Rates could go up due to rise in gate fees at the incinerator

Increase will be passed on to local authorities

Ratepayers will likely see their bills increase next year due to a planned rise in gate fees at the Island's energy from waste plant.

An increase of just under 2% (1.92) will come into effect from April next year.

It will see the cost of disposing of household waste rise to £93.70 per tonne, and commercial waste at £186.55 per tonne.

As dealing with waste makes up a significant proportion of local authority expenditure, changes in gate fees will impact rate-setting for the year ahead. 

Increases are calculated via a formula agreed in a contract between the Department of Infrastructure and plant operator SUEZ. 

Part of the rise is to cover the annual costs of maintaining the facility, including staffing, maintenance and insurance.

But increases also take into account the amount of waste delivered, and any income from the sale of electricity.