With Australia's waste crisis accelerating and landfill capacity declining, Energy from Waste provides a sustainable solution for managing waste that cannot be recycled. As a global leader operating more than 60 energy recovery facilities worldwide, Veolia brings proven expertise to Australia's waste challenge. Every time non-recyclable waste goes to landfill, valuable resources are lost — energy, metals, and materials that could power communities and support a circular economy. Energy from Waste isn't a replacement for recycling — it's the essential next step. It takes unrecyclable materials destined for landfill, recovers valuable metals and aggregates, and generates clean electricity and heat for industry. Veolia's Energy from Waste facilities transform this challenge into opportunity, creating local jobs, generating clean energy, and recovering resources that would otherwise be buried. Whether you're a regulatory body, community member, industry professional, or business, we're committed to transparency and open dialogue about Energy from Waste. ## **How does Energy from Waste work?** Energy recovery from waste works like conventional coal or gas combustion where the steam powers a turbine to produce electricity. But instead of using fossil fuels, Energy from Waste technology is highly efficient and has been adapted for modern non-recyclable waste materials. ## **The process:** 1️⃣ Residual waste arrives 2️⃣ Combustion → Waste burns at 850°C+ in a controlled, oxygen-regulated environment 3️⃣ Energy generation → Heat creates steam that drives turbines, generating electricity 4️⃣ Cleaning → Advanced systems to remove 99.9% of pollutants from emissions 5️⃣ Metal recovery → Magnets extract metals from ash for recycling 6️⃣ Power export → Electricity goes to the grid; heat can warm local homes and be used by industry including agriculture ## **The result:** - 3 tonnes of waste generates the same amount of electricity as 1 tonne of coal - Produces a low-carbon energy alternative - Provides reliable, 24/7 continuous power that complements intermittent renewables like solar and wind - Generates both electricity and heat for nearby homes, businesses, and industries including agriculture - Strengthens local energy security and grid stability - Reduces landfill demand by over 90% Previous Next ### Our proposed projects [ ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2022/06/ARC%20May%202022%20design%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=MVHXrsoK) ](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/our-facilities/energy-from-waste/woodlawn)[Woodlawn Advanced Energy Recovery Centre, NSW](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/our-facilities/energy-from-waste/woodlawn) ### [Woodlawn Advanced Energy Recovery Centre, NSW](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/our-facilities/energy-from-waste/woodlawn) [ ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2022/06/maryvale.jpeg.webp?itok=5UcII69D) ](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/our-facilities/energy-from-waste/maryvale)[Maryvale Energy from Waste Facility, VIC](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/our-facilities/energy-from-waste/maryvale) ### [Maryvale Energy from Waste Facility, VIC](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/our-facilities/energy-from-waste/maryvale) [ ![Woodlawn people image](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2025/11/0I4A5604.jpg.webp?itok=74y5arvN) ](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/newsroom/newsroom/ask-us-anything-energy-waste)[Want to learn more about Energy from Waste?](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/newsroom/newsroom/ask-us-anything-energy-waste) ### [Want to learn more about Energy from Waste?](https://www.anz.veolia.com/en-au/newsroom/newsroom/ask-us-anything-energy-waste) ### What are the benefits of energy from waste? ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2022/06/Less%20waste.png.webp?itok=Y0BMTuZY) Reduces landfill: Diverts non-recyclable materials, helping preserve our limited landfill capacity ### Reduces landfill: Diverts non-recyclable materials, helping preserve our limited landfill capacity ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2022/06/fewer%20fossil.png.webp?itok=yR3Z1ZuT) Generates clean energy: Converts waste into reliable, locally generated baseload electricity ### Generates clean energy: Converts waste into reliable, locally generated baseload electricity ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2022/06/less%20waste%20to%20landfill.png.webp?itok=jJMvJ1Ze) Supports recycling: Works alongside existing recycling systems — not in competition with them ### Supports recycling: Works alongside existing recycling systems — not in competition with them ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2022/06/energy-efficient.png.webp?itok=pjC1a0jK) Improves environmental outcomes: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfill using proven, advanced technologies that meet strict environmental and health standards ### Improves environmental outcomes: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfill using proven, advanced technologies that meet strict environmental and health standards ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2022/06/less-impact.png.webp?itok=iY_ldnDk) Recovers valuable resources: Extracts metals and materials that would have otherwise been buried in landfill ### Recovers valuable resources: Extracts metals and materials that would have otherwise been buried in landfill ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2011/files/styles/media/public/image/2022/06/employment.png.webp?itok=eyAzO9mJ) More employment and support for communities ### More employment and support for communities We are committed to keeping the public informed of any progress and changes made throughout the planning process of the proposed Advanced Energy Recovery Centre (ARC). To receive **updates on the project and upcoming events** directly, please [**sign up to our mailing list**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfu3uM-qj6TW62FTMNtTJYE_DHvpF2q-WljlVilKVRDgrfYIg/viewform). [**View our NSW Energy from Waste submission**](https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lcdocs/submissions/92856/0224%20Veolia%20Australia%20and%20New%20Zealand.pdf)