Burning waste to generate heat and electricity was deemed the UK’s “dirtiest form of power” in a BBC investigation in October 2024, after the country’s last coal plant closed the month before.
The energy from waste sector has more drawbacks than just its contribution to climate change. Its incinerators are often built in deprived areas, where they emit harmful pollution. There are also allegations of malpractice against particular plants.
The government has given planning permission for 41 new incinerators of household and commercial rubbish to supplement England’s existing 50. Is there a case for it, or is this form of waste management overwhelmingly negative?
