In the wake of increased cases of asthma and COPD reported in North London, a group of National Health Services (NHS) medical practitioners from the North Middlesex Hospital and locals marched out in protest against pollution causing incinerators. Led by Dr Edward Tranah,  an action group –Doctors Against the Edmonton Incinerator– raised demands for cleaner ways of disposal of wastes. 

Dr Tranah said that he has noticed an increasing number of asthma patients in the area and pointed out a lack of study to connect the prevalence of COPD and the pollution caused by old incinerators. He also suggested the use of a “mixed materials recovery facility” that would use technology to sort waste into different categories, such as plastic, cardboard, paper and glass as an alternative.