The figures obtained from BDS Marketing Research also showed that during the past year, 27 sites have closed, although this has been mitigated by 12 sites opening or re-opening.

Landfill closures have been the result of a number of factors. Some sites have completed their void and planning has not been allowed for an extension or the site has come to the end of its natural life.

The recession has also hit waste volumes with some sites being mothballed. The development of alternative waste treatment options is also diverting waste streams away from landfill.

The BDS study also looked at market share and estimated that the largest national landfill company continues to be WRG, thought to be the largest operator in an area extending from the south east to the north west.

Biffa is the second largest, followed by Viridor. Together, these three companies represent over 40% of the landfill market. Veolia, SITA and Cory are also major players in this industry – BDS estimates that the top six landfill companies represent nearly 70% of the market.

Maxine Perella

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