The emergence of waste-to-energy plants and alternative fuels
The role of waste-to-energy (WtE) plants and alternative fuels is becoming increasingly important. 18 million European citizens receive electricity from WtE each year, and the UK government and private sector are now investing heavily in WtE infrastructure as part of its broader commitment to sustainability and net zero – an investment that is only expected to grow. But what are waste-to-energy plants, and how do they contribute to sustainable waste management?
What are waste-to-energy plants?
Waste-to-energy (WtE) plants are facilities that convert non-recyclable waste into usable energy, typically in the form of electricity or heat. This dramatically reduces the volume of waste sent to landfill and contributes to our national energy supply.
This most common WtE method is incineration. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is burned at high temperatures to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Emissions are carefully controlled to ensure that harmful pollutants are captured before they enter the atmosphere. Many of today’s incineration-based waste-to-energy facilities operate under strict environmental regulations, making them a cleaner and more efficient option than traditional landfill waste disposal.
But waste incinerators aren’t the only WtE solution – gasification and pyrolysis are also gaining traction. This involves using a combination of heat and chemical processes to break waste down into a gas that can be used as fuel. These methods create fewer emissions than conventional incineration, and can be adapted to process a wide range of waste materials.
Understanding alternative fuels
Alongside WtE plants, alternative fuels derived from waste are becoming a major focus area for the industry. Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and solid recovered fuel (SRF) are two key examples. Made from processed waste such as plastic, paper, and textures, they are often used in industrial furnaces, cement kilns, and power stations as a replacement for fossil fuels. These fuels not only reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels but also help to lower overall carbon emissions, making them an attractive option for industries looking to improve their sustainability.
Another major alternative fuel is biogas, which is produced by breaking down organic waste through anaerobic digestion. This process captures the harmful greenhouse gas methane and converts it into a renewable energy source. Biogas can be used to produce electricity and heat buildings, or it can be further refined into biomethane as an alternative to diesel.
Challenges and considerations
While waste-to-energy plants and alternative fuels offer clear benefits, they’re not without challenges. WtE facilities require significant investment, and public concerns about potential emissions and air quality mean that new developments must meet stringent environmental standards. Plants must use advanced filtration and emission monitoring systems to ensure compliance with these regulations, adding to the overall cost and complexity of these projects.
From a waste hierarchy perspective, waste reduction and recycling should always come first. WtE should be seen as a last resort for non-recyclable waste, rather than a replacement for effective recycling and reuse initiatives. As technology continues to advance, WtE plants must evolve to integrate more sustainable solutions, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) or hybrid models that combine WtE with renewable energy sources. These innovations can improve efficiency and further reduce emissions.
Improve your waste management strategies with McCarthy Marland
At McCarthy Marland, we are committed to helping businesses take a more sustainable approach to waste management. With landfill tax costs set to rise in the UK from 1st April 2025, it’s more important than ever for businesses and local authorities to reduce their reliance on landfill and make the most of materials that would otherwise go to waste – and we offer a wide range of tailored solutions that can help you do just that.
We work with top industry specialists to divert non-recyclable materials away from landfill and instead direct them towards waste-to-energy plants. In terms of alternative fuels, we ensure that all combustible waste is processed into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) solutions. We also work with GENeco to convert food waste into biogas, helping to create renewable energy from materials that would otherwise decompose in landfill.
Do you need help improving your business’ waste management systems? Get in touch with our expert team today and get ready to turn waste into a resource rather than a problem.