[1] A suitable location to burn the waste from both the City of York and the county of North Yorkshire had been underway since the mid 2000s.

[11] The main plant is built at the bottom of part of the former quarry, which is why the chimney does not seem as tall as its 230-foot (70 m) height.

[15] Critics have pointed out the high cost of the scheme, whereas both York City and North Yorkshire County Councils have stated that the project will deliver £300 million worth of savings over the 25-year time period as incineration is cheaper than a landfill option.

The remaining waste is burnt in the incinerator, which is estimated to create over 218 GWh in a year; this is enough electricity to power between 40,000 and 60,000 homes.

[19] The site will export over 74,000 tonnes (82,000 tons) of ash per year, which will be sold on to construction projects.