Waste-to-Energy in California: Technology, Issues, and Context

Abstract

This report serves as a starting point for discussions concerning the conversion of post-recycled urban-derived biomass and municipal waste to energy. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive review. There is controversy regarding the technologies, especially eligibility of thermal systems such as gasification for the State’s renewable portfolio standard. This prompted the Governor’s Office to request that CCST undertake a review of the operation, technological, and environmental performance of conversion technologies.

The report concludes that waste-to-energy technologies could have positive environmental impacts in California, but that both sides in the debate over converting municipal waste to energy have valid positions.