By Gina Rudkin, Head of Sustainability and Zero Waste at Axil
The BBC recently published an article labelling waste incineration as the “dirtiest form of power,” drawing comparisons to coal emissions. While the discussion raises valid concerns, it overlooks critical context about the role of Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facilities in modern waste management.
At Axil, we believe in open and honest conversations about sustainability—and that means addressing the complexities of waste management while staying true to our core values of partnership and environmental stewardship.
From Landfills to Incineration: A Necessary Transition
For decades, landfill was the default solution for residual waste. However, the UK government recognised its environmental shortcomings and introduced the Landfill Tax in 1997, steadily increasing it to deter reliance on landfills. This policy shift spurred investment in EfW incinerators, which now number around 60 nationwide. These facilities process non-recyclable household and commercial waste, converting it into energy through combustion.
According to Tolvik’s 2023 UK Energy from Waste Statistics report, EfW plants generated 3.1% of the UK’s electricity that year, producing approximately 605 kWh per tonne of waste. While energy generation is a secondary benefit – their primary purpose remains waste diversion – these facilities have significantly reduced landfill dependence.
Addressing the Emissions Debate
The BBC’s comparison of EfW emissions to coal-fired power stations misses a key distinction: incineration isn’t just about generating energy – it’s primarily a way to manage non-recyclable waste, with energy recovery as a secondary benefit. By contrast, coal plants exist solely for power generation.
Critically, the BBC’s analysis also omits the emissions saved by avoiding landfills. A 2021 independent study by Fichtner Consulting Engineers found that EfW saves 200kg of CO2 per tonne of waste compared to landfill. Methane emissions from decomposing organic waste in landfills are 28–36 times more potent than CO2 over a century, making EfW a preferable alternative for non-recyclables.
Modern EfWs are also tightly regulated. The UK Environment Agency mandates stringent emissions controls, including abatement technologies to filter pollutants. Facilities must adhere to strict parameters and report breaches—a far cry from the unregulated practices of the past.
The Road Ahead: Policy and Progress
The elephant in the room is the composition of residual waste. Currently, UK households and businesses discard significant volumes of recyclable plastics and food waste into general waste bins, contributing to EfW emissions. However, impending policy changes in 2025 (for businesses) and 2026 (for households) will require:
- Mandatory food waste collections
- Standardised recycling protocols to capture plastics and other materials consistently
These reforms will divert organic and recyclable waste from EfW streams, helping to further reduce the fossil and biogenic emissions associated with incineration.
Axil’s Approach: Partnership and Environmental Stewardship
At Axil, we don’t just talk about sustainability – we live it. Our approach is rooted in two core values: partnership and environmental stewardship.
Partnership: Collaborating for Change
We believe that meaningful progress happens when we work together. That’s why we prioritise collaboration with our clients, suppliers, and communities to identify opportunities for waste reduction and resource recovery. By building strong partnerships, we can co-create solutions that focus efforts at the top of the waste hierarchy and drive real impact.
For example, we work closely with businesses to implement anaerobic digestion for food waste, turning it into biogas and nutrient-rich fertilisers instead of sending it to EfW facilities. We also help clients optimise their recycling processes, ensuring plastics and other materials are diverted from incineration.
Environmental Stewardship: Delivering Measurable Results
Our commitment to environmental performance is unwavering. We measure success not just in terms of waste diverted from landfill (an industry leading <1% of all client waste collected), but in the broader impact of our actions—reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and supporting the transition to a circular economy.
By focusing on the top of the waste hierarchy – prevention, reuse, and recycling – we minimise the volume of waste requiring thermal treatment. This not only reduces emissions but also aligns with our mission to deliver sustainable, future-proof solutions for our clients.
Conclusion: A Stepping Stone, Not a Destination
EfW incineration is not a perfect solution, but it remains a critical interim measure as we transition toward a circular economy. The alternative – landfills – poses greater climate risks. With policy reforms on the horizon and companies like Axil championing waste prevention, the UK is poised to reduce its reliance on incineration while advancing sustainable practices.
At Axil, we see this moment as an opportunity to reaffirm our values. Through partnership, we can drive collective action. Through environmental performance, we can deliver measurable results. And through innovation, we can build a future where waste is a resource—not a burden.
Gina Rudkin leads Axil’s sustainability strategy, driving innovation in zero-waste solutions for businesses nationwide. Connect with her on LinkedIn to join the discussion.