Waste disposal efficiency is to be increased by a third incinerator at Tynes Bay.

Plans were first unveiled for a third stream in a planning application two years ago.

At the time, Government said the stream was needed to meet a projected two percent increase in waste per annum, and to relieve pressure on the existing decade-old facility.

The 2009-10 Budget then pledged funding for the project's preliminary stages, under the Ministry of Works and Engineering's $33 million capital expenditure budget.

Minister of Finance Paula Cox said: "Refurbishment of (the) Tynes Bay Waste-to-Energy Facility incineration stream two combustion and pollution control systems is a priority as the facility maintains reliable waste disposal operations.

"In addition, the environmental impact study and public awareness campaign for the third incineration stream project will be undertaken, as will the commencement of construction for the new ash processing plant."

Tynes Bay currently disposes of up to 70,000 tonnes of garbage each year. However, the two inputs which carry trash into the furnace are subject to wear and tear.

Government says a third stream will take the pressure off and allow more flexibility for shutdowns for regular maintenance.

Works and Engineering Permanent Secretary Robert Horton said yesterday: "The Ministry is currently reviewing the 2010-2011 budget for the Tynes Bay third stream project and, once figures are finalised, will be in a position to advise with respect to which components of the project will be advanced to tender or construction in the 2010-2011 financial year."