Aberdeen's incinerator shut and waste diverted to landfill amid row between operators

Aberdeen’s incinerator is closed because of a conflict between its operators, with waste being diverted to landfill.

Indaver, headquartered in the Netherlands, operates the Energy from Waste (EFW) NESS facility for the three local authorities that use it – Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray – but is reconsidering its involvement with the project.

A spokesperson for Indaver said: “Indaver can confirm that, due to ongoing issues the company is experiencing in relation to its operations at the Ness waste-to-energy facility in Aberdeen, Scotland, the company is reviewing its future involvement in the project.

“The company will not be providing further comment at this time.”

The site has been closed since mid-June, initially for routine maintenance and remains closed for processing new waste.

All non-recyclable waste is being sent to a landfill site in Peterhead.

A spokesperson from the Aberdeen City Council said: “Due to an issue between EFW Ness Ltd and its operating sub-contractor, the Ness Energy from Waste facility is currently closed.

“Waste is being diverted to an alternative disposal facility.

“Residents should continue to put their bins out as normal.”

The £150m facility can process 150,000 tonnes of waste a year from its three council areas.

It’s thought the facility could be one of the last incinerators built in Scotland after a temporary ban was placed on building and approving new sites by the Scottish Government in 2022.

It’s not yet clear when the site will reopen to process non-recyclable waste but it’s believed the councils can recoup the costs from sending their waste elsewhere.