WTE

Waste-to-energy (WTE) refers to technologies that recover energy from waste that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. WTE facilities convert combustible waste streams, typically municipal solid waste (MSW), into usable energy, mainly electricity and/or heat, through thermal, chemical, or biological processes.

Thermal treatment is the most common WTE pathway and includes mass burn incineration with energy recovery and facilities that process refuse-derived fuel. Alternative thermal routes include gasification and pyrolysis, which convert waste into syngas or oil that can drive turbines or be upgraded. Biological methods, notably anaerobic digestion, produce biogas used for electricity, heat, or combined heat and power.

Process steps generally involve waste collection and pre-treatment, energy recovery from combustion or digestion, and management of residues and emissions. Emissions controls (scrubbers, filters, and selective catalytic reduction) and proper ash handling are integral to meeting environmental standards.

Benefits often cited for WTE include reduced waste volumes, diversion from landfills, and generation of renewable energy. Challenges include high capital and operating costs, permitting timelines, and public opposition in some communities due to air-quality concerns. The environmental performance depends on plant design, fuel mix, and operating practices, with lifecycle assessments weighing benefits against emissions and ash management.

Global adoption is strongest in parts of Europe and Asia, with growing WTE capacity in North America and other regions where waste management and energy policies support energy recovery. WTE is typically deployed as part of an integrated strategy that combines recycling, composting, and energy recovery.