About Covanta

We help communities generate Energy-from-Waste

 Covanta Energy is an internationally recognised owner and operator of Energy-from-Waste (EfW) (also known as Waste-to-Energy or WTE) and other renewable energy projects and has provided reliable and sustainable municipal solid waste (MSW) management to communities since 1986. We operate over 40 state-of-the-art facilities that convert everyday waste into reliable energy for communities around the world. Covanta’s North American facilities supply electricity for the equivalent of one million homes which, for comparative purposes, is equal to the number of homes in the county of West Midlands, the UK’s second most populous county after Greater London.

Better for the environment

Covanta’s US operations process approximately 65 percent of the nation’s EfW volume and generate, in combination with our other renewable energy facilities, approximately eight percent of America’s non-hydro renewable electricity. As part of the process, we recover over 360,000 tonnes of metal annually for recycling that would have otherwise been lost in landfill. Covanta encourages recycling and supports programmes that enable communities to recycle as much as possible. Countries in Europe that utilise EfW as part of their integrated waste management solution typically enjoy higher recycling rates, than those that do not. Why? Processing MSW at EfW facilities for energy generation (steam and/or electricity) offsets 460kg of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for every tonne of waste processed. This occurs by avoiding energy generated from fossil fuels, methane produced by decomposing waste at landfills (methane is an extremely potent GHG – over 20 times more than carbon dioxide) and recovering metals for recycling.

In 2005 Covanta entered the UK market and established a head office in the West Midlands. With a national focus on moving the management of waste further up the Waste Hierarchy the UK offers a wealth of opportunities for developing alternative waste treatment facilities. Covanta’s vision for the UK and Ireland is to develop seven sites which are sized and sited to best satisfy national demand for sustainable waste management and renewable energy generation.

Safe Operations

Health and safety at Covanta Energy is a priority at our EfW facilities and other operations around the world. Covanta’s health and safety commitment helps maintain consistent productivity and work quality that supports our reputation as the EfW leader. We maintain a comprehensive health and safety programme at all Covanta owned and/or operated facilities. Covanta is among the top ten companies in the US to have the majority of its operating locations accepted into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s prestigious STAR Voluntary Protection Programme.

Community Involvement

We take pride in being a good corporate neighbour. Each of Covanta’s North American EfW facilities is involved in a variety of local community programmes. Our community programmes are centred mainly around waste disposal and recycling. Many of our employees volunteer their time to assist in cleaning up local rivers, streets, and parks, in addition to participating in local household hazardous waste programmes. We also sponsor programmes to support local sports teams, food pantries, educational scholarships and mobile phones for soldiers programmes.

Even with a packed portfolio of projects Covanta’s team in the UK also find time to regularly raise funds for charity. The team has scaled mountains, cycled 100 miles, baked cakes, collected books and films, and all to raise money for good causes. As facilities get established and start to come online Covanta is committed to continuing this ethos for the benefit of the communities and the environment where we operate.