With mountains of stuff we throw away literally ‘going to waste’ in landfills – where it emits greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to global climate change – some countries are turning to garbage as another source of energy.

By incinerating waste from households, businesses and industry, SYSAV supplies both district heating and electricity to local communities in southern Sweden. After decades of operation, the locals also enjoy the benefits of reclaimed land turned into parks.

How does waste-to-energy (WTE) work?

Inside the SYSAV Plant in Malmö, Sweden

Globally, garbage is a massive problem, with many complex aspects explored in the photos and (hidden) captions below. While considering whether WTE is an effective solution, we’d like you to keep in mind some ‘big-picture’ questions.

walkinenergy-favicon-64px How much waste would you guess the World produces daily? [1]
walkinenergy-favicon-64px What country produces the most waste per person? [2]
walkinenergy-favicon-64px What industries produce the most waste? [3]
walkinenergy-favicon-64px What does it say about our ‘throw-away’ society that one small region in Sweden can supply heat and electricity by burning waste 24/7? [4]
walkinenergy-favicon-64px Can WTE be a sustainable energy source in developing countries, where both energy and infrastructure for waste management are lacking? [5]
walkinenergy-favicon-64px How much waste do you throw out weekly? Can you think of ways to make it less? [6]
In 2015, the World produced 381 mln tonnes of waste daily
Garbage pile in trash dump or landfill. Pollution concept

In 2015, the World produced 381 mln tonnes of waste daily

Composting could slash what goes to landfill by ~30%.
Compost Garden

Composting could slash what goes to landfill by ~30%.

E-waste is often shipped to developing countries for recycling, reuse or disposal.
E-waste

E-waste is often shipped to developing countries for recycling, reuse or disposal.

Food accounts for ~50% of global solid waste.
Food & Waste

Food accounts for ~50% of global solid waste.

Since 1950, cumulative plastic production has reached 7.8 bln tonnes – >1 t/person.
Plastic production

Since 1950, cumulative plastic production has reached 7.8 bln tonnes – >1 t/person.

Garbage
Garbage

Per person, Americans generate 2.0 kg of waste per day.

[1] https://ourworldindata.org/faq-on-plastics#how-much-plastic-and-waste-do-we-produce
[2] March 2008, Cashing in on Climate Change, IBISWorld
[3] https://ourworldindata.org/faq-on-plastics#how-much-plastic-and-waste-do-we-produce
[4] https://www.statista.com/topics/4983/waste-generation-worldwide/#dossierKeyfigures
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_by_country
[6] https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/divert-household-waste/8423.html