A new recycling plant capable of supplying the power needs of the equivalent of 50,000 homes has opened on the outskirts of London Heathrow Airport.

The new Lakeside EfW facility, a joint venture between UK recycling companies Grundon Waste Management and Vridor, has the potential to convert 410,000 tonnes of waste into heating and energy per year and is looking to supply local needs, including those of Heathrow's Terminal 5.

"We did have some initial discussions with the airport prior to opening, now we are fully operational it is something I am going to pursue. I am keen to see what potential there is to supply the needs of the local community," Danny Coulston, general manager of Lakeside EfW.

BAA has set itself an objective of reducing C02 emissions from energy use by 30% by 2020 compared with 1990 levels.

By Oliver Clark