I had a very interesting conversation with my friend as we were heading towards an Indie Rock concert in L.A.. According to my friend, who works for the Department of Public Works, L.A. county is one of the countries most waste producing county. In fact, we create roughly 39,400 tons per day in Los Angeles County, which is equivalent to 2,400 lbs/person/yr!
how to turn trash into electricity
Remarkably, in the past, we have been able to sell our waste to other counties, but lately we cannot even sell a garbage can worth of trash because there is simply no more room.
So, what can we do to reduce the trash buildup in our area? We can invest in a plasma gasification plant! According to Inhabitat, we are able to 1,500 tons of trash a day into 60MW of electricity by spinning turbines from the generated heat. 60MW of electricity can light up to 50,000 homes and essentially add more power to our power grid with just the trash we create.
A bi-product from the plasma created is gas (from biological waste like food) and inorganic material (like metals) that could be used in different applications. Gas, would essentially be used to turn the turbines, and the inorganic material could be used in construction to make roads and buildings.
So, how is this an how-to for everyone to use? Well, for starters, this technology his not been proven to be cost effective yet. Sure, we solve the land fill problem and add 60MW of electricity to our power grid. We also use the bi products to turn turbines and for construction, but will that add up to the necessary cost benefits to offset the investments needed to build a plasma gasification plant? Could it make enough money to keep the plant running on a daily basis? Maybe, but we need to start somewhere.
Until then, let’s keep in mind the many ways we can avoid creating more trash:
- Use more reusable grocery bags. (They sell them for a dollar and they are reusable!)
- Bring your favorite mug and stop using paper cups! (Did you see my Starbucks article?)
- Use cloth towels to clean up messes. Reduce the need for paper towels.
- Dispose of products that have chemicals in them properly, like batteries, old televisions, and motor oil.
Let’s face it you cannot avoid making waste. So, it’s important that you purchase more items that are made from recycled goods so that manufacturers are aware of the need to develop more environmentally friendly products (and boxing) that would help reduce the amount of waste created.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the idea of using things that are more reusable. But I have a problem with using cloths to clean up messes, like wiping down the dinner table with the cloth that wipes down everything else at home. It stays forever wet and starts smelling funny. Just a random thought.
Interesting…but pretty hard to actually implement. Not just the cost, but the location of these plants (I assume far from where anyone lives) and therefore the problems of actually transporting the trash to the plants.
@Serena, Yes, there is still a lot to improve for this technology, but it’s a nice idea to resolve our trash issues in the US. We simply make way too much trash. But like everything there is still much to be improved upon. Hybrid cars should be more efficient, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t use them now. (I know we can argue about the potential dangers of the gasification plants, but of course there would be regulations)
@Eric, well it’s like how we use sponges to wash dishes. You use new sponges to wash dishes, then after a month you demote the sponge to the floor or cleaning the bathroom or kitchen. Then, you throw them away after it has some funky smells. (Toothbrushes are the same: brush your teeth, then leave a few under the sink to help clean the toilet or stains from the carpet.)