Covanta Energy

About Covanta We Help Communities Generate Energy from Waste

 Covanta (pronounced coh-van-tuh) is one of the world’s largest owners and operators of infrastructure for the conversion of waste-to-energy (known as “energy-from- waste” or “EfW”), as well as other waste disposal and renewable energy production businesses. Our company name represents the cooperation and advantages inherent in the partnerships we form to provide sustainable waste disposal solutions  for the communities and businesses we serve. Covanta operates and/or has ownership positions in over 40 energy-from-waste facilities in located North America, Italy and China. We also operate other waste management businesses such as transfer stations and metals recycling facilities complementary to our core EfW business.

Covanta-operated facilities in North America convert 20 million tons of trash annually into 9 million megawatt-hours of clean, renewable energy and create more than 9 billion pounds of steam sold to a variety of industries. 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.  

Better for the Environment

Energy-from-waste is a sustainable waste disposal solution that is environmentally superior to landfills. It is a source of clean energy that reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions and is considered renewable under many state and federal laws. EfW projects also lower the risk of groundwater contamination and conserve land.

Covanta supports recycling and programs that enable communities to recycle as much as possible. As part of the EfW process, we recover over 400,000 tons of metal annually for recycling that would have otherwise been lost in landfills. Our modern Energy-from-Waste Facilities are an important element of an integrated municipal solid system that maximizes the recovery of energy and recycles metals while also minimizing the environmental impacts of materials remaining after recycling.

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 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.

Covanta is a subsidiary of Covanta Holding Corporation, a publicly traded company (NYSE:CVA).  For more information about our portfolio of companies, please visit investor relations.

 

 

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.