It’s no secret that excessive waste has a negative effect on the environment and there’s been a big focus in recent years on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. An over reliance on fossil fuels has also had a major impact on the environment, but there is a way to target both issues at the same time.
Waste to energy is a process which generates heat and/or electricity by converting waste into energy. It’s classed as a form of renewable energy and it saves waste from being sent to landfill, while reducing the need to use more fossil fuels. Many businesses are becoming more eco-conscious as the years go by, so if you want to find out more about waste to energy and its benefits, read on.
How to turn waste into energy
Waste is converted into energy at large scale plants and there are several different methods that can be used.
Incineration
The majority of waste to energy processes use incineration to burn the waste at extremely high temperatures. This is known as thermal treatment and the energy generated from this process can then be used to power a generator.
Gasification
This method causes waste to break down at a molecular level, which is achieved by burning waste in a low oxygen environment at high heat. These conditions produce a substance known as synthesis gas which can then be used to generate heat or electricity.
Depolymerization
This process is rather complicated, but put simply, it involves converting organic compounds from waste into fossil fuels. This is done using thermal decomposition in the presence of water, which breaks down waste into crude oil products due to the high temperatures used.
The benefits
There are many benefits of converting waste into energy, with the first being that it prevents large amounts of waste being sent to landfill. Landfill sites release harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide as the waste breaks down; a process which can take decades. Converting waste to energy is renewable, green and affordable, and it helps companies meet environmental standards set by their local authority.
This process also saves the need to mine for more fossil fuels, preserving natural resources and reducing the damage caused to the surrounding environment.
If you’re looking for reliable waste to energy services in Stoke On Trent and Newcastle Under Lyme, get in touch with the experts at Cherry Hill Waste. We’re committed to sending as little waste to landfill as possible and currently recycle over 90% of the waste we receive. We send green and wood waste to be converted into biogas, which can be used to power generators and provide hot water and electricity. For more information about our waste to energy and recycling services, give us a call today or contact us via our website.
