Waste-to-energy capacities in Germany and their future development in a circular economy

Politicians and industry regularly emphasize the importance of the circular economy for a resource- and climate-friendly future. Nevertheless, in 2017 more than 26 million tons of waste went up in flames irretrievably in waste incineration plants and refuse-derived fuel power plants. Yet so-called energy recovery is only in fourth place in the legally prescribed waste hierarchy - behind avoidance, reuse and recycling. Waste incineration has its justification, but it must be limited to its actual task, namely to incinerate those wastes for which there are no better recovery routes. A true circular economy requires less incineration capacity. But how high is the reduction potential and what measures are necessary to reduce capacities? These questions are answered in the new study by Öko-Institut and Alwast Consulting commissioned by NABU. The study outlines three scenarios in which waste incineration capacities in Germany can be reduced by means of various measures. There is a lot of catching up to do in implementing the separate collection obligation for biowaste, the Commercial Waste Ordinance and the Packaging Act. Enforcement of these laws alone would result in five million tons less waste being incinerated. One fifth of incineration capacity could be reduced as a result - without a single change in the law! There is further potential for savings through additional measures such as the introduction of a nationwide recycling garbage can, better recycling of bulky waste, and progress in waste avoidance and waste separation through intensive educational work and source-based fee systems. Waste imports for incineration can also be minimized. In line with the self-sufficiency/proximity principle of the EU Waste Framework Directive, the EU states must build up sufficient recycling structures of their own in the medium term. This could reduce the need for incineration by a further 1.5 million metric tons.