Evert year, millions of metric tons of trash from Norway, the U.K. and Italy end up heating or providing electricity to Swedish homes.

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) — conglomerated waste often composed of up to 50% plastic — is being burned globally in waste-to-energy incinerators, cement kilns, paper mills, and by other industries.

Re “Plastic in your green bin? Batteries in the trash? City inspectors are checking San Diegans’ garbage for compliance” (Nov. 11): Rather than following Sacramento’s mandates to do this or that with ...