The Cabinet agreed on Monday 14 March to continue its work with SITA Surrey to achieve the aim of eliminating the need for any waste to be dumped in landfill sites.

The plans include proposals for an Eco Park at Charlton Lane, Shepperton, but this is wholly dependent on approval of the proposal by the council's Planning and Regulatory Committee.

Dr Andrew Povey, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: "We remain committed to finding World Class solutions for dealing with the county's waste.

"I believe our plans provide environmentally friendly ways for dealing with Surrey’s waste, as well as offering real value for money through removing our need to rely on landfill.

"Our primary aim is to reduce the amount of waste produced by households in the first place and that is why we have set the ambitious target of recycling 70% of household waste by 2014 and Surrey's residents and borough and district councils are doing tremendous work to help us achieve this.

"But there will always be a need for some waste to be disposed of and we believe our Eco Park plans offers the best solution, not least because it will generate enough energy to power thousands of homes."