BIDDEFORD — The City Council in Biddeford, Maine, has decided to buy and eventually close a trash-to-energy plant after years of complaints about odor and air quality.

The city plans to buy the Maine Energy Recovery Co. plant for $6.6 million and then tear it down.

Mayor Alan Casavant said Tuesday he has already heard from businesses interested in developing in the area.

A representative of 13 municipalities that haul their trash to the plant said before the vote the municipalities should be in good shape if the incinerator ceases operation.

North Berwick Town Manager Dwayne Morin said waste disposal provisions were worked out with MERC owner Casella Waste Systems in the event the plant closes.