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UK's Waste-to-Energy: The 'Dirtiest Power' Revealed

1/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A BBC investigation has branded the UK's energy-from-waste as the "dirtiest form of power" after the last coal plant's closure. The approval of 41 new incinerators has sparked alarm over pollution and potential malpractice. Despite incineration's lower CO2 emissions compared to landfills, recycling rates stagnate, and contamination issues continue to plague the system.

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Story summary

A BBC investigation has branded the UK's energy-from-waste as the "dirtiest form of power" after the last coal plant's closure. The approval of 41 new incinerators has sparked alarm over pollution and potential malpractice. Despite incineration's lower CO2 emissions compared to landfills, recycling rates stagnate, and contamination issues continue to plague the system.