Waste to Energy (WtE): Not everyone has it, not everyone needs it, but everyone wants it. Why? 

Historically, in the early days of human settlements, people would relocate after waste accumulated around their living areas. However, as populations grew, moving to new locations became increasingly difficult, and the accumulation of waste led to odour issues and attracted wild animals. Consequently, the necessity for effective waste management began to emerge.  

Fast-forward to 2024, and we still face significant challenges in sustainably managing waste. Factors such as land encroachment, rapid population growth, increased waste quantities and varieties, and a lack of investment in environmental projects and waste management contribute to these difficulties. Often, these challenges are linked to deficiencies in leadership knowledge and skills at the decision-making level, leading to a search for promising projects. Among these, the concept of 'Waste to Energy' has gained considerable attention and popularity. 

However, not every big project is a good project, and not every big project is a smart project. Smart cities require smart people to make smart decisions, bringing on board smart projects to address challenges and foster continuous improvement. 

Examining the core focus of WtE projects

The first question to consider is, "What is the main focus of WtE projects?" Is the focus on 'waste' or 'energy?'

If the primary focus is on 'energy,' then there are more sustainable ways of producing energy than burning waste, which is financially intensive and can be environmentally polluting. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower offer cleaner, more sustainable alternatives that do not contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions.

However, if the focus is on 'waste,' which should be the correct focus, then it is crucial to clearly define 'waste.' In the simplest terms, waste is anything that does not have any economic value. If you can sell it, even for a nominal amount, it is not 'waste'. This is the essence of the circular economy, which aims to keep materials within the economic loop and away from the environment.

Rethinking what we burn in WtE projects

When considering WtE, we must ask ourselves, "What are we planning to burn?” If the materials we intend to incinerate are reusable, recyclable, or economically valuable, then the WtE project is inherently unsustainable. Burning valuable resources is akin to burning money—a practice that is neither smart nor economically viable.

This perspective brings us back to the fundamentals of the Sustainable Waste Management Hierarchy. WtE should be the last resort after effectively implementing the more desirable “R’s.” Only materials with no economic value and no potential for reuse or recycling should be considered for WtE.

The risks of misguided WtE projects

WtE projects can become problematic when used as a shortcut for addressing waste management shortcomings. Instead of solving the root problems, such projects might mask inefficiencies and lead to further environmental and economic consequences.

For a more in-depth discussion on sustainable waste management and effective leadership in environmental projects, I strongly encourage everyone to read my book, “Sustainable Development Leader, What It Takes To Be One.” The book critically explores the challenges and potential solutions for achieving sustainable waste management. Additionally, it analyses the essential skills and qualifications required and highlights the crucial role of a sustainable development leader in promoting effective and sustainable waste management practices.

Remember, not every big project is a good or smart project. For instance, having the biggest waste dumping yard represents a successful failure and an obstacle to achieving true sustainability. Smart waste management requires innovative thinking, effective leadership, and a commitment to sustainable practices prioritising long-term environmental health over short-term gains.

Dr. Rashed Mohamed Karkain is an esteemed Emirati innovator, researcher, expert in sustainable development and environmental protection, and author of the book “Sustainable Development Leaders - What It Takes To Be One.”