Ten steps to a successful energy recovery project

This guidebook offers a procedure for community and industrial decision makers to follow in assessing the feasibility of technologies that generate energy from waste while reducing waste volumes. Energy can be economically recovered from solid waste and municipal sludge. Steam, electricity, methane gas and solid combustible fuels all are recoverable from solid waste. Some of these processes have been employed for many years in Wisconsin. All of the technologies are proven and readily available. Waste to energy can and should be part of an integrated approach to meeting waste management needs. When considering a potential waste to energy project, examine as well all other options for recycling and disposal. Combining a recycling program with a waste to energy system may reduce the necessary capital expense and enhance public acceptance. With most waste to energy systems, landfilling will still be necessary for selected materials and residues. Consequently, the need for special handling at landfills and the associated potential problems must be carefully evaluated. 14 figs., 4 tabs.