"The prevention principle continues to take priority over recycling and disposal of waste", said UBA President Prof. Dr. Andreas Troge. "Thermic valorisation of waste, however, is an unavoidable chapter in sustainable waste management. Waste incineration plants play an important role in climate protection and saving natural resources". These were the findings of tests carried out by UBA and various environmental research institutes.

Recycling and waste incineration with energy recovery are complementary options to divert waste away from landfilling which is considered the worst environmental option.