From Waste to Watts...

The Surprising Environmental Upside of Incinerating Garbage in Developing Countries

The challenges of waste removal…

In the realm of developing nations, waste management presents a significant challenge, with consequences that extend beyond national borders. This issue is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including infrastructure deficiencies, rapid urbanization, economic constraints, and inefficient waste management practices, which collectively fuel a cycle of improper waste disposal and subsequent environmental degradation.

A primary barrier in addressing waste management issues in developing countries is the lack of essential infrastructure. The absence or inadequacy of waste collection systems, landfills, and recycling facilities forces communities to rely on unsustainable disposal methods such as open dumping and burning. These open dumpsites, often unregulated, become hotspots for disease vectors, spread pathogens, and leach harmful substances into soil and water bodies. Open burning of waste, while reducing its volume, releases a plethora of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and posing significant respiratory health risks.

The rapid urbanization in developing countries further exacerbates the waste management crisis. As urban areas expand and populations increase, the generation of waste rises exponentially, straining the already limited waste management infrastructure. The rapid influx of people into cities often outstrips the development of adequate waste management systems.

UN and WEF stance on burning plastic for energy…

The United Nations (UN) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have both expressed concerns about the practice of burning plastic for energy. They claim that while it can significantly reduce waste, it can have several negative environmental and health consequences.

The UN has stated that burning plastic releases harmful pollutants into the air, including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and other health problems. The UN has also said that burning plastic contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The WEF has echoed these concerns, stating that burning plastic is a "major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions." The WEF has also said that burning plastic can release toxic chemicals into the environment that can harm human health and wildlife.

Both the UN and the WEF have called for a global effort to reduce the amount of plastic that is burned for energy. They have encouraged countries to invest in waste management systems that recycle or reuse plastic waste instead of burning it.

Converting plastic waste to energy…