What is waste to energy? A Focus on Perth and Peel

Do you keep hearing on the news about the billions of dollars being poured into waste to energy facilities and are thinking to yourself what on earth are they on about? Well if so then keep on reading if not then, im not sure what to tell ya!

As the world grapples with the challenges of waste management and energy sustainability, the concept of waste to energy (WtE) has emerged as a promising solution. Waste to energy involves converting non-recyclable waste materials into usable heat, electricity, or fuel through various processes. While WtE is better than landfilling, it is considered a last resort after reducing, reusing, and recycling. This blog explores the waste to energy concept and its implementation in Perth and the Peel region, comparing it to landfill disposal and highlighting the importance of recycling.

What is Waste to Energy?

Waste To energy is second from the bottom on the waste hierarchy pyramid. As Abby Lee would say 'You're good, but im waiting for you to great'. Let me explain.

 Waste to energy is a process that turns non-recyclable waste materials into usable forms of energy diverting the waste away from landfill. The process can include:

• Incineration: Burning waste to produce heat, which can then be used to generate electricity.

• Gasification: Converting waste into synthetic gas (syngas), which can be used for electricity generation or as a chemical feedstock.

• Anaerobic Digestion: Breaking down organic waste in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, which can be used for heating or electricity generation.

• Pyrolysis: Decomposing organic materials at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to produce oil, gas, and char.

Benefits of Waste to Energy

Waste to energy offers several benefits:

• Reduces Landfill Waste: Converts waste that would otherwise go to landfills into energy, reducing the volume of waste in landfills.

• Generates Renewable Energy: Produces a renewable source of energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Helps mitigate methane emissions from landfills by diverting waste.

• Recovers Valuable Resources: Recovers metals and other materials that can be recycled from the ash produced during incineration.

Waste to Energy in Perth and Peel

Current Projects and Initiatives

Perth and Peel have been proactive in exploring and implementing waste to energy technologies to address their waste management challenges and energy needs. Here are some key projects and initiatives in the region:

1. East Rockingham Waste to Energy Facility

• Located in the Rockingham Industrial Zone, this facility is set to process 300,000 tonnes of residual waste per year, generating around 29 MW of renewable energy, enough to power 36,000 homes. It represents a significant step forward in waste management and energy production for Perth and Peel.

2. Kwinana Waste to Energy Plant

• The Kwinana Waste to Energy plant is another major project, expected to process 400,000 tonnes of waste annually, producing 36 MW of electricity. This plant is the first of its kind in Australia, showcasing the region’s commitment to innovative waste management solutions.

Comparison: Landfill vs. Waste to Energy

While waste to energy offers many benefits over landfilling, it is important to consider the drawbacks and understand that WtE should be a last resort.

Landfill

• Environmental Impact: Landfills contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, which is far more potent than carbon dioxide. Landfills also pose risks of soil and water contamination.

• Resource Loss: Waste disposed of in landfills is lost forever, with no opportunity to recover valuable materials.

• Space Usage: Landfills take up vast amounts of space, which could be used for more productive purposes.

Waste to Energy

• Environmental Impact: While WtE reduces methane emissions, it still produces greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Modern facilities use advanced technologies to minimize these emissions, but they are not entirely eliminated.

• Energy Production: WtE generates renewable energy, which is a positive outcome. However, the energy produced is often less than the energy saved through recycling and reducing waste.

• Resource Recovery: WtE allows for the recovery of some materials, but it is less efficient than recycling, which preserves the quality and value of materials.

The Importance of Recycling

While waste to energy is better than landfilling, recycling remains the superior option. Recycling conserves resources, reduces pollution, and saves energy. For example, recycling textiles prevents them from going to landfills or WtE facilities, allowing the materials to be reused in new products. Recycling textiles not only saves resources but also reduces the environmental impact compared to producing new materials.

For more detailed information on how to recycle textiles effectively, check out our previous articles here.

Waste to energy is a vital component of Perth and Peel’s waste management and energy strategies. By converting non-recyclable waste into usable energy, the region can reduce landfill waste, generate energy, and support its sustainability goals. However, it should be seen as a last resort after efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. As technology advances and public support grows, waste to energy will become an increasingly important tool in creating a sustainable future for Perth and Peel.

So it turns out we cant keep digging holes and chucking in our waste in, BUT WtE is not our holy grail. The waste to energy route can be a bit of a cop out. Its important for us as a community to keep the pressure on the government to support industry to find better ways to recycle goods and contribute to a circular economy.