The Environmental Impact of Incineration: Why Recycling and Repurposing Should Always Come First
The UK’s reliance on incineration to dispose of household waste has grown significantly in recent years. Nearly half of the rubbish produced in UK homes is now burned, including an alarming amount of plastic. While incineration has often previously been marketed as an “energy-from-waste” solution, evidence increasingly highlights that it has a detrimental impact on the environment.
According to a recent BBC analysis, incineration is now the dirtiest way the UK generates electricity, producing greenhouse gas emissions comparable only to coal power, which the UK recently abandoned due to its climate impact. This revelation comes as scientists warn that continued reliance on incinerators is a “disaster for the climate,” with some advocating for a ban on constructing new facilities.
The Rise of Incineration
Fifteen years ago, the UK government responded to growing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions from landfill waste by imposing hefty taxes on councils for burying rubbish. This financial pressure led many councils to embrace energy-from-waste incinerators as an alternative for waste destruction.
As demand for incineration increased, so did supply, with a surge in the number of incinerators across the country. In the past five years alone, England’s incinerator count has grown from 38 to 52. This increase in incinerators has led to roughly 3.1% of the UK’s electricity being generated by burning waste. While this might seem like a productive use of our rubbish, the costs to our environment far outweigh the benefits.
The True Cost of Burning Waste
Burning waste in incinerators releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (720 CO2e produced per kilowatt-hour) and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The process not only fails to reduce emissions but in fact matches the carbon intensity of coal power generation, which was phased out earlier this year in order to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint.
According to the previously referenced BBC analysis, energy produced from incineration is found to be five times more polluting than the average UK unit of electricity. A situation that Dr Ian Williams, a professor of applied environmental science at the University of Southampton referred to as “insane”.
“The current practice of the burning of waste for energy and building more and more incinerators for this purpose is at odds with our desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing its use is disastrous for our climate.” – Dr Ian Williams, BBC Report.
Why Recycling and Repurposing Must Take Priority
At Avena, we recognise the environmental challenges posed by incineration and are committed to minimising its use. While incineration remains a last-resort option for non-recyclable materials, our focus is on secure and sustainable solutions like recycling and repurposing in order to reduce waste and protect the environment.
- Recycling: By breaking down materials like paper, textiles, and electronics, we can recover valuable resources and create further life products. Recycling not only prevents waste from ending up in incinerators or landfills but it also conserves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Repurposing: Through innovative processes, we transform your end of life items into new products or materials. For example, textiles can be shredded and repurposed into insulation or soundproofing.
A Smarter Approach to Waste Management
Despite a temporary permit ban in 2023, the government’s stance remains unclear, and The Environmental Services Association has argued that emissions from waste disposal are “challenging to avoid.” While this may be true, it underscores the importance of prioritising pushing your sensitive items up the waste streams, and away from incineration or landfill.
At Avena we aim to maximise recycling, remanufacturing, and repurposing opportunities by adopting a tiered approach to waste management. Incineration is reserved only as a last resort for materials that cannot be processed through more sustainable means.
Conclusion
As the UK grapples with the environmental fallout of increased incineration, it’s clear that businesses and households must prioritise sustainable waste management practices. By choosing recycling and repurposing over incineration, you can reduce your carbon footprint, conserve valuable resources, and create a cleaner future.
At Avena, we are proud to lead the charge in secure destruction and sustainable waste solutions. Together, we can turn the tide against climate change and make a meaningful impact on the environment.
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Source: Esme Stallard, Matt McGrath, Patrick Clahane & Paul Lynch (2024), Burning rubbish now UK’s dirtiest form of power. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3wxgje5pwo
*For information regarding the BBC’s carbon calculations please see the original article full details – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3wxgje5pwo
