Energy Recovery Explained
When people think about waste disposal, they often imagine black bin bags heading to landfill. But there’s an essential and often misunderstood process that sits between landfill and recycling—energy recovery. At CDDL, we believe in maximising the value of every waste stream, and that includes extracting energy from non-recyclable materials in a way that supports sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
In this blog, we’ll explain what energy recovery is, how it works, and why it’s such a crucial part of our waste management strategy.
What is Energy Recovery?
Energy recovery is the process of converting non-recyclable waste materials into usable forms of energy, such as electricity or heat. It’s often referred to as Energy from Waste (EfW). This method ensures that waste which cannot be recycled still contributes to a circular economy by reducing the need for fossil fuels and providing a cleaner energy source.
At CDDL, we divert as much as possible from landfill, and what can’t be reused or recycled is sent to Energy from Waste facilities, helping to close the loop on waste disposal.
What Kind of Waste is Used for Energy Recovery?
Not all waste is suitable for recycling. Items contaminated with food, multi-layered materials (like certain types of packaging), and residual waste that has no further use are commonly sent for energy recovery.
Typical materials include:
- Soiled paper or cardboard
- Certain plastics that can’t be reprocessed
- Waste from mechanical sorting facilities
- Contaminated packaging
- Non-recyclable general waste
These materials would otherwise go to landfill, where they release methane—a harmful greenhouse gas. By using them for energy recovery, we’re taking a more responsible and sustainable approach.
How Does the Process Work?
Once waste has been segregated at our site—either manually by our team or using machinery like optical sorters, magnets, and shredders—non-recyclable residuals are prepared for transfer to an Energy from Waste facility. Here’s what happens next:
- Combustion: The waste is incinerated at high temperatures in a specially designed furnace.
- Energy Generation: The heat produced is used to boil water, creating steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. Some facilities also capture heat for district heating systems, supplying nearby homes or businesses.
- Emissions Control: Modern EfW plants have strict emissions regulations. They use filters and scrubbers to clean the gases produced, making them safe for the environment.
- Ash Management: The leftover ash is collected and sorted. Metals are extracted for recycling, and the remaining ash is often used in construction, such as road building.
At every stage, safety and environmental responsibility are key.
What are the Benefits of Energy Recovery?
Energy recovery offers a range of environmental and practical benefits, including:
- Reduced Landfill Use: Less waste sent to landfill means less pollution and fewer methane emissions.
- Energy Creation: The process helps power homes and businesses with an alternative energy source.
- Material Recovery: Even after combustion, we can extract metals and other materials from the residual ash.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Energy from waste can offset the need for fossil fuels, contributing to climate change goals.
- Cleaner Cities: By managing waste efficiently and locally, we reduce transportation emissions and reliance on long-haul landfill options.
It’s a modern solution for the waste we can’t avoid.
How CDDL Supports Energy Recovery
At CDDL, we prioritise recycling and reuse wherever possible—but we also recognise the value of energy recovery in the wider waste management process. Our team ensures that non-recyclable waste is correctly processed and sent to accredited facilities where it’s turned into energy rather than buried in the ground.
We handle all stages in-house, including shredding and baling of materials, which allows us to maintain tight control over quality and contamination. Our partnerships with local authorities and businesses also mean we’re helping communities make more sustainable choices every day.
The Bigger Picture
Energy recovery plays a key role in achieving national sustainability targets. As legislation evolves, such as with Simpler Recycling, waste producers—from households to businesses—are being encouraged to separate waste streams more effectively. The cleaner the waste, the more efficiently we can recycle or recover energy from it.
By investing in advanced waste segregation and energy recovery partnerships, CDDL is not just managing waste—we’re helping to power a cleaner future.
Final Thoughts
Energy recovery isn’t just a fallback—it’s an integral part of a modern, sustainable waste management strategy. By turning non-recyclable waste into useful electricity and heat, we’re giving waste a second life and making sure that even the materials we can’t recycle still contribute to a greener planet.
At CDDL, we’re proud to be part of that process. Whether you’re a business, local authority, or organisation looking to improve your waste strategy, we’re here to help—from secure shredding and baling to responsible recycling and energy recovery.
Interested in learning more or booking a waste consultation?
Get in touch with the CDDL team today and discover how we can help you manage your waste more sustainably.
