What’s the environmental impact of burning our rubbish? | BBC News

Burning household rubbish in giant incinerators to make electricity is now the dirtiest way the UK generates power, a BBC analysis has found.

Nearly half of the rubbish produced in UK homes, including increasing amounts of plastic, is now being incinerated.

Scientists warn it is a “disaster for the climate” – and some are calling for a ban on new incinerators.

The analysis found that burning waste produces the same amount of greenhouse gases for each unit of energy as coal power, which was abandoned by the UK last month.

The Environmental Services Association, which represents waste firms, contested the findings and said emissions from dealing with waste are “challenging to avoid”.

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