Waste-to-energy (WTE) is the process of converting non-recyclable waste into energy. Wet waste, solid waste, and gaseous waste can be used as feedstocks to create renewable fuels and products, heat, and electricity, solving waste disposal problems. The Bioenergy Technologies Office is interested in transforming waste into energy, particularly excess food generated by commercial, institutional, and residential sources, organic-rich liquid streams and sludges produced from municipal wastewater treatment processes, manure slurry, and organic materials from industrial processes.

WTE is used around the world to produce electricity, heat, and biogas from waste materials. The process involves combusting waste, such as paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and food scraps, into electricity or heat. The heat from combustion is used to generate steam to drive turbines, which produce electricity. This alternative power source cuts down on landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

The waste-to-energy process collects the heat from combustion, which can be used to heat water, produce steam, or turn a steam-powered turbine to produce electricity. The energy produced can be exported to surrounding enterprises or used directly by the plant itself. Although WTE technology has improved and is now considered an environmentally friendly option, it produces high levels of CO2 emissions, which contribute to climate change. WTE can also destroy materials that could be recovered through recycling, reduce the incentive to recycle, and fuel an unregulated waste trade.

Incineration was the first method of waste disposal and has several environmental drawbacks, such as greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and harmful ash residue. Refuse-derived fuel, a newer approach that sorts recyclable materials and non-combustible materials before burning the remaining waste, addresses this issue. Gasification is a more sustainable option than traditional incineration, converting waste materials into syngas through high-temperature application and producing fewer pollutants.