DOVE

Climate Change

Greenhouse gas emissions

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there is "little to choose" between landfill and incineration in terms of greenhouse gas emissions [1]. A recent study for the Community Recycling Network found that landfilling and incineration of untreated waste were the worst ways of dealing with residual waste in terms of climate change [8].

In particular, burning plastic (although it has a high energy content) is equivalent to burning fossil fuels. Landfilling plastic - and some kinds of paper - is in fact better than burning, because it locks the carbon into the ground instead of releasing it into the atmosphere [1]. In fact, incineration produces only slightly less carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour of electricity than gas-fired power stations [7].

Recycling is a better option in terms of greenhouse gas emissions than incineration (even with energy recovery). A recent study for the European Commission found that separating waste at source followed by recycling (for paper, metals, textiles and plastics) and composting or anaerobic digestion (for putrescible wastes) gives the lowest net flux of greenhouse gases, compared with other options for the treatment of bulk municipal waste [4]. Recycling of paper helps to protect habitats and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It is supported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which says "paper recycling is another strategy with the potential to reduce harvest levels [of timber] and promote greater carbon conservation." [2]

Please help us oppose this incinerator!
East Sussex County Council has received a planning application for this incinerator and this is our chance to say NO to decades of increased emissions. Public consultation starts 2/12/2005 and ends 27/01/2006, we also have a page dedicated to the planning application.

[1] US EPA (1999) Greenhouse gas emissions from management of selected materials in municipal solid waste.
[2] IPCC (1995). Climate Change 1995: Impacts Adaptations and Mitigation of Climate Change: Scientific and Technical Analyses. Watson, R.T. et al (eds).
[4] AEA Technology (2001) Waste Management Options and Climate Change: Final Report.
[7] Energy Technology Support Unit (1999) Supporting analysis from New and Renewable Energy Enquiries Bureau for the DTI's New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st century.
[8] Community Recycling Network (2002) Maximising Recycling Rates, Tackling Residuals.

With thanks to Friends of the Earth for the information.