Longue Hougue. Any new waste treatment facility is destined to be built here.

THE solution for the island’s waste problem should be known early next year.

It is an issue that has gone unresolved for a decade but deputies yesterday approved Public Services’ waste report, which shortlists seven companies offering a range of solutions – including incineration. The original eight were reduced when two of the firms decided they would work together.

The department will now issue tender documents and minister Bernard Flouquet said it would come back with its preferred bidder by January or February.

Over two days, the report survived some opposition – an attempt to delay it failed by just one vote on Wednesday and an amendment yesterday for three solutions to be brought back for the States to decide upon was lost by just two – but there remains strong opposition to mass-burn incineration.

Members will now attend seminars organised by the department as it moves the tender process on.