Over 100 landfill sites have closed in the recession

BDS Marketing Research Ltd has identified over 100 landfill sites have closed since 2008. Over the last 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.

These conclusions are part of the annual report published by BDS Marketing Research Ltd which estimates the volumes of waste accepted at individual landfill sites in the country. For each landfill site and company, BDS estimates the amount of waste each landfill site has taken, with the information broken down by inert, municipal and other wastes. Company market shares on a county, region and nationally are then calculated.

BDS estimates that the largest national landfill company continues to be WRG. It is thought to be the largest operator in an area extending from the south east to the north west.

Biffa is the second largest landfill company, 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.

The report lists all known open gate landfill sites operated by waste management companies. The estimated input of each site is included. It is a valuable reference document for waste management companies and others to analyse market shares on a local, regional and national basis. The report also lists sites that have closed, mothballed or opened and identifies significant planning activity over the past year.

This annual report has been published at the same time as a survey that estimates waste inputs to alternative waste processing sites. These are EfW, in-vessel composting, MBT and MRF facilities.