Anti-incinerator campaigners in East Yorkshire are calling for a major re-think over the disposal of household waste in the region.

They say councillors in Hull and the East Riding should reconsider their approach to dealing with the issue.

The two councils have published a new joint waste development document, which is available for consultation.

It outlines various long-term options for coping with household and commercial waste.

The two authorities are committed to building a waste-burning incinerator at Saltend capable of handling 240,000 tons of rubbish every year.

It remains the central feature of a 25-year contract between the two councils and waste management firm WRG.

However, the Environment Agency recently revoked an operating permit for the facility following the threat of legal challenge by the Hull and Holderness Opposing the Incinerator (HOTI) group.

With the future of the incinerator scheme still unclear, HOTI spokesman John Dennis said the consultation process over the joint waste plan was an opportunity for a major re-think.

He said: “HOTI is now urging the Hull and East Riding councils to reconsider the incinerator issue in the light of the availability of newer, more environmentally-friendly methods of waste management and the rapid reduction of the amount of rubbish being produced.

“Residents in both areas are accepting the need for a responsible approach to refuse disposal. The 45 per cent-plus recycling target appears now well within reach and is likely to be bettered before the incinerator could be built.”