About Covanta

We Help Communities Generate Energy from Waste

Covanta Energy (pronounced Coh-van-tuh) is an internationally recognized owner and operator of Energy-from-Waste (EfW) (also known as waste-to-energy or WTE) and 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 trash into clean, renewable energy for communities around the world. Covanta’s North American facilities supply electricity for  approximately 1 million homes. We consider EfW-generated energy to be renewable because the MSW we use in our process is consistently replenishable and all of the energy recovered by the EfW  process preserves natural resources and avoids secondary impacts from mining and the combustion of those resources.

Better for the Environment

Covanta’s U.S. 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 400,000 tons of metal annually for recycling that would have otherwise been lost in landfills. Covanta supports recycling and supports programs that enable communities to recycle as much as possible. Studies have shown that communities that have an EfW facility typically enjoy higher recycling rates than the national average.¹ Why? Processing MSW at Energy-from-Waste facilities for energy generation (steam or electricity) offsets, on average, one ton of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for every ton of waste processed. This occurs by avoiding energy generated from fossil fuels, methane produced by decomposing trash at landfills (methane is an extremely potent GHG - about 25 times more than carbon dioxide) and recovering metals for recycling.

Safe Operations

Health and safety at Covanta Energy is a priority at our Energy-from-Waste 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 energy-from-waste leader. We maintain a comprehensive health and safety program at all Covanta owned and/or operated facilities. Covanta is among the top ten companies in the U.S. to enter the majority of its operating locations into the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs.

Community Involvement

We take pride in being a good corporate citizen. Each of Covanta’s North American EfW facilities is involved in a variety of local community programs. Our community programs are centered mainly around waste disposal and recycling. Many of our employees volunteer their time to assist in cleaning up local rivers, streets, parks, in addition to, participating in local household hazardous waste programs. We also sponsor programs to support local sports teams, food pantries, scholarships and cell phones for soldiers programs. In general, we collaborate with our communities to protect and improve the environment.

¹ According to findings from the research study entitled, “Recycling and Waste-to-Energy: Are They Compatible? 2009 Update” conducted by Governmental Advisory Associate. The study was partially sponsored by The Energy Recovery Council of which Covanta Energy is a member.