A recent article in Waste Dive highlights new independent research commissioned by the Minnesota Resource Recovery Association (MRRA) that offers fresh insight into how resource recovery facilities manage per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during waste-to-energy operations. The first-of-its-kind study, conducted by Barr Engineering Co., examined three facilities across Minnesota and found that high-temperature combustion destroyed an average of 99.6 percent of PFAS in municipal solid waste processed at the facilities.
Barr’s team evaluated facilities with differing capacities, operating practices, air pollution control technologies, and waste input streams from both urban and rural communities. The team measured PFAS in air emission stack gas and ash and compared the results with international data on the PFAS content of the incoming waste stream to better understand the fate of PFAS in this waste management technology. Testing showed air emissions resulted in little or no inhalation health risk when compared to the Minnesota Department of Health guidance for six PFAS compounds, while ash samples showed minimal remaining PFAS, indicating effective destruction rather than transfer into residual materials.
This new research comes at a time when Minnesota and other states are sharpening their focus on PFAS monitoring, regulatory expectations, and reduction strategies. As Minnesota phases out nonessential PFAS use, the study provides communities, agencies, and facility operators with clearer information about how waste-to-energy systems interact with PFAS in the waste stream.
Explore the full article in Waste Dive, read about MRRA’s PFAS study, and learn more about Barr’s PFAS-related services and expertise.