What does the term 'Waste to Energy' refer to?

The term 'Waste to Energy' specifically refers to a process that involves converting non-recyclable waste materials into usable forms of energy, typically in the form of electricity or heat. This process often includes the combustion of waste, which generates heat that can be used to produce steam for electricity generation or direct heating applications.

In this context, landfill management for generating heat and electricity aligns with the principles of Waste to Energy. It takes advantage of landfill sites where organic waste decomposes and can produce biogas, a renewable energy source. This energy can be harnessed through various processes to generate power, further emphasizing the idea of utilizing waste in a sustainable manner.

The other options provided do not encapsulate the concept of Waste to Energy effectively. Recycling materials for reuse involves recovering and processing materials rather than energy generation. Incineration without energy recovery does not yield usable energy; it simply destroys waste. Lastly, the burial of waste under the ground is associated with traditional landfill methods, which do not produce energy and can lead to environmental issues. Instead, Waste to Energy seeks to minimize waste impact while contributing to energy supply, thus providing a more sustainable circular economy approach.