The current status of MSW disposal and energy production: a brief review of waste incineration

The process of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration and specifically waste to energy (WTE) incineration has evolved substantially since new legislation was introduced in the 1990’s. What was once one of the dirtiest, pollution ridden methods of waste disposal has become a cleaner option when compared to several other alternative disposal methods. WTE incineration also has the added benefit of using waste as a resource to produce energy. Those opposed to WTE incineration, however, do not believe it is worth the investment. They believe the focus should be on overall waste reduction rather than dealing with the excess refuse, which is a valid argument. This paper will briefly outline the history of waste incineration and its evolution over the past century. It will also present the basic principles of the most common WTE incineration processes, the current status, and public opinion regarding WTE incineration, particularly as it applies in the United States.