Burning household rubbish in incinerators to generate electricity has emerged as the UK’s dirtiest method of power generation, according to a recent analysis by the BBC.
Nearly half of the waste produced in UK homes is now incinerated, leading to increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions that scientists warn could spell disaster for the climate. Critics are calling for a ban on new incinerators as concerns mount over their environmental impact.
The five-year investigation into waste management across the UK reveals that energy-from-waste plants now produce greenhouse gases at a rate comparable to that of coal power, which the UK abandoned last month.
The analysis highlights that burning waste for energy generates over 700 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour, a stark contrast to renewable energy sources that emit significantly less.
The shift towards incineration began nearly 15 years ago when the government imposed higher taxes on landfill disposal, prompting local councils to seek alternatives.
As a result, the number of incinerators in England surged from 38 to 52 in just five years, with the waste disposal industry promoting incineration as a green solution to landfill issues.
However, the rising volume of plastic waste has increasingly tarnished this narrative, as burning plastic—which is derived from fossil fuels—releases harmful greenhouse gases.
In recent years, plastic waste has overtaken food waste in incineration facilities, while councils have shifted food waste towards more sustainable practices such as anaerobic digestion and composting.
Yet, the government continues to rely on outdated assumptions about waste composition, potentially underestimating the climate impact of incineration.
Dr. Ian Williams, a professor of applied environmental science at the University of Southampton, expressed his concerns, stating, “The current practice of burning waste for energy and building more incinerators is at odds with our desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing its use is disastrous for our climate.”
Despite mounting evidence against incineration, new plants continue to be approved. Recently, the UK government sanctioned a £150 million incinerator in Dorset, contradicting local council efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This move has sparked outrage among environmental advocates and local leaders alike.
While Wales and Scotland have implemented bans on new incinerators, calls for similar measures are growing in England and Northern Ireland.
The UK Climate Change Committee has urged that any future incineration plants be accompanied by stringent carbon capture measures.
Currently, only four out of 58 incinerators in the UK have plans for emissions capture, and only one pilot project operates effectively.
The challenge remains that many councils are locked into long-term contracts with waste management companies, often amounting to over £30 billion.
These contracts typically stipulate minimum waste amounts to be incinerated, creating a financial disincentive for councils to explore more sustainable waste management solutions.
Local Government Association vice-chair Joe Harris commented, “If we can adapt those contracts to reduce incineration and boost recycling, we want to do that, but we can’t face financial penalties for doing so.”
Recycling rates in England have stagnated at around 41%, well below the previous government’s commitment to achieve a 65% recycling rate by 2035.
The BBC’s findings have ignited a crucial debate about the future of waste management in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable practices to combat climate change.
