Although energy from waste has been around for many years, there are still some doubts and speculation surrounding the topic. We compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help answer any concerns or misconceptions about EfW practices. If you would like to learn more about how we recover energy, please visit the Energy from Waste Process page.
What is Energy from Waste (EfW)?
Energy from waste refers to processes that convert non-recyclable, non-hazardous waste to energy, such as electricity, steam, heat, or hydrogen. Technologies include direct combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. These methods thermochemically or biologically transform residual waste into power, supporting waste management and energy needs. Emerald Energy from Waste operates a thermal recycling facility with hybrid gasification-combustion technology. Syngas is generated from residual waste, then combusted to produce steam and electricity. The steam is sent to a local recycled paper mill through a closed-loop pipeline, displacing the need for fossil-fuel-based boilers. The electricity produced powers the energy recovery plant and sends the excess to the Ontario power grid.
Are the Energy Recovery Plant’s operations complementary to recycling and reduction?
The short answer, yes!
Modern energy from waste systems, including Emerald’s, process non-hazardous residual waste that cannot be recycled or composted. The energy from waste system is a downstream option to recover energy after the use of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle). Emerald’s operations never compete with the current waste hierarchy; instead, it manages residual waste that would end up in landfills.
How clean are the energy recovery plant emissions compared to other energy sources?
Emerald Energy from Waste’s energy recovery plant houses rigorous air pollution controls, such as venturi reactors, baghouse filters, and catalytic reduction systems. These technologies work together to limit greenhouse gas emissions, while continuous monitoring ensures we are meeting Ontario’s stringent regulations. Emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, particulates, mercury, and dioxins are lower than those of biomass plants when these controls are in place. By diverting waste from methane-producing landfills, Emerald Energy from Waste contributes to lower net greenhouse gas emissions while still operating to recover energy.
How much energy can waste generate?
Emerald currently processes 500 metric tonnes of waste per day at its energy recovery plant, producing 10 MW of electricity per year. Through our facility redevelopment, the new facility will increase its capacity to 2,500 tonnes per day. The expansion will enhance energy recovery from 10 MW to over 100 MW per year (that’s an increase from powering 6,000 average homes for a year to powering 60,000 homes).
After the Energy from Waste process, what happens to the bottom ash and residual materials?
Bottom ash is the inorganic material filtered from the flue gas stream, consisting of a mixture of lime, fly ash, and Powder Activated Carbon (PAC). Currently, Emerald recovers metals from the bottom ash, then uses the remaining bottom ash as a landfill cover to help suppress smells and compact waste. There is also a developing pilot project to reuse bottom ash in construction and aggregate.
Can the Energy Recovery Plant help municipalities financially and operationally?
Yes. EfW technologies provide a stable waste management option that avoids increasing landfill tipping fees, long-term environmental liabilities, and transportation costs from long-haul disposal sites. Simcoe County signed a 20-year contract with Emerald that secures disposal capacity exceeding their landfill lifespan and shortening hauling distances. Additionally, Emerald’ energy recovery plant supports local economies through job creation and procurement, with over 40 full-time employees.
How does EfW align with Ontario’s circular economy and climate policies?
Energy from waste aligns with Ontario’s Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act by viewing residual waste as a resource. Emerald’s long-term operations and planned redevelopment integrate circular economy strategies such as district heating and green hydrogen production. Additionally, the expansion will increase processing capacity to 2,500 tonnes per day and produce 100 MW of electricity per year. The facility’s hydrogen pilot project aims to produce up to 500kg of emission-free hydrogen per day. By using electricity and steam recovered from waste, Emerald Green Hydrogen supports the decarbonization of local transportation and industry.
In summary, Energy from Waste is a trusted option for managing unavoidable waste sustainably and efficiently. Especially when implemented with transparency, strict emissions controls, and respect for upstream waste reduction. Emerald Energy from Waste illustrates how municipalities can responsibly integrate waste-to-energy solutions to meet local energy needs, reduce emissions, extend landfill life, and support circular economy objectives.
