U.S. capacity to convert waste to energy declines after remaining steady since 1994

U.S. waste-to-energy (WTE) electric-generating capacity has recently started to decline after averaging around 2,219 megawatts (MW) for 24 years, according to our June 2022 Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. From 2018 to 2022, 188 MW of WTE capacity retired, and another 36 MW is expected to retire by 2027. Low electricity prices, local opposition, and continued policy concerns about emissions have pressured WTE plant owners to close in recent years.