There are some concerns that waste-to-energy plants will discourage recycling programs. Waste-to-energy plants should not be used to replace recycling. In some states, waste-to-energy plants can't be built until a recycling program is in place.

Of course there are negative aspects of burning garbage. Burning waste creates air emissions (as does burning other substances for energy); however, the EPA requires controls to be in place at all waste-to-energy facilities to capture these gases and dispose of them more safely.

Waste may be landfilled or burned for energy.

Photo courtesy of Onyx Waste Services of Michigan, Inc.