Energy from waste FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about energy from waste, explaining how waste is converted into sustainable fuel sources and the benefits it offers for clean energy generation and waste management in the UK.

Energy from waste

Seras provides solutions across the whole waste to energy supply chain.

Alongside biomass fuel, we supply our power plant customers with waste derived fuel, enabling clean energy generation across the UK.

What is energy from waste?

Waste to energy or energy from waste is the process of treating residual waste or processing it into a fuel source and recovering the heat or energy that is produced.

In the UK energy from waste supports energy security, providing around 3% of the UK’s electricity needs.

What are the benefits of waste to energy?

Using the energy created from treating non-recyclable waste is a more sustainable option than sending waste to landfill. Recovering residual waste and creating it into low carbon heat or electricity also supports the circular economy.

What is RDF?

RDF stands for refuse-derived fuel.

This fuel is produced from non-recyclable domestic, commercial or industrial waste, including biodegradable material and plastics. RDF is used as an alternative to fossil fuels in power plants. Examples of waste include food waste, non-recyclable plastics, paper, and cardboard (such as treated, laminated, or contaminated materials).

What is SRF?

SRF stands for solid recovered fuel.

SRF is produced mainly from commercial waste. Like RDF, the energy from waste process converts a wide range of non-recyclable rubbish into sustainable energy. SRF waste is very similar to RDF, but it goes through extra processing to create the fuel. Examples of waste types include non-recyclable paper, cardboard, wood, textiles, and plastic.