Brussels, 09/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending GBP 182 million (EUR 200 million) to assist the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority to build and maintain an integrated waste management service for the treatment and disposal of municipal waste. The project will be structured as a partnership between the public and private sectors and the EIB will make loans to Viridor Laing (Greater Manchester) and Ineos Runcorn TPS, the two special purpose vehicles established to manage this project. Further financing will be provided by other banks. The successful implementation of the Greater Manchester Waste project will have a positive environmental impact on the communities living in and around Manchester, because it will allow for the phasing out of the practice of landfilling untreated waste. Moreover, by adopting an integrated waste management service, Greater Manchester aims to increase recycling and composting levels in the region which historically have been low compared to the national average. (O.L./trans/rh)