How do plastics contribute to waste-to-energy incineration?
Plastics are typically derived from petroleum or natural gas giving them a stored energy value higher than any other material commonly found in the waste stream. In fact, plastics commonly used in packaging can generate twice as much energy as Wyoming coal and almost as much energy as fuel oil (see chart below). When plastics are processed in modern WTE facilities, they can help other wastes combust more completely, leaving less ash for disposal. 1. “Expansion Agents for Polystyrene Foam,” Questions & Answers, The Polystyrene Packaging Council, October 1994. 2. “MSW Combustion: Effects of Mixed Plastics Waste Addition on Solid Residues and Chlorinated Organic Compounds,” A Report for the Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe, December 1994. 3. “1995 Resin Manufacturer Industry Investment in Recycling Report,” Ernst & Young LLP, October 1995. 4. “Clean, Renewable, Safe & Economical: America’s Newest Energy Source,” AIMS Coalition, 1994. 5. “Waste-To-Energy Environmental Rules
