Waste
A forgotten source of energy
The amount of waste currently sent to landfill by society is unsustainable, as suitable space is becoming increasingly limited and ever more expensive, so legislators are taking measures to reduce this amount and mitigate its negative impact on the environment.
DEFRA estimate that 50m tonnes of domestic waste and 25m tonnes of commercial and industrial waste are landfilled each year, 60% of which is biodegradable and produces landfill gas. The flaring of this gas to prevent its harmful escape into the atmosphere is a wasted economic and environmental opportunity, and increasing awareness of the cost of landfill is creating a corresponding drive to realize the value of ‘waste’ in financial and ecological terms. Converting landfill gas to fuel will create a marketable product while reducing society’s need for dirtier fuels.
The EU Landfill Directive requires the UK to reduce the volume of biodegradable waste sent to landfill to 75% of that produced in 1995 by 2010, to 50% by 2013 and to 35% by 2020. Financial pressure is being applied to ensure the UK meets these requirements by means of measures such as through rising landfill tax. Over time, as we all reduce the amount of waste going to landfill to meet these targets, producers of biodegradable waste will seek alternative means of disposal. It is against this backdrop that we believe digesters can make a valuable and profitable contribution to a cleaner society.
