In The Conversation Edward Randviir, a lecturer in chemistry, argues that EfW is the least worst way to dispose of waste, at least until we fix the recycling system. It comes after EfW was deemed the UK’s “dirtiest form of power” by a BBC investigation in October 2024. I think the BBC is missing the point: EfW is a waste management technology, not a power generation technology. Randviir references an estimate by Fichtner Consulting Engineers estimated that burning general waste for electricity produces around 200 kg less CO₂ per tonne than letting it decompose in landfill. Carbon assessments accepted in support of EfW planning applications show a range of 150–250 kg CO₂. If the Fichtner estimate is accurate, the UK’s incinerators may have saved 15 billion kg of CO₂ from being emitted by landfills between 2018 and 2023.

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Originally posted in Second Nature 030 (January 2025). Category waste management, tags EfW.
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