Increase in burning of plastic 'driving up emissions from waste disposal'

Expansion of energy-from-waste incineration could stop UK hitting its net zero carbon target, campaigners warn

Carbon emissions from waste disposal are increasing because of the expansion of energy-from-waste incineration plants, a coalition of campaigners has warned.

By 2030 the government's push to increase incineration of waste will increase CO₂ emissions by 10m tonnes a year, mostly from the burning of plastics, the groups said. They argue that the growth in energy-from-waste incineration means the UK will not be able to meet its commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.