Several international environmental groups have recently raised concerns about the use of waste-to-energy (WTE) systems to generate electricity. They argue that this technology, which claims to offer a sustainable solution for waste management, is not only more expensive but also likely to produce pollutants that are more toxic.
The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), one of these environmental groups, has been particularly vocal in criticizing incineration as one of the most environmentally harmful and costly waste disposal methods. GAIA argues that the incineration industry is misleadingly promoting incineration as “waste-to-energy,” despite generating minimal amounts of usable energy.
One of the key issues raised by GAIA is the environmental impact of incinerators. The group claims that incinerators emit 3.8 times as much greenhouse gases as other energy sources, making them dirtier and contributing to climate change. Additionally, incinerators transform waste into toxic ash, worsening air and water pollution. GAIA asserts that this toxic ash is more harmful to human health than the waste that was burned to produce electricity, increasing the risks of asthma, reduced lung function, and hospital admissions.
Furthermore, GAIA argues that the incineration industry is taking advantage of the false notion of WTE to access subsidies and tax breaks meant for green, renewable, and sustainable energy projects. They claim that billions of taxpayer money are being wasted on building and running incinerators when these funds could be better utilized for real zero waste solutions.
Another group, Zero Waste Asia, adds that WTE is neither a “just” nor “transitional” source of power. They emphasize that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Asian Development Bank should stop funding WTE projects that are positioned as renewable energy sources, particularly as replacements for coal plants. Zero Waste Asia highlights the negative environmental impact of WTE compared to coal, including higher greenhouse gas emissions, toxic chemical emissions, and the displacement of waste pickers when the waste sector is privatized.
Ronald Steenblik, senior technical advisor of Sustainable Just Economic Systems (SJES), supports GAIA’s claims. He acknowledges that while WTE plants do reduce plastic waste, they also produce significant amounts of CO2 emissions and potentially release toxic air pollutants depending on the sophistication of the plant. Steenblik emphasizes the importance of properly disposing of residuals from burning plastics to mitigate further harm. He also notes that incinerating plants in the European Union are now required to report CO2 emissions, highlighting the growing concern over the environmental impact of these facilities.
The controversy surrounding waste-to-energy systems raises important questions about the true sustainability and environmental benefits of this technology. While waste-to-energy may seem like a promising solution for waste management, it is essential to consider the potential negative consequences, such as increased greenhouse gas emissions and the production of toxic pollutants. As international environmental groups continue to advocate for real zero waste solutions, it is crucial to critically evaluate the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of waste-to-energy systems.
Source: The Manila Times
