Energy From Waste
Energy from waste (EfW) capacity has grown significantly over the past decade. With the introduction of the landfill tax and the Biological Municipal Waste targets as set out in the Landfill Directive 1999, EfW was seen as part of the solution to reducing reliance on landfill. More recently there have been debates over the environmental benefits of EFW compared with landfill on the basis of the carbon impact of EfW. The waste management industry is looking to reduce plastic going to EfW to help reach net zero targets.
What are EfW facilities?
EfW facilities burn municipal waste and the heat created from this turns water into steam that is used to produce energy. The remaining bottom ash from the process is either recycled (for example, it is used in roads) or is sent for disposal.
The heat from EfW sites can also be used for District or Community Heating Schemes. Although this is normally the case in Europe, most EfW sites in the UK do not harness the heat generated through the process. However, there is an EfW plant in the outskirts of Nottingham, Eastcroft (run by FCC Environment), which has been using both the heat and power produced for local residents since the 1970s.[1]
Flue gas is also produced during the process and cleaning systems are used to remove harmful substances from this. The treated gas is then released into the atmosphere. EfW facilities have strict emissions standards, which are monitored.
Plastics and EfW
The BPF’s Recycling Roadmap forecast a reduction in the amount of plastic going to EfW by 2030. Plastic has a high calorific value and therefore EfW facilties want to reduce the amount of this material to help them achieve net zero objectives.
The Environmental Services Association, as part of its strategy ‘A net-zero greenhouse gas emission strategy for the UK recycling and waste sector’ also has a commitment to decarbonise non-recyclable waste treatment by removing plastic from energy recovery facilities.
The BPF has produced a Plastic Waste Hierarchy and — due to the carbon impact of EfW —EfW and landfill are in the same position on the waste hierarchy. This recognises there are other impacts to landfilling plastic but, from a carbon emissions perspective, the impact is lower than for EfW. A decision needs to be reached on the best disposal route in each situation. However, the priority should always be to move material higher up the waste hierarchy.
In conclusion…
Used plastics should be managed at the optimum level within the waste hierarchy, with recycling taking place where it is technically and economically viable and without affecting the quality of other recyclable plastics. Reduction and reuse should also be considered.
Innovation should be encouraged to help further increase recycling levels. Advancements in mechanical recycling as well as the development of chemical recycling offer an opportunity to reduce plastic which needs to go for disposal (either EfW or landfill). EfW should not be a long-term end of life route for plastic and this material must be diverted to recycling, wherever possible. However, there needs to be a greater understanding of the best environmental outcome for each specific type of plastic product, so when a disposal route is needed the best outcome is chosen as it will vary.
Ideally, EfW facilities, when they are necessary, should have a heat-intensive industrial operation nearby. EfW capacity should also be monitored to ensure there is not overcapacity in the UK, as this situation could potentially have a detrimental effect on recycling.
Sources
[1] FFC Environment, 2013 FFC Environment’s ‘pioneering’ Eastcroft EfW plant reaches 40 year milestone [accessed 20.07.2017]
Published on 24 May 2019
Last reviewed and updated July 2024
