Paul Connet Incineration is not waste to energy but a waste of energy, says Paul Connet, Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of St Lawrence in Canton, New York.

He also thinks that it is not the best alternative to landfills. Rather, reusing, recycling and composting of the waste produced is a better solution which will be more economic and increase employability while minimizing pollution.

Connet expressed these views at a public conference at the University of Mauritius on Wednesday. He was here on the invitation of the Medine group.

He says: “ In fact, there should be no further debate on the subject since the waste that Mauritius produces is too wet to be used in an incinerator.  Investing in this project will not be cost effective.”
He adds that 70% of our waste, being organic matter, will be more useful in the agricultural sector. It is better to return
it to the soil.”

Prof. Connett further mentions that if the Government is advocating for a sustainable development, the introduction of an incinerator is against the project of Maurice Ile Durable. He says that the amount of dioxins and toxics that will be released will cause air pollution which will go on increasing through the years. He also warns that these toxins can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to the foetus since incinerators produce nano particles which can easily enter the blood system.

In terms of employability, the Professor says that an incineration plant creates very few jobs. He explains: “These plants require millions of investments but in return only few persons benefit from them. Whereas if the system of reusing, recycling and composting is implemented, it will definitely create more jobs and with less investment.”

The solution to the problem, according to Prof Connett, is to reduce the amount of waste produced.