Thermal utilisation refers to the use of waste as a source of energy through the application of high temperatures. This process makes it possible to utilise waste and simultaneously generate energy in the form of heat and/or electricity.

Thermal utilisation technologies include:

• Incineration: waste is burnt to generate thermal energy.
• Pyrolysis: Waste is processed at high temperatures without oxygen to produce thermal energy and a renewable oil (pyrolysis oil).
• Gasification: Waste is processed at high temperatures with a limited supply of oxygen to produce thermal energy and a synthesis gas.

Thermal utilisation has both environmental and economic benefits. It reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency. It can also help to strengthen the local economy by creating jobs in waste utilisation and energy production.

However, it is important to note that thermal utilisation is not always the best method, as some processes can have a negative impact on the environment, such as emissions of greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air. It is important to use modern and efficient technologies and to carefully monitor and control emissions to minimise the impact on the environment. A comprehensive waste strategy should combine waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery to minimise environmental impact and maximise resource efficiency.

Thermal recovery can utilise a variety of materials, including:

• Waste: this can include a wide range of waste, such as household waste, commercial waste and construction waste.
• Biomass: This can include organic waste such as plant residues, garden waste and food waste.
• Waste fuels: This can include waste from the pulp and paper industry, the textile industry and the wood processing industry.
• Waste tyres: Waste tyres contain a lot of rubber and steel, which can be recycled during thermal recovery.
• Plastic waste: Plastic waste can be incinerated in thermal utilisation to generate energy.

Materials that are particularly suitable are waste with a high energy content, such as paper, wood, plastic and rubber tyres, which release a large amount of thermal energy during thermal utilisation. This waste can be incinerated in combined heat and power plants to generate electricity and heat. Biogenic waste such as garden waste and food scraps are also well suited, as they contain a high proportion of moisture and organic substances that can be converted into energy during thermal utilisation.

However, it is important to note that not all materials are suitable for thermal utilisation. Hazardous waste such as chemicals and pollutants should not be thermally utilised as this can lead to environmental problems. Waste with a low energy content, such as building materials, is also unsuitable for thermal utilisation as it consumes more energy than it produces.

Overall, thermal utilisation is a good way to recycle waste and generate energy. However, it is not the only option and it is important to consider the different recovery methods and their respective advantages and disadvantages in order to find the best solution for the recovery of waste.

There are also other recovery methods such as mechanical-biological recovery, fermentation and recycling processes. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses and it is important to carefully sort and analyse the waste to find the most suitable method. It is also important to consider the environmental and economic impact of the recovery methods to ensure that the environment and society are protected in the long term.