Parkwood Landfill Campaign

I’m writing to you on behalf of a group of local tenants, residents and businesses starting to feel and see the environmental impacts that landfill has on people, wildlife and industry.  Parkwood Springs Landfill Site is one of the largest landfill sites in Europe, situated near the heart of Sheffield, where large amounts of household and industrial wastes are deposited.  Local people complained so much about dust, odours, nuisance and health issues that a health survey was commissioned, though this is still not finished and many of the previously reported problems still keep reoccurring.

With all the aforementioned information we were astonished to learn, the Environment Agency granted a new permit allowing 650,000 tonnes of inert and active waste (incinerator ash and fine dust compounds, which can be treated toxic wastes) to be deposited per annum totalling 8,910,000 cubic metres.  This will produce a huge mountain of waste, which according to one spokesperson for Viridor the operators of Parkwood Springs Landfill Site will result in gas being released until 2046.  

Viridor have two planning applications 05/00956/FUL and 05/00959/FUL these are for a gas utilisation plant, leachate treatment plant (leachate is created when water runs through a landfill site) and expansion plans.  So far, we have collected over 2500 signatures, names and numerous objections and most are lodged with Mr V Faulkner at Howden House.

We know people want a reduction in landfill, so we must find alternatives for this to become reality and we are beginning a Green and Organic Waste Awareness Campaign.  30% of household waste is green and organic, so if every household recycles these types of waste in the many ways available that would mark a huge turnaround in attitudes and move a step closer towards making landfill and incineration redundant.

Many local authorities provide community-recycling points, though some go further by providing green bins or bags, for each household.  High quality compost can easily be made from green and organic waste, so people could start their own recycling scheme with the added benefits of lush gardens.  Compost bins can be purchased from most DIY stores and filled with: grass cuttings, leaves, cardboard, paper, fruit and vegetable peel, tea bags, rabbit and hamster droppings…  Maintenance is very low just requiring turning with a garden fork once a week and adding water if the heap appears dry.  There are a few items, which must not be added such as fish and meat, cooked foods, cat and dog droppings, exceptionally woody plants and oils.  The next time you have a cup of  tea or portion of vegetables please consider where the waste goes and encourage recycling. 

Best wishes and please email if you support our Green and Organic Waste Awareness Campaign.
Paul Antcliffe,

Parkwood Concerned Tenants, Residents and Businesses Group