Incineration: UK's Dirtiest Power Source
Burning household rubbish in UK incinerators is now as polluting as coal power, according to BBC findings. Nearly half of household waste, especially plastics, is incinerated, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Experts call for a halt on new incinerator projects as current practices undermine climate goals.
Burning household rubbish in UK incinerators now equally pollutes the environment as coal power, according to a BBC analysis.
Nearly half of household waste, including increasing amounts of plastic, is incinerated, raising significant environmental concerns.
Over the last five years, these plants have surged, with energy-from-waste facilities increasing from 38 to 52 in England alone, despite criticisms and calls from experts to halt new incinerator projects.
The process of burning plastic leads to substantial greenhouse gas emissions, making this method five times more polluting than the average UK electricity production.
Although initially introduced as a greener alternative to landfills, incineration's environmental impact has worsened as more plastic is burned.
The government's Climate Change Committee highlights that incineration is set to contribute increasingly to emissions unless carbon capture measures are adopted.
With few facilities equipped to capture emissions, calls for a ban or restriction on new incinerators have intensified in Wales, Scotland, and among environmental activists.
Despite growing concerns, incinerator expansions continue, with some councils locked into long-term contracts that hinder recycling advancements.
Inconsistencies in government policies have stalled decisive action against incineration expansion.
Nearly half of household waste, including increasing amounts of plastic, is incinerated, raising significant environmental concerns.
Over the last five years, these plants have surged, with energy-from-waste facilities increasing from 38 to 52 in England alone, despite criticisms and calls from experts to halt new incinerator projects.
The process of burning plastic leads to substantial greenhouse gas emissions, making this method five times more polluting than the average UK electricity production.
Although initially introduced as a greener alternative to landfills, incineration's environmental impact has worsened as more plastic is burned.
The government's Climate Change Committee highlights that incineration is set to contribute increasingly to emissions unless carbon capture measures are adopted.
With few facilities equipped to capture emissions, calls for a ban or restriction on new incinerators have intensified in Wales, Scotland, and among environmental activists.
Despite growing concerns, incinerator expansions continue, with some councils locked into long-term contracts that hinder recycling advancements.
Inconsistencies in government policies have stalled decisive action against incineration expansion.
