All of Essex's general waste now being taken to Rivenhall incinerator plant
News October 30, 2025

All of Essex's general waste now being taken to Rivenhall incinerator plant

Instead of being taken to landfill, all of Essex’s general waste is taken to the Energy from Waste facility in Rivenhall.

**Essex Ditches Landfill, Powers Up with Rivenhall Incinerator**

In a significant shift towards sustainable waste management, all of Essex’s general household waste is now being processed at the Energy from Waste facility in Rivenhall, marking a complete departure from traditional landfill disposal. This move signifies a major step forward in the county’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and harnessing the energy potential locked within everyday rubbish.

For years, a considerable portion of Essex’s waste ended up buried in landfill sites, contributing to soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of valuable land resources. Now, instead of being consigned to these environmental drawbacks, the contents of Essex’s black bins are being transported to the state-of-the-art Rivenhall Integrated Waste Management Facility, operated by Indaver.

The Rivenhall incinerator plant employs advanced combustion technology to safely and efficiently burn non-recyclable waste. This process dramatically reduces the volume of waste requiring disposal and, crucially, generates electricity in the process. The energy produced is then fed back into the National Grid, providing a sustainable source of power for homes and businesses across the region.

The transition to the Rivenhall facility represents a substantial investment in Essex's waste infrastructure and demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling the growing waste challenge. By diverting waste from landfill, the county is not only minimizing environmental damage but also maximizing the resource recovery potential inherent in the waste stream.

Local officials have praised the move, highlighting the long-term benefits for the environment and the economy. They emphasize that this is a crucial step in creating a circular economy, where waste is viewed as a valuable resource rather than a problem to be buried. While recycling efforts remain paramount, the Rivenhall facility provides a vital solution for dealing with waste that cannot be recycled, preventing it from ending up in landfills.

The move to send all general waste to Rivenhall has been carefully planned and implemented to ensure a smooth transition. Residents are being reminded to continue sorting their waste responsibly, maximizing recycling rates and minimizing the amount of waste that ends up in their general waste bins. The success of this initiative relies on the continued cooperation of residents in reducing, reusing, and recycling their waste effectively.
Category: Business