The WtERT Bi-Annual Conference 2022, hosted by the Earth Engineering Center at the City College of New York (CCNY), marked the return of in-person engagement for the global Waste-to-Energy community. Held on October 13–14, 2022, the conference brought together leading experts from academia, industry, and government to exchange knowledge and advance sustainable waste management solutions.
This edition reaffirmed WtERT’s role as a global platform connecting science, technology, and policy to accelerate the transition toward circular and low-carbon systems.
Conference Overview
Following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 conference resumed with strong international participation, featuring two days of plenary discussions, technical sessions, and research presentations.
The program addressed key challenges and innovations in Waste-to-Energy (WtE), with a focus on:
- Thermal conversion technologies
- Operational improvements in WtE facilities
- Metal recovery and material valorization
- New projects and emerging solutions
- Residual waste upgrading and utilization
- Sustainable waste management strategies
A Welcome Reception on October 12 provided a valuable opportunity for networking among global stakeholders across the waste management ecosystem.
Conference Agenda & Speakers
October 12, 2022
Welcome Reception
An informal networking session bringing together researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders to foster collaboration and exchange ideas.
October 13, 2022 – Day 1
Opening Plenary Session
The conference was officially opened by leadership from CCNY, setting the stage for high-level discussions on the future of sustainable waste management.
Plenary Speakers included:
- Dr. Vincent Boudreau – President, City College of New York
- Doug Wicks – U.S. Department of Energy (ARPA-E)
- David Biderman – CEO, SWANA
- Michael Van Brunt – Industry Leader, Covanta
These keynote contributions highlighted innovation pathways, policy frameworks, and the strategic role of Waste-to-Energy in addressing global environmental challenges.
Technical Sessions – Day 1
- Advances in thermal conversion and combustion technologies
- Optimization and retrofitting of existing WtE plants
- Operational performance and emissions control
- Metal recovery, ash utilization, and circular materials
- Environmental and lifecycle performance assessment
October 14, 2022 – Day 2
Innovation & Emerging Technologies
- Hydrogen production from waste streams
- Carbon capture integration (CCUS & BECCS)
- Advanced recycling and waste valorization pathways
Global Outlook & Policy Discussions
- Role of WtE in circular economy systems
- Policy and regulatory frameworks
- Deployment strategies across regions
- Integration of WtE into low-carbon energy systems
In addition, the conference featured oral presentations and poster sessions from researchers and technical experts, showcasing cutting-edge developments and applied research.
Additional contributing speakers included experts such as:
- Ray Schauer – Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County
- Louis Vetrone – Department of Environmental Facilities
A Platform for Global Collaboration
The WtERT 2022 Conference demonstrated the strength of international collaboration in addressing the global waste challenge. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event reinforced the importance of:
- Reducing landfill dependency and methane emissions
- Advancing circular economy solutions
- Promoting best available technologies
- Strengthening cooperation between academia, industry, and policymakers
Learn More
For full conference details, program materials, and additional information, visit the official page: EEC|CCNY WtERT Conference 2022
