Residual Waste EFW
Residual Waste can be used as a feedstock for Energy from Waste (EfW) and Residual Waste is considered as partially renewable or a low carbon energy source as a result of the energy produced from the fraction of Residual Waste derived from Biomass that is considered renewable[1].
Residual Waste and Energy from Waste
Energy from Waste is the now the main method for dealing with this type of waste, with Landfill of Residual Waste being the least preferred method, as outlined in the Waste Hierarchy[1].
Historically, the UK has been very dependent on Landfill or Incineration without energy recovery for Disposal of Residual Waste. The landfill diversion targets set in the mid 1990s promoted EfW developments. The diversion of residual waste away from Landfill and into EfW processes reduces emissions of methane and pollution originating from Landfill sites and increases production of renewable energy[1].
The UK produced 12.5 million tonnes of Residual Waste from Households in 2016 2 and in 2016, there were 41 Energy from Waste facilities processing Residual Waste, with a combined capacity of 10.1 million tonnes/year 3 [2]. It is estimated that there will be an increase in EfW capacity for Residual Waste by 2 million tonnes/year by 2022 [3].
With the increasing social, economic and political drive to Prevent, Reuse and Recycle more waste, in line with the Waste Hierarchy and the Circular Economy the amount of Residual Waste is expected to decrease over time[1]. The exact magnitude of this reduction and the Residual Waste continuing to need to be delivered to EfW has been debated at length by different commentators over the last few years.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Defra, 2014. Energy from Waste: A guide to the debate February 2014 (revised edition). London.
- ↑ Defra, 2018. Digest of Waste and Resources Statistics - 2018 Edition. London.
- ↑ Tolvik Consulting (2017). UK Residual Waste: 2030 Market Review. Environmental Services Association.