Why Waste-to-Energy Perth Isn’t Our Saviour

For the Lazies - A 30-Second Summary

Waste-to-energy (WTE) technology, which converts waste into electricity or heat, is often seen as an alternative to landfills. While it’s one step above landfill in the waste hierarchy, it still lags behind recycling and waste avoidance. Countries like Sweden and Germany have implemented WTE successfully, but they also prioritise high recycling rates. For WA, focusing on recycling and resource recovery remains the most effective way to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimise environmental harm.

Understanding the Role of Waste-to-Energy in the Waste Hierarchy

The waste hierarchy prioritises waste management practices from most to least preferred: waste avoidance, reuse, recycling, recovery (including WTE), and finally, disposal (landfill). Waste-to-energy is positioned just above landfills because it recovers some value from waste by generating energy.

However, it is not a long-term solution. Incinerating waste for energy production often destroys valuable resources, such as recyclable materials, that could be reused in a circular economy. According to the Australian Government’s Waste Strategy, recovery processes like WTE should only be used for materials that cannot be recycled or reused.

Western Australia's Waste Hierarchy: From Most to Least Sustainable

Lessons from Europe: Successes and Shortcomings of Waste-to-Energy

Europe leads the way in waste-to-energy implementation, with countries like Sweden and Germany showcasing both its benefits and limitations. In Sweden, less than 1% of household waste ends up in landfills because the majority is recycled, composted, or processed in WTE facilities (Sweden.se).

However, Sweden’s success hinges on its high recycling rates—over 50% of waste is recycled or composted before WTE is considered. Germany takes an even stronger stance, achieving recycling rates above 60% while limiting WTE to non-recyclable materials (Eurostat).

These examples show that WTE can complement recycling efforts, but it must not replace them. The focus should remain on reducing waste generation and enhancing recycling infrastructure.

Waste-to-Energy in Perth: What Are the Challenges?

Western Australia has commissioned waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities as part of its broader waste management strategy. These facilities can significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills; however, they encounter several challenges:

1. Resource Destruction: Valuable materials that could be recycled are often incinerated in WTE processes, undermining efforts to create a circular economy.

2. Environmental Concerns: Although modern WTE plants are designed to minimise emissions, they still release carbon dioxide and other pollutants, contributing to climate change.

3. Economic Costs: Building and maintaining WTE facilities require significant investment, which may divert funds from recycling programs and other sustainable initiatives.

Kwinana Waste to Energy Facility

Why Recycling Is the Superior Choice

Recycling remains the most effective way to manage waste while conserving resources and reducing environmental harm. For example, recycling one tonne of paper saves about 17 trees and reduces water and energy consumption significantly (Recycling Near You).

By focusing on improving recycling rates in WA, we can create a circular economy where materials are reused repeatedly, minimising waste and conserving natural resources. This approach not only reduces the need for landfill but also complements other sustainability efforts, such as SevenC’s Recycling initiative launching in 2025.

The Path Forward: Prioritising Recycling Over Burning

For WA to achieve its sustainability goals, waste-to-energy Perth should be treated as a last resort for materials that cannot be recycled or reused.

Prioritising recycling infrastructure, public education, and business partnerships will ensure that valuable resources are recovered and reused rather than converted into energy.

Countries like Germany and Sweden have shown that WTE can play a role in waste management, but only when combined with high recycling rates and robust circular economy practices. By focusing on waste avoidance and recycling, WA can lead the way in sustainable waste management while reducing its reliance on landfills and WTE.