The Tynes Bay Waste To Energy Facility, under The Ministry of Public Works, would like to remind all customers that the inclusion of metal waste in loads of burnable waste being delivered to the facility is prohibited. Metal items can cause substantial damage to the facility, necessitating shut-downs which result in a build-up of burnable waste and the inability to produce electricity.
A facility spokesperson said, "It's understandable that small metal items can mistakenly become commingled with burnables when hauling a large load of waste. However, just recently, a boat engine was included in a load with burnable items. Had this item been overlooked at the facility, costly damage and a lengthy shut-down period would have resulted."
The Tynes Bay Waste To Energy Facility operates under a licensing agreement with the Ministry of the Environment and the Environmental Authority, an independent regulatory body, to ensure burnables are converted into energy within set environmental guidelines and standards. Enough energy is produced at Tynes Bay to make the facility self-powering, to operate the Rocon water desalinization plant, and for inclusion in the grid. On average, the facility converts 60,000 tonnes of waste to approximately 42,000 megawatt-hours per year.
All waste facilities in Bermuda operate under specific licenses that regulate the types of waste items accepted and staff training at these facilities is specific to these items. Licenses are renewed annually and are in place to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Truckers and members of the public who try to circumvent these regulations put Ministry staff, Bermuda's environment and public health at risk.
To learn more about the Tynes Bay facility visit www.gov.bm/garbage-and-recycling or call 296-0673.