Leaders must note recycling advances

SIR, – I refer to the article (Press and Journal, August 16) regarding the Longman landfill area in Inverness. I would also refer you to a letter I wrote, published on March 8 2000. I cited a tender notice extracted from the official journal of the EU, under Waste Management 6598 Information (whatever all that meant!)

The gist was the tendering of a £5 million waste management services in Inverness, much as yesterday’s article. In the 18 years since this “tender” was published, how much has been spent on the ludicrous transportation of waste to the east by road?

Eighteen years ago, recycling techniques were primitive compared with the modern operations. Today, waste reduction by selective separation of materials is very sophisticated and improving constantly. Also, in relation to incineration, flue gas scrubbing and cleaning has also improved.

Our civic leaders must take waste handling seriously. The reduction in the cost of handling and disposing is their responsibility. They must be bold and forward-looking to benefit this and future generations. Our society will always produce waste, despite the plastic bag saga!

Go forth and incinerate! Alan McChleary, Provost Ferguson Drive, Tain