Health Concerns Raised by South London Residents
Some residents of south London have expressed concerns about their health following the Environment Agency's (EA) approval to increase the amount of waste burned annually at a local incinerator.
Jim, a Sutton resident for nearly 20 years and living approximately 15 minutes from the Beddington incinerator, reported a decline in his quality of life since the plant began operations.
"When the wind has dropped, you can smell a kind of toxic chemical smell, and it's like a taste that you can almost feel on the back of your throat," he said.
Sutton Council has urged the government to address the community's significant concerns. However, the EA stated it has imposed "stringent conditions" on waste sites and that emissions from the plant are "monitored around the clock."
Jim told the BBC that conditions have worsened since the incinerator started.
"Certainly since the incinerator started up, things have got considerably worse."
He also described observing large amounts of dust, which he noted was a new occurrence in the area.
"Obviously dust is fine particles. Most of it is in the air, but some of it will land on your windowsill," he said.
Jim's concerns intensified after the EA granted permission for the site to process approximately 10% more waste annually, equating to around 35,000 tonnes, raising the annual limit to 382,286 tonnes.
"I do worry about it a lot," he said. "I'm furious that they've brought about this new increase. That's 10% more rubbish that we'll be breathing in."
Local Government Response
Sutton Council expressed its disapproval of the increase and called on both the EA and government to respond to the community's concerns and clarify the decision. The council highlighted that a school is located roughly 700 meters from the incinerator's chimneys.
Christopher Woolmer, chair of the council's environment committee, conveyed his "deep disappointment" with the decision, which the council had consistently opposed.
He noted that the council formally objected last year, citing the site's insufficient capacity to handle the proposed volume and raising issues about Viridor's repeated permit breaches, which had resulted in a downgraded compliance rating.
"We stand with our local residents who share our serious concerns," Woolmer said. "While we recognise that energy from waste facilities has a role in managing waste, it is imperative the highest standards are maintained."
Conversely, independent councillor Nick Matty criticized the council's stance.
"For a council that describes itself as a smarter, greener, fairer borough, it's just absurd that we've got something that generates so much CO2," he said. He added that he would continue to raise his constituents' concerns.
Operator and Regulator Statements
Viridor, the company operating the site, stated that the EA independently reviewed the application after the facility demonstrated it could process additional waste while continuing to comply with strict environmental permit requirements.
Between 2022 and 2024, the plant exceeded its emission limits 916 times. Viridor attributed these breaches to a third-party contractor, describing them as minor, not posing a risk to human health, and asserted that safeguards are now in place to prevent recurrence.
The EA confirmed it was satisfied that the variation met environmental standards and provided a high level of protection for human health and the environment.
The updated permit also permits the site to temporarily store and move certain hazardous and clinical waste, although these materials will not be incinerated on-site.
Matt Higginson, an environment manager at the agency, emphasized the stringent conditions imposed on waste sites.
"Emissions from the plant are monitored around the clock, and the data is rigorously assessed to identify if any breaches to the permit occur," he said. "The agency has powers to suspend or revoke permits, issue enforcement notices or pursue prosecution in serious cases."
Next Steps
Sutton Council stated it is considering possible actions to ensure all necessary safeguards are implemented.
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