Glossary

Key terms and definitions related to Facilities.

Waste-to-Energy (WTE)

The process of generating electricity or heat from the combustion or biological conversion of waste materials.

A biological process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas.

A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced by the decomposition of organic waste in landfills.

Biogas that has been upgraded to pipeline quality by removing CO₂, moisture, and impurities.

A WTE technology where unsorted municipal solid waste is combusted on a moving grate to generate steam and electricity.

A thermochemical process that converts waste into synthesis gas (syngas) at high temperatures with limited oxygen.

Processed municipal waste that has been shredded, dried, and pelletized for use as a fuel.

The charge paid by waste haulers to dispose of waste at a WTE facility or landfill, typically per ton.

Using waste heat from electricity generation for district heating, industrial processes, or other thermal loads.

Technologies used at WTE facilities to remove pollutants from flue gas before it is released to the atmosphere.

The non-combustible residue remaining after waste incineration, often processed for metals recovery and reuse as aggregate.

The ratio of actual energy output to the maximum possible output, measuring how consistently a WTE plant operates.