Page 30 - Waste-to-Energy in the Danube Strategy Region. Challenges and Prospects

the other hand, given that WtE is often discussed as an alternative to landfilling, in that context it

is seen as a more environmentally friendly option which facilitates the avoidance of GHG emissions
from landfills.

Various tools exist to deal with both technical and environmental challenges. At a

regulatory level, there is a requirement to have a universally valid technical standard for WtE

facilities and standardized European measurement requirements for emissions in order to create

a stable environment for new project development. The production of dioxin emissions is limited
by both prevention during the incineration process and removal of dioxins from combustion

products using a combination of filters and barriers. These preventative measures are now

standard practice. The issue of dioxin emissions is therefore rather a technical challenge than an
environmental one, and any new WtE facility must meet strict emissions regulations (Ferdan 2008).

Given the above technological and environmental challenges, decision-makers should

take into account several factors when planning a WtE project. Not only the volume but also the

composition of waste become increasingly important when waste is shifted from landfills to WtE
plants. While emissions of dioxins and other by-products are not an issue for current incineration

technology, the challenge is to use the technology well and follow existing standards and best

practices accompanied with rigorous emissions monitoring.

Project co-funded by the European Union
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