RT Report
T1 Waste to Energy: Considerations for Informed Decision-making
A1 United Nations Environment Programme, 
K1 waste management
K1 recycling
K1 thermal energy
K1 developing country
K1 climate
K1 Small Island Developing States
K1 policy making
SN 978-92-807-3754-7
YR 2019
FD 2019
LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/28413
UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/28413
NO This report provides a balanced overview of trends in the numbers of municipal solid waste-to-energy plants around the world, and their impacts on people and the environment, including climate. It outlines key considerations to assist decision makers in developing countries when contemplating thermal waste-to-energy plants as a waste management option, while recognizing that it is important to always reduce, reuse and recycle before relying on incineration. Finally, as with every technology, investment and installation are never the end of the story. Integration within the local socio-economic context as well as long-term monitoring and maintenance are the only way to make technology work for us. This report approaches thermal waste-to-energy plants from a holistic perspective, positing that this knowledge-based outlook will lead to the positive and progressive outcomes for people and communities that help them to thrive.
DS UN Environment Document Repository
RD Sep 19, 2026