A review of the role of plastics in energy recovery

This report reviews the major scientific investigations that have been reported world wide over the last ten years on the effect of plastics on the process and emission performance of energy from waste (EFW) facilities. Concentrations of contaminants in air emissions and other process residues measured during tests with added plastics are compared with concentrations during normal operations and with the stringent emission limits stipulated in municipal waste combustor standards and guidelines in Canada, the United States and the European Union. The emission limits in these standards and guidelines are based on the use of the best technology available (Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards in North America and Best Available Technology (BAT) standards in Europe) and are amongst the most stringent in the world.