Economic contradictions of the waste-to-energy concept and emissions reduction plan (case study, Czech Republic)

According to the latest waste-to-energy concept, the corporate operators of urban heating systems (UHS) in European Union (EU) should replace fossil fuels by incineration of mixed municipal solid waste (MMSW, following 2008/98/EC Waste Framework Directive that implements mandatory waste separation system for at least paper, plastic, glass, and metal packaging since 31 of December 2014). However, there are indications that MMSW incineration will be counterproductive to the existing Directive on reducing national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants. Material flow analysis for comparing the environmental impacts of the incineration of lignite, natural gas, and waste in UHS was carried out on a commercial scale. Results showed that replacing lignite by MMSW can lead to an increase in emissions of nitrogen oxides and other negative environmental impacts. However, it is proposed that co-combustion MMSW with natural gas could be a better alternative.