Councils consider binning waste treatment centre

Two councils in Derbyshire could "decommission and dispose of" a waste treatment centre after failing to find an operator for the site.

The Sinfin Waste Treatment Centre in Derby has never been used after it failed initial testing in 2017, and talks earlier this year were unable to find anyone to take on management of the project.

Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, which jointly own the site, said a "comprehensive review" found getting rid of the rubbish incinerator would be "the best option to protect the interests of council taxpayers".

The councils' respective cabinets will meet on 23 September to consider the proposals.

The waste plant was supposed to divert 190,000 tonnes of rubbish per year away from landfill sites, heat-treating it to produce gas that would create enough electricity to power 14,000 homes.

It was mothballed in 2019, and in 2023 the councils reached a settlement with the administrators of the firm behind the project, which saw them agree to pay out £93.5m.

A review was launched in May following the failure this year to find anyone to take on a contract.

In a joint statement, county council leader Alan Graves and city council leader Nadine Peatfield said they both "inherited circumstances which were not of our making", and found abandoning the previous plans was the best solution for residents.

"This project has a long history spanning two decades and while our personal scepticism towards the project is long-standing and publicly known, since taking over the councils in 2024 and 2025 respectively, our focus has been on taking a measured and evidence-led approach," they said.

"The councils have considered every realistic option, and based on robust evidence, the recommendation reflects the need to minimise future risk and costs while continuing to secure reliable arrangements for treating Derby and Derbyshire's waste.

"Our focus has always been on making sure that the future use of public funds provides value for money for residents, and the review suggests further commitment to the project can no longer be justified on commercial, financial or risk grounds."

Both leaders said people in Derbyshire "will not see any disruption to waste disposal services", with alternative arrangements in place since 2019 able to cope with "all potential outcomes".

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