All operating WTE facilities in the United States have
been subjected to strict environmental regulations since the
passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990. As a
result, U.S. WTE facilities now meet or exceed stringent local
air quality standards, including those imposed by the South
Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in
Southern California.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) recognizes the important role of WTE in the integrated
solid waste management and ranks combustion higher than
landfilling in its solid waste management hierarchy. In
addition to upstream source reduction and recycling,
downstream thermal treatment of the residual MSW
(conducted in controlled environment) can effectively recover
energy and further reduce waste volume.
Despite all the advantages and environmental benefits of
thermal technologies, its utilization for treating MSW in
California still faces many challenges. These include negative
public perceptions, economical disadvantages, local
marketability of by-products, and disposal options for
residuals.
This paper discusses the need to include energy recovery
in the integrated MSW management in California and the
challenges encountered by many local jurisdictions.