From waste-to-energy to waste-to-resources: The new role of thermal treatments of solid waste in the Recycling Society

摘要

Europe and most of OECD countries are moving towards a Recycling Society, "one that not only avoids producing waste but also uses it as a resource" (European Commission, 2011). Accordingly, there are previsions and formal new targets for very high recycling rates, together with fervent debates about and requests of growing investments into prevention measures. It could appear that waste-to-energy (WtE) processes are relegating in the past. But a careful assessment of the true goals of a sustainable waste management and a look at the real experience throughout the world tell a different story.