What are the environmental impacts from Waste-to-Energy?
The physical and mechanical separation of materials creates noise and dust. There is a residue whose composition depends upon the product the process is making. Biological Treatment and Composting The biological treatment or composting of waste may result in odors. These facilities have special filters that are used to remove odors from the air before discharge. The facilities require the collection and treatment of any liquid running off of the compost piles. The biological process itself results in the production of carbon dioxide and waste from the microorganisms and vapors of other gasses from biological activity. There is a residue from compost facilities that consists mainly of stones, bits of broken glass, small metal pieces, plastic, and other non-biodegradable items. Chemical Treatment and Combustion The chemical treatment or combustion of waste produces carbon dioxide and a number of other compounds such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride,
