Do Waste-to-Energy facilities emit Mercury?
Mercury moves through the environment as a result of both natural (volcano eruptions) and human activities. Human activities that are most responsible for causing mercury to enter the environment involve the use and consumption of products containing mercury and disposal into the waste stream or wastewater system. Waste-to-Energy facilities in Minnesota have been working hard to reduce mercury air emissions. Since 1990, Minnesota’s Waste-to-Energy facilities have decreased their mercury emissions by over 90%. Counties have assisted in this effort by implementing mercury recycling and reduction programs.
