A number of forward thinking cities are investing in technologies to convert trash into energy and, in the process, are taking advantage of an abundant, domestic energy resource.
Consider Newark, New Jersey. Last week’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City generated a fair amount of waste. Rather than landfilling it, the party hats, beads, and cardboard shamrocks were sent to a power plant in Newark where they were turned into useable energy.
The Science Channel produced a great video explaining how the Essex County Resource Recovery Facility can convert 3,000 tons of waste into energy daily.
There are currently more than eighty facilities like this one across the U.S., capable converting trash into electricity and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill in the process. Some newer technologies can even process used plastics that can’t be economically recycled into oil and other fuels.
Is YOUR community turning everyday waste to useable energy?
To learn more about energy recovery and how it is being used every day around you, visit ChemistytoEnergy.com.
