SWANA Policy Reaffirms Waste to Energy Position

19 January 2012

Following its recently published report into the benefits of waste to energy for the U.S., the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has issued a policy that renews SWANA's support for the technology.

According to the association, waste to energy is an important part of an integrated solid waste management system, and it said that this policy will support the many communities that are considering expanding or building new facilities.

The policy states that the use of waste to energy technology should be consistent with the U.S. EPA's current waste management hierarchy and local government integrated solid waste management plans that include existing and planned waste prevention, waste reduction and recycling programs.

Furthermore, the policy adds that appropriate public policy mechanisms should be put in place to ensure the viability of waste to energy projects, which are long term and require significant upfront capital and the economic feasibility of these projects should be reviewed by financial specialists.

According to the policy, the full costs for the siting, design, construction and operation, including residue management and disposal, should be included in the costs assigned to a waste to energy facility, within an integrated solid waste management system.

The association also states that the selection of a waste to energy technology should also be consistent with best practices regarding economics, environmental performance, technical performance and public health issues.

The policy then outlines the best practices a community must consider before implementing this technology.

SWANA said that this update is the culmination of the efforts of its Waste to Energy Technical Division, which spearheaded the effort.

"It is important for the public to understand that waste to energy facilities positively impact greenhouse gas emissions on a life cycle basis," stated Division Director Joe Murdoch.

"This reflects the significant advances and investments in air pollution control that have been made at these facilities as the technology has evolved and complied with Federal law," he added.


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