Scientists find that burning waste is the most viable option to generate electricity                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

The incineration of waste to generate electricity has been a particularly controversial topic in recent media; seeing an exceptionally negative discourse surrounding Energy from Waste incinerators over the last 12 months.

However, recently released scientific research suggests that, contrary to popular belief, burning waste is currently the most viable option we have to generate electricity.

Incineration prevents significant methane emissions from landfills

The research, looking into the environmental trade-offs of Energy from Waste incineration, explores the important role of incinerators in cutting greenhouse gases in comparison to landfill; serving to highlight how incineration prevents significant methane emissions from landfills whilst also addressing the challenges posed by limited recycling infrastructure.

The study presents some particularly interesting statistics, stating that burning waste to generate electricity emits 200kg less CO₂ per tonne of waste than landfill. What’s more, between 2018 and 2023, UK incinerators potentially saved 15 billion kilograms of CO₂ emissions.

The most practical option for contaminated, non-recyclable waste

Interestingly, researchers conducting the study state that - at least for now - incineration is the most practical option for treating and managing contaminated, non-recyclable waste; going on to suggest that solutions such as anaerobic digestion may reduce the need for incinerators in the future.

This in itself is a compelling point and something that we have often reiterated in our own articles; the idea that, when viewed as a waste treatment solution, incinerators are an effective solution and, indeed, provide a way for non-recyclable waste to be used in a meaningful way.

With this, one of our most recent articles also looked at a direct comparison between EfW and landfill.

Indeed, it looks as though the waste management sector is ablaze with professionals eager to prove the worth of Energy from Waste incinerators and the important role they play - and it’s certainly something a lot of us can agree on!