Waste-to-energy can be sound policy

THE GLOBE addressed an important policy issue in its Oct. 18 editorial "Waste makes haste." In the 1980s, Massachusetts began banning new waste-to-energy facilities, thinking this policy would promote recycling and reduce trash generation. Fast-forward two decades. Has the ban made us a recycling leader? Just the opposite; our recycling rate is mediocre. Has the ban reduced waste generation? No, generation has increased markedly, and we send our large surplus to other states for disposal. This carries a significant cost to Massachusetts in dollars, environmental burden, and, for our hypocrisy, loss of credibility.

Meanwhile, Western European countries, Japan, and progressive states such as Minnesota boast some of the highest recycling rates in the world, while embracing the environmental soundness of recovering energy from post-recycling waste. A key point: Today's waste-to-energy facilities, both modern combustion and gasification types, are safe. Emissions of dioxin and mercury are minuscule compared with two decades ago.

Governor Patrick has shown admirable courage in the positions he has taken on issues such as Cape Wind, police details, auto insurance competition, and budget restraint. Here's another opportunity. Build waste policy on three cornerstones: waste reduction, increased recycling, and modern energy recovery.

DAVE MINOTT
Groton
The writer is an air quality meteorologist and a consultant on renewable energy.