Dedicated waste incineration plants no longer play a significant role in contributing to emissions of dioxins, dust or heavy metals in Germany, according to a report from the German Federal Environment Protection Agency (UBA).

Euwid reports that dixoin emissions from Germany‘‘s 66 dedicated waste incinerators emitted in total less than 0.5 g toxicity equivalent (TE). This compares with 1990 figures when 48 plants emitted 400 g TE.

Figures show that total dioxin emissions in Germany in 1990 were 1,200 g TE (MSW incineration was 33% of this), while in 2000 total emissions were down to less than 70 g (MSW incineration was 0.7% of this).

Euwid reports also that the German Environment Ministry claims that there would be more air pollution if there were no incinerators, due to displacement of fossil fuelled power stations