Misato NotoThe role of waste-to-energy plants is to turn non-recyclable waste into heat and electricity, thus reducing landfill usage and the need to burn fossil fuels. Simultaneously, waste-to-energy plants also help reduce the levels of methane generated from organic waste in landfills. This is a significant benefit as methane is 28 times more powerful than CO2 at warming the Earth.
In Sweden, less than 1% of waste is sent to landfills thanks to its efficient waste management systems. 49% of household waste, such as metals, plastics, newspapers, batteries and electronics, are recycled, while 50% of non-recyclable waste, including organic waste, is incinerated and converted into power. 1.2 million households in the country receive heat generated from trash-powered plants through the centralized system of district heating.
Moreover, Sweden imports at least 2 million tons of waste from other European countries such as the UK and Norway. These countries pay Sweden to accept their trash because it costs less than incinerating it at their facilities. Coupled with its high recycling standards, Sweden benefits from its energy-efficient waste treatment systems that contribute environmentally and financially.
