Renewable energy is defined as energy produced by natural resources — such as sunlight, wind, and geothermal heat — that are naturally replenished within a certain time span. Municipal solid waste is derived from finite natural resources and burning these materials for energy significantly hinders resource conservation, while burdening communities with pollution and climate impacts.
A new study reaffirms that waste incineration is neither a renewable nor clean source of energy through a thorough comparison with other energy sources. Waste incinerators, the dirtiest source of energy on the grid today, must not be part of national or state climate plans.
