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.

One Sita worker, who does not wish to be named: “We have been told there are three options. One is to close the recycling operation which would result in the loss of some 45 jobs.

“Alternatively they could decide to reduce shift capacity and move one shift to Teesside.

“The third option is to reduce shift lengths to eight hours instead of 12.

“These are local jobs, most of us live in the Ashbrow ward.”

Council Leader Mehboob Khan told the Examiner: “The council signed a contract with Sita UK in 1998 to dispose of household waste.

“We are now deeply concerned to hear that Sita is considering moving the recyclable waste from Emerald Street at Hillhouse to Teesside.

“Our concerns are twofold. Firstly there is the huge carbon footprint and secondly there is the threat of loss of local jobs.”

Clr Khan said he hopes the sway of local residents and the council could prevent the change.

He added: “When residents find out they will think ‘why am I working really hard to recycle when the carbon foot print of transferring waste to Teesside would be higher than not recycling?’”

The issue of transferring waste was due to be discussed at Kirklees Council’s Cabinet meeting last night.

Meanwhile Sita UK are due to determine the outcome of the feasibility study by February 2.