IMAGINE IT. DISCOVER 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)
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 you to learn the impact of this scientific process and imagine a more sustainable world.
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.
Think About It.
Did you know the average American produces about 4.9 pounds of trash each day? We encourage you to read about the reality of trash, and think about what our world would look like without WTE.
IMAGINE IT.
Interested in the “why" behind WTE? The benefits are better than you can imagine.
DISCOVER IT.
Want to understand how WTE works? Watch each step-by-step process video and learn the truth for yourself.
THINK ABOUT IT.
Ready to “get real” about trash? Learn how WTE fits into responsible waste management.
WTE CASE STUDY
LANCASTER COUNTY
Discover one community's WTE process in step-by-step videos
WTE CASE STUDY
HARRISBURG
Learn more about America's first WTE Facility
WTE By
The Numbers
Some quick facts about waste-to-energy
292
million tons
of municipal solid waste generated in the U.S.
34
Million tons of msw
processed via WTE in 2017
90%
Volume reduction
of waste processed via Waste-to-Energy
522
WTE facilities in europe
75*
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
READ PDF
Third-Party Verified Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) for Waste-to-Energy Facilities
READ MORE
LCSWMA
SEE SITE
The Waste-to-Energy Association
LEARN MOREWaste 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 secondary benefit.
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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.