Covanta EFW facility begins commercial operation in Ontario

Covanta, a sustainable waste and energy solutions provider based in Morristown, New Jersey, has commenced commercial operation of the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC). Commissioned by the Regional Municipalities of Durham and York, Ontario in 2011, the company says the 140,000 metric-ton-per-year energy-from-waste (EfW) facility is the newest and most modern facility of its kind in North America, utilizing some of the latest combustion and air pollution control technology available. Covanta's operating and maintenance contract with the Regions of Durham and York covers an initial term of 20 years.

"We are extremely pleased that the Durham York Energy Centre has entered into commercial operation. This is a triumphant milestone for a complex and important project," says Stephen J. Jones, Covanta's CEO and president. "We are proud to deliver a world-class facility that sets new standards for emissions and efficiency and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with the Regions of Durham and York."

The DYEC serves as an integral component of the comprehensive solid waste management program of the Regions of Durham and York. The facility processes municipal household waste left over after the regions' aggressive diversion efforts, such as recycling and composting, to produce 17.5 megawatts of clean renewable energy, enough to power approximately 10,000 homes, while at the same time, reducing the overall volume of garbage being sent to landfill by up to 90 percent. The facility also recycles ferrous and nonferrous metals—enough metal to build approximately 2,500 cars annually.