Why Waste-to-Energy Works
| 1. | A Climate Solution |
| 2. | Globally Proven Technology |
| 3. | More Recycling |
| 4. | Positive Economic Impact |
| 5. | Community-Focused Solutions |
| 6. | Renewable Energy |
#1 – A Climate Solution
NASA scientists identified landfills as super-emitters of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 84 times more potent of a climate-warming gas than CO2
The EPA estimated that for every one ton of waste diverted from a landfill to Waste-to-Energy, an average of one ton of greenhouse gases can be avoided
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identifies Waste-to-Energy as a “key greenhouse gas mitigation technology”
#2 – Proven Technology
Waste-to-Energy is recognized as a progressive waste and energy technology around the world. The European Union and U.S. EPA recognize Waste-to-Energy as preferable to landfills
More than 120 plants have been built around the world in the past five years
#3 – More Recycling
Communities with Waste-to-Energy have a higher recycling rate than the national average— with some reaching over 50 percent recycling
Waste-to-Energy recovers more than 700,000 tons of metal each year for recycling – the equivalent amount of steel to build more than seven Golden Gate Bridges
#4 – Positive Economic Impact
Waste-to-Energy provide good-paying jobs, supporting approximately 14,000 jobs and nearly $1 billion in wages, salaries and benefits
Millions of dollars generated for communities in taxes, host fees and local goods and services
#5 – Community-Focused Solution
Waste-to-Energy provides the safe disposal of unused and expired prescription medications preventing drugs from ending up in the wrong hands and polluting public water supplies
Waste-to-Energy provides millions of dollars in support of important community organizations and programs that support sustainable communities, green education and environmental responsibility
#6 – Renewable Energy
Waste-to-Energy provides 24/7 baseload renewable energy for more than 1 million homes
Waste-to-Energy has been recognized as renewable in federal law and is defined as renewable in 30 states and the European Union
Waste-to-Energy serves as a valuable complement to intermittent renewable resources, such as wind and solar