Is Waste to Energy an option for Climate Change?

If the goal is greenhouse gas reduction, then waste-to-energy is the option for waste disposal.  When greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are released into the earth’s atmosphere, they trap infrared radiation from sunlight.  This is stored as heat in the atmosphere and can be tied to the increase in the earth’s average temperature, causing what is known as global warming or climate change.  Waste to Energy offsets greenhouse gases to combat climate change.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for every ton of municipal solid waste processed at a Waste to Energy facility, the release of approximately one ton of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions into the atmosphere is prevented due to the avoidance of methane generation at landfills, the offset of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel electrical production, and the recovery of metals.

What is green house gas and what are methane gases?

Methane is a greenhouse gas, mostly emitted from decomposing waste in landfills, which is 20 – 25 times the potency of carbon dioxide and is ranked as a dangerous contributor to climate change.  Waste to Energy facilities avoid the production of methane while producing significantly more electricity from each ton of waste compared to landfills. Further GHG reductions are realized by the avoidance of carbon emissions from long-haul transportation methods used to transport garbage to distant landfills. Waste used as fuel in WtE facilities is typically generated in the surrounding area.

Is waste to Energy recognized under the Kyoto protocol and the Clean Development Mechanism program?

The Kyoto Protocol is a United Nations international pact to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.  Under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism program, waste to energy is recognized as a source of greenhouse gas credits. The Okhla Waste to Energy facility has been registered under the UNFCC program.