Discusses the state-of-the-art of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the U.S., the scope of MSW, with emphasis on composition, energy and content, types of refuse incineration (RI) plants, problems of emissions, Federal and state regulations, solutions for emissions problems, final solutions for municipalities. Concludes that MSW is a good, usable fuel, incinerators can be technologically viable and they can be good community partners, MSW incinerators are a growing part of U.S. solid-waste disposal systems, MSW and district heating systems can form very good marriages, the solution to the solid waste problem is fourfold - 1) recycling/composting as much as possible, 2) MSW incineration for the rest, 3) landfilling the balance, 4) rethinking national policies and philosophies.

KEYWORDS: Refuse incineration, USA, refuse incineration works, district heating, dioxins, feasibility, economics, outdoor, air pollution, fuels, regulations.