Scotland's waste sector could face a crisis that might result in rubbish accumulating on streets, according to expert warnings. Industry representatives are scheduled to meet ministers to discuss these concerns, but they indicate there is no clear short-term solution.
The situation is attributed to a significant reduction in landfill space and the breakdown of Glasgow's primary incinerator. Landfill capacity has decreased, with only three sites now handling most of Scotland's residual waste, down from ten last year, and one of these is in administration.
Glasgow's main incinerator at Polmadie has been non-operational since April due to welding cracks found during routine inspections and is not expected to restart until March next year. Much of the city's household waste is being diverted to the Mount Vernon landfill site, which its operator estimates will be full by the end of 2026. An appeal to extend this site was refused by the Scottish government.
David Balmer, a landfill manager with Mount Vernon's operator Patersons, suggested that Scotland could quickly run out of landfill space and that waste could be left on streets. Alasdair Meldrum, a waste consultant, stated he has not witnessed such a looming crisis in nearly 40 years in the industry, noting that some commercial operators are already sending waste hundreds of miles to England.
The Scottish government stated it is collaborating with stakeholders to maintain resilience and identify contingency arrangements if needed. Glasgow City Council indicated that general waste is being disposed of at various alternative sites, including other energy-from-waste facilities, and that recycling services are unaffected.