The environment is a topic at the forefront of many people’s minds at the moment, and with climate change, the rapid depletion of fossil fuels and the lack of landfill space, many of us want to know how we can do our bit for the planet. You’re probably already familiar with green energy such as solar or wind power, but did you know that general refuse and green waste can also be turned into energy? It’s a great alternative to oil or other fossil fuels, and also eases the pressure on landfill sites. If you want to know more about how converting waste into energy works – and the many benefits – read on.
Which types of waste can be used?
Waste comes in a liquid or solid form, and certain types can be hazardous and therefore not suitable for conversion into energy. However, many types of non hazardous solid waste are suitable for conversion into energy, including rubber tyres, soil, paper, food waste, wood and more.
Waste to energy plants can convert solid waste (also called municipal waste) into electricity, heat or fuel.
How does it work?
There are several different methods that can be used to turn waste into energy which we will discuss below.
Incineration
This is one of the most common methods for converting waste into energy, although it isn’t the most environmentally friendly of them all. Rubbish is burnt at high temperatures instead of going to landfill, and heat generated can be used to create fuel, gas or even a steam-powered turbine for electricity.
Depolymerization
This process can be rather complicated, but put very simply it involves converting waste into energy using high temperatures and pressure in the presence of water. Using this method various waste can be broken down into crude oil products.
Gasification
This process converts organic or fossil-fuel based waste materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide by heating them at very high temperatures using a controlled amount of oxygen. Synthesis gas is then generated which can be used to produce electricity and heat.
Pyrolysis
This is mainly used to convert organic waste into energy, and involves the thermal decomposition of materials in an inert atmosphere. It involves an irreversible chemical change in the waste materials, changing organic or carbon waste into energy rich oil and gas.
Benefits
There are plenty of benefits to turning waste into energy, including less strain on landfill sites, cleaner energy, reduced greenhouse gases, and it provides an effective way to recycle metal. It also reduces carbon emissions and the use of fossil fuels, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your waste in Stoke on Trent and Newcastle Under Lyme, get in touch with Cherry Hill Waste. We’re committed to minimising the environmental impact of refuse management, and can convert your green and wood waste into biogas. This eco-friendly energy can be used to power generators or provide hot water and electricity, so for more information give us a call or visit our website today.
