![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 79" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 46.595 34.078 L 27.969 34.078 L 27.969 0.62 C 27.969 -0.002 27.152 -0.235 26.821 0.292 L 0.215 42.783 C -0.368 43.715 0.304 44.923 1.405 44.923 L 20.031 44.923 L 20.031 78.38 C 20.031 79.002 20.848 79.236 21.178 78.708 L 47.785 36.216 C 48.368 35.285 47.696 34.077 46.595 34.077 Z" fill="rgb(255, 255, 255)" height="78.99999999999989px" id="kKpjkUqbV" width="48px"/></svg>)
IMAGINE IT.
IMAGINE IT.
IMAGINE IT.
DISCOVER IT.
DISCOVER IT.
DISCOVER IT.
THINK ABOUT IT.
THINK ABOUT IT.
THINK ABOUT IT.
What Is
Waste-to-Energy?
Waste-to-energy (WTE) turns non-hazardous waste that cannot be recycled into electricity. It’s a safe and efficient process that helps to power local homes and businesses from the waste that might otherwise go straight to a landfill.
The earliest plants were called incinerators because they didn’t have the advanced technology and pollution-control systems that WTE facilities have had in effect for several decades.
This advanced processing can go by different names, such as Resource Recovery Facility or Energy from Waste, but today’s plants are all waste-to-energy facilities.
Three Ways to Experience Waste-to-Energy (WTE)
Three Ways to Experience Waste-to-Energy (WTE)
01
Imagine It.
Waste-to-energy means the stuff we throw away is used to power our community. From generating electricity to conserving land, there are so many benefits to WTE. We invite to learn the impact of this scientific process and imagine a more sustainable world.
01
Imagine It.
Waste-to-energy means the stuff we throw away is used to power our community. From generating electricity to conserving land, there are so many benefits to WTE. We invite to learn the impact of this scientific process and imagine a more sustainable world.
01
Imagine It.
Waste-to-energy means the stuff we throw away is used to power our community. From generating electricity to conserving land, there are so many benefits to WTE. We invite to learn the impact of this scientific process and imagine a more sustainable world.
01
Imagine It.
Waste-to-energy means the stuff we throw away is used to power our community. From generating electricity to conserving land, there are so many benefits to WTE. We invite to learn the impact of this scientific process and imagine a more sustainable world.
02
Discover It.
We’re providing resources for you to learn more about the process and dispel myths about WTE. Don’t take our word for it, discover the facts for yourself.
02
Discover It.
We’re providing resources for you to learn more about the process and dispel myths about WTE. Don’t take our word for it, discover the facts for yourself.
02
Discover It.
We’re providing resources for you to learn more about the process and dispel myths about WTE. Don’t take our word for it, discover the facts for yourself.
02
Discover It.
We’re providing resources for you to learn more about the process and dispel myths about WTE. Don’t take our word for it, discover the facts for yourself.
03
Think About It.
Did you know the average American produces about 4.9 pounds of trash each day? We’re providing you with some surprising facts about trash, and encouraging you to think about what our world would look like without WTE.
03
Think About It.
Did you know the average American produces about 4.9 pounds of trash each day? We’re providing you with some surprising facts about trash, and encouraging you to think about what our world would look like without WTE.
03
Think About It.
Did you know the average American produces about 4.9 pounds of trash each day? We’re providing you with some surprising facts about trash, and encouraging you to think about what our world would look like without WTE.
03
Think About It.
Did you know the average American produces about 4.9 pounds of trash each day? We’re providing you with some surprising facts about trash, and encouraging you to think about what our world would look like without WTE.
WTE By
The
Numbers
Some quick facts about waste-to-energy
0
0
million tons
of municipal solid waste generated in the U.S.
0
0
million tons
of municipal solid waste generated in the U.S.
0
0
million tons
of municipal solid waste generated in the U.S.
0
0
million tons
of municipal solid waste generated in the U.S.
0
0
Million tons of msw
processed via WTE in 2017
0
0
Million tons of msw
processed via WTE in 2017
0
0
Million tons of msw
processed via WTE in 2017
0
0
Million tons of msw
processed via WTE in 2017
0%
0%
Volume reduction
of waste processed via Waste-to-Energy
0%
0%
Volume reduction
of waste processed via Waste-to-Energy
0%
0%
Volume reduction
of waste processed via Waste-to-Energy
0%
0%
Volume reduction
of waste processed via Waste-to-Energy
0
0
WTE facilities in europe
0
0
WTE facilities in europe
0
0
WTE facilities in europe
0
0
WTE facilities in europe
0*
0*
WTE facilities in the U.S.
*The last published report says 75, but with recent closures, the current number is closer to 66.
0*
0*
WTE facilities in the U.S.
*The last published report says 75, but with recent closures, the current number is closer to 66.
0*
0*
WTE facilities in the U.S.
*The last published report says 75, but with recent closures, the current number is closer to 66.
0*
0*
WTE facilities in the U.S.
*The last published report says 75, but with recent closures, the current number is closer to 66.
Helpful links
Scientific Truth About Waste-to-Energy
Scientific Truth About Waste-to-Energy
Scientific Truth About Waste-to-Energy
Scientific Truth About Waste-to-Energy
Third-Party Verified Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) for Waste-to-Energy Facilities
Third-Party Verified Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) for Waste-to-Energy Facilities
Third-Party Verified Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) for Waste-to-Energy Facilities
Third-Party Verified Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) for Waste-to-Energy Facilities
lcswma
lcswma
lcswma
lcswma
The Waste-to-Energy Association
The Waste-to-Energy Association
The Waste-to-Energy Association
The Waste-to-Energy Association
Waste incineration is an effective and proven waste treatment method that focuses primarily on stabilising and reducing the volume of waste that cannot be recycled, with energy recovery being a secondary benefit.
ISWA International Solid Waste Association. (2024). ISWA’s Position on Waste Incineration with Energy Recovery
Powered by
LCSWMA is recognized nationally for its leadership in the solid waste industry and its innovative Integrated System, which includes a county-wide recycling program. Our goal is to keep recycling sustainable in Lancaster County by supporting local municipalities and providing ongoing education to the community.
Powered by
LCSWMA is recognized nationally for its leadership in the solid waste industry and its innovative Integrated System, which includes a county-wide recycling program. Our goal is to keep recycling sustainable in Lancaster County by supporting local municipalities and providing ongoing education to the community.
Powered by
LCSWMA is recognized nationally for its leadership in the solid waste industry and its innovative Integrated System, which includes a county-wide recycling program. Our goal is to keep recycling sustainable in Lancaster County by supporting local municipalities and providing ongoing education to the community.