Energy from waste
Energy can be derived from waste by burning it in its raw form or from capturing waste gases, which can then be burned to generate electricity. In the case of the former, incinerating large volumes of waste can generate heat for use in large buildings. This has the favourable side-effect of preventing further volumes of waste going to landfill.
Landfilled waste can also provide a source of energy. As waste decomposes it releases methane – a very harmful greenhouse gas if allowed to seep into the atmosphere. This gas can be collected and used as fuel to power engines and generate electricity. When burnt, this waste (or the gas produced from heating it) still releases CO2 into the air.
This can be considered preferable to the release of methane that would have been produced had the waste been buried in landfill. This section provides more detailed information about energy from waste developments, including the processes involved and planning considerations.
