Augean defies increasing competition

The Wetherby-based company added that trading in the first six months of the year was in line with its expectations despite a lull in market activity in April.

Augean, which treats and disposes of hazardous waste such as contaminated soil and asbestos, said price pressure has intensified in some sectors as competition intensifies.

But despite this, the group took 102,367 tonnes of hazardous waste into its landfill sites, compared with 97,857 tonnes during the comparative period a year earlier.

Chief executive Paul Blackler said: “We have made good progress in a number of areas and expect the prudent management actions taken during the period to deliver positive performance during the traditionally stronger second half of the year.”

Augean said its plans to dispose of low-level nuclear waste (LLW) at its East Northants site are progressing and it has held talks with key parties in the nuclear decommissioning sector on a number of commercial contracts.

The site in Northamptonshire has been fiercely opposed by local residents, one of whom has taken their fight to the High Court.