Waste incineration is a crucial component of waste management as it is the final stage of circular utilization and the initial phase of disposal. Effective waste management prioritizes energy recovery from waste and substantial waste volume reduction while committing to minimizing air pollutant emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx). This study involves an in-depth analysis of operational data from 44 incineration facilities in South Korea spanning 5 years, supplemented by empirical measurements from 14 sites. This study aimed to assess three key aspects of these incineration facilities: (1) waste volume reduction characteristics, (2) energy recovery capabilities, and (3) NOx emission reduction performance. We examined how these elements interact within the policy framework governing incinerator management in South Korea. Quantitatively, incinerating 100 tons of municipal waste resulted in a gain of 338.7 m³ in landfill capacity and recovery of 637.5 GJ of energy in the form of heat or electricity. Notably, South Korean incineration facilities significantly extend the lifespan of landfill sites, aligning closely with the objectives of the South Korean Ministry of Environment’s “No More Direct Landfilling of Household Waste Policy”. This positive outcome is further reinforced by the “Incineration Tax Reduction Policy”, which incentivizes active efforts toward energy recovery during incineration. Our study provides decision-makers with valuable insights for achieving a harmonious equilibrium between environmental sustainability and resource utilization, thereby contributing to the continuous improvement of policies aimed at South Korea’s vision of achieving a circular economy.

The importance of waste energy is increasing with increasing emphasis on carbon neutrality. Solid recovered fuels (SRFs) are manufactured to recycle waste into fuel form and can replace fossil fuels by recovering the heat generated by using them. This study calculated the manufacturing and energy recovery efficiency of SRF facilities. The manufacturing efficiency was calculated as the amount of SRFs manufactured compared to the amount of input waste. The energy recovery efficiency was calculated using the R1 method, which is applied to incineration heat energy recovery facilities. The manufacturing efficiency was 69.5%, which varies depending on the combustible material content of input waste. The energy recovery efficiency was 85.4%, which satisfied Korean energy recovery efficiency facility standards. Our study highlights the manufacturing and use of SRFs as one of the options for recycling waste and its potential as a substitute for fossil fuels.