Prominent waste-to-energy (WTE) expert and adjunct professor of environmental science and of engineering at Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, delivered an insightful talk during the forum titled “Unmasking Waste to Energy: Advocating for Zero Waste” held at the University of the Cordilleras and organized by Zero Waste Baguio Inc. and other collaborators last July 31. Emmanuel shed light on the critical environmental and health impacts of WTE processes and advocates for a zero-waste approach.
Emmanuel, a globally renowned environmental scientist, began his talk by defining WTE and its two primary processes. WTE that uses biological processes involves the decomposition of organic waste to produce energy, whereas WTE that uses high heat involves incinerating waste materials. While both methods aim to reduce waste volume and generate energy, Emmanuel emphasized the significant environmental pollutants they produce.
The main pollutants from WTE processes include toxic air pollutants, toxic ash, and toxic scrubber water. Among the toxic air pollutants, dioxins were highlighted as the most hazardous.
“Dioxins are the most toxic chemicals known to science,” Emmanuel stated, explaining their severe long-term health impacts. Dioxins can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food, and skin contact. Once inside, they can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, and damage the immune system.
The lack of capability in the Philippines to monitor these toxins continuously is another major concern. Emmanuel pointed out that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR EMB) currently lacks the capacity for continuous dioxin monitoring in WTE facilities. This gap poses a significant risk to public health and the environment.
He also stressed the generational impact of dioxins, stating that “If dioxins produced today fall on the ground and are covered by just two centimeters of soil, it could take 10 to 40 generations for most of the dioxins to disappear.” This persistent pernicious quality of dioxins underscores the long-term environmental damage caused by WTE processes.
Another critical point in Emmanuel’s lecture was the effect of thermal WTE on climate change. He explained that thermal WTE processes release significant amounts of CO2, exacerbating global warming. Additionally, the “lock-in effect” of WTE infrastructure means that once these facilities are built, they require a steady stream of waste to remain operational, discouraging waste reduction and recycling efforts.
As a viable alternative, Emmanuel advocates for a zero-waste approach, highlighting successful models in the Philippines such as Tacloban City in Leyte and San Fernando City in Pampanga. These cities have implemented comprehensive zero-waste programs that focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, demonstrating that sustainable waste management is achievable and beneficial to all.
“Conserve the earth’s precious resources for future generations. Transition towards zero waste, climate-neutrality, and a safe and sustainable circular economy. Avoid plastic waste… and ban false solutions including thermal WTE,” Emmanuel concluded.
The talk was well-received by attendees, which included students, faculty members, environmental advocates, and local government officials. Members of the audience, including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, expressed their newfound understanding of the critical issues surrounding WTE and their commitment to advocating for zero-waste initiatives in their communities.
During the said event, the mayor also announced that “the city of Baguio will be formally abandoning its waste to energy project.”
