Incinerators to burn household rubbish will not be built in West Sussex for a decade and then will only be permitted as a last resort.
West Sussex County Council has ruled out opting for the controversial technology before 2015.
Environment councillor Steve Waight said waste reduction would be given higher priority in a revised waste plan, likely to be published in May.
He said: "I expect incineration to be the last resort. I do not believe we will see incineration in West Sussex before 2015."
The old Shoreham cement works, near Steyning, Portfield, near Chichester, and Warnham, near Horsham, had been earmarked as possible burner sites in the council's waste plans.
All three may be included in a revised version of the plan.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article