November 13, 2025 - | Room B230-B232
As communities and industries strive for sustainable waste management, waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies offer a compelling pathway to reduce landfill dependence while generating renewable energy. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge waste-to-energy solutions, highlighting their potential to transform municipal solid waste into valuable energy resources. Attendees will explore the latest advancements in thermal and biological WTE technologies, including incineration with energy recovery, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and pyrolysis.
Emphasis will be placed on technology selection criteria, operational considerations, and environmental benefits such as greenhouse gas reduction, diversion from landfills, and resource recovery. The presentation will also address integration challenges, including regulatory compliance, emissions control, community engagement, and economic feasibility.
Case studies from successful municipal and regional projects will illustrate best practices in design, implementation, and long-term operation, showcasing measurable environmental and economic outcomes. Additionally, the session will discuss how waste-to-energy fits within the broader circular economy framework by recovering energy and materials, supporting local sustainability goals, and contributing to resilient infrastructure development. Attendees will gain valuable insights into leveraging waste-to-energy technologies to enhance waste management strategies, reduce environmental impact, and support clean energy transition efforts. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A segment, encouraging active dialogue on overcoming barriers and maximizing the benefits of WTE in diverse community settings. Explore the transformative power of waste-to-energy and discover practical approaches to turning waste into a sustainable energy future.

Dr. Ifeanyi Isigwe is an Environmental Engineer at King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks - Solid Waste Division, a mission-driven agency committed to continuously improving waste prevention, resource recovery and waste disposal. With over a decade of international experience spanning government, consulting and industry, he brings deep expertise in pollution prevention, waste management and sustainable development. Dr. Isigwe has led multimillion-dollar capital improvement and resource recovery projects, integrating regulatory compliance, climate resilience, and circular economy principles to advance decarbonization goals. His work has earned national recognition, including awards for pollution prevention and sustainability leadership. A licensed Professional Engineer, Dr. Isigwe combines technical leadership with a passion for transforming waste into valuable resources, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.