As the world seeks cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions and more innovative ways to manage waste, Energy from Waste (EfW) emerges as a compelling answer to both challenges. EfW, also known as waste to energy (WtE), refers to the process of converting non-recyclable, non-hazardous waste into usable forms of energy such as electricity, steam, or heat. This technology not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also helps decrease reliance on fossil fuels by turning waste into a resource.
Waste to Energy Technology Explained
Emerald Energy from Waste, located in Brampton, Ontario, has been a pioneer in this field for over three decades. Since opening in 1992, the facility has processed over three million tonnes of solid waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Emerald commits to environmental stewardship, efficiency, and innovation in its approach. It accepts municipal, industrial, commercial, and institutional waste, screens it to remove unacceptable materials, and then thermally treats it to recover energy. The core of its technology involves a process known as gasification, where waste is heated in a low-oxygen environment to break it down into a synthetic gas, also referred to as syngas. That syngas is then combusted at extremely high temperatures to generate heat.
The specialized boiler uses the produced heat to boil water, creating high-pressure steam. This steam drives a turbine generator that produces up to 10 megawatts of electricity, enough to power the entire facility and still contribute energy to Ontario’s electricity grid (take a deep dive into the Energy from Waste Process). But Emerald goes a step further. Since 2008, it has supplied steam to a nearby recycled paper mill through a dedicated pipeline, displacing the mill’s need for natural gas and creating a closed-loop, circular solution that supports local industry while reducing emissions.
While thermal recycling is the most common method for generating energy from waste globally, Emerald’s waste to energy technology is more advanced and environmentally considerate. Its system includes robust air pollution control technologies that filter and neutralize harmful compounds before releasing them into the atmosphere. These include systems to capture particulate matter, acid gases, heavy metals, and even trace organic compounds. Continuous emissions monitoring ensures the facility consistently meets or exceeds Ontario’s strict environmental standards.
Benefits of Energy from Waste
The benefits of Energy from Waste are significant. By recovering energy from non-recyclable materials, EfW reduces our reliance on landfills, which are nearing capacity in many parts of Ontario. It also offsets the use of fossil fuels in energy production and industrial processes, thereby contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it supports the development of a circular economy by converting residual waste into a valuable resource. For Emerald, energy from waste is not a replacement for recycling and reduction, but a complementary strategy that fits within the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover.
The Future of Emerald
Looking ahead, Emerald is actively planning to expand and modernize its facility. The proposed redevelopment includes increasing its processing capacity, enhancing energy recovery systems, and introducing new capabilities such as district heating and green hydrogen production. These innovations will further strengthen Emerald’s role in Ontario’s clean energy transition. Hydrogen, produced using the energy generated from waste, represents a promising zero-emission fuel that could help decarbonize industries that are difficult to electrify.
Of course, any large-scale waste facility must operate transparently and with the trust of the community. Emerald has committed to engaging residents and stakeholders through public open houses, a Public Liaison Committee, and a formal Environmental Assessment process. These outreach opportunities ensure decisions about the facility’s future are informed by community voices and guided by scientific evaluation.
Energy from waste is more than just a method of disposal; it’s a forward-thinking energy strategy. When done responsibly and with the proper environmental safeguards, it offers a practical solution to two pressing problems: what to do with our waste, and how to produce cleaner energy. Emerald Energy from Waste shows that waste is no longer just an endpoint, but the start of something great.
