The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has issued a policy reaffirming waste-to-energy (WTE) as a key potential part of a solid waste management system.

The Silver Spring, Md.-based association said in a news release the policy supports the many communities that are considering expanding or building WTE facilities.

The association’s policy states that using WTE technology should be consistent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s waste management hierarchy and local government integrated solid waste management plans. The policy also outlines best practices a community should consider.

“It is important for the public to understand that waste-to-energy facilities positively impact greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis,” said Joe Murdoch, director of SWANA’s Waste-to-Energy Technical Division, which developed the policy. "This reflects the significant advances and investments in air pollution control that have been made at these facilities as the technology has evolved and complied with Federal law.”