation/index.htm.