JOBS could be at risk at a Hillhouse recycling plant if plans to transport thousands of tonnes of green waste to the North East are approved.

Recycling and waste management firm Sita UK is conducting a feasibility study – which could see 45 jobs lost if recyclable waste is transferred by lorry to Teesside.

The Hillhouse plant handles an average of 2,248 tonnes of recyclable rubbish every month.

John Grainger, General Manager at Sita UK, said: “Like any large organisation in the current economic climate it is essential that we review our operations and practices to ensure we are always operating efficiently and managing costs for our clients and the residents they serve.

“We are therefore undertaking a feasibility study to determine how this can best be achieved without affecting the level of service we provide to homes and businesses in Kirklees.

“We are currently consulting with staff and the outcomes of the feasibility study will be communicated next month.”

The Examiner understands three options are currently being considered all of which would result in Kirklees’ waste being transported to a 10-month-old energy-waste facility in Wilton, near Middlesbrough, in Teesside.