New technology turning plastic into fuel (recycling, packaging, containers, cost)
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A Canadian company says it has found a way to reuse plastic by converting it into fuel. But one environmental group cautions that the approach doesn’t truly solve the plastics problem.
For decades we were all told how our world would end if we did not recycle. Many of us diligently sorted out our waste and placed it in the proper containers or hauled it off to the our local recycling center. Now those recycling centers are closed or closing and our municipalities want to fine us for the wrong materials in the wrong containers. On top of that; America has moved away from the large malls to online shopping that produces even more waste in the packaging.
I applaud any movement to utilize our waste. I just worry that it is too little; too late. I would also like to know more about the plastic to fuel process as far what kind of waste does their process produce? And, of course, we would have to know how much it cost to build and maintain compared to the value of the fuel it produces. I would presume that processes like the plastics to fuel and the Copenhagen incinerator are not as selective in the plastics or waste they consume?
For decades we were all told how our world would end if we did not recycle. Many of us diligently sorted out our waste and placed it in the proper containers or hauled it off to the our local recycling center. Now those recycling centers are closed or closing and our municipalities want to fine us for the wrong materials in the wrong containers. On top of that; America has moved away from the large malls to online shopping that produces even more waste in the packaging.
I applaud any movement to utilize our waste. I just worry that it is too little; too late. I would also like to know more about the plastic to fuel process as far what kind of waste does their process produce? And, of course, we would have to know how much it cost to build and maintain compared to the value of the fuel it produces. I would presume that processes like the plastics to fuel and the Copenhagen incinerator are not as selective in the plastics or waste they consume?
We need these scientist to come up with new solutions and we need them to do it now. My feeling is one of our biggest problems is that we let everybody else solve our problems. What I mean by that is, that if NYC had a problem with the waste, they would simply dump it in the ocean or ship it out of state. Sometimes it would be sent to China. Of course the laws and regulations changed and what was accepted by other states and countries or dumped in the ocean also changed. My feeling is that whoever produces the waste should forsed to find a way to reprocess that waste. Nobody really wants a new landfill in their back yard. If the waste 'generators' had to deal with what they generated I think change would have come quick.
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Exactly right....It's another example of ignorance standing in the way of the right course of action. Mention "incinerator" and the partially educated/non-analytical thinkers have a fit. NIMBY.
^^^
Exactly right....It's another example of ignorance standing in the way of the right course of action. Mention "incinerator" and the partially educated/non-analytical thinkers have a fit. NIMBY.
In post #2 I mentioned the Copenhagen incinerator. It features a ski slope and a restaurant on the top. They are working to change the way people think about incinerators. I believe that I also read that they are worried that they might not get enough garbage? But I hope it works for them so that other companies around the globe will also burn.
In post #2 I mentioned the Copenhagen incinerator. It features a ski slope and a restaurant on the top. They are working to change the way people think about incinerators. I believe that I also read that they are worried that they might not get enough garbage? But I hope it works for them so that other companies around the globe will also burn.
Incinerating plastic? Somebody please tell me what happens with the exhaust from that process; I wouldn't want to breathe it. How do they handle it?
Incinerating plastic? Somebody please tell me what happens with the exhaust from that process; I wouldn't want to breathe it. How do they handle it?
Here is a newer and longer article on the Copenhagen incinerator: https://qz.com/1560143/copenhagens-s...s-a-ski-slope/. They did not say how the restaurant is doing on top of the incinerator; but they claim that there is very little smell at the top.
Incinerating plastic? Somebody please tell me what happens with the exhaust from that process; I wouldn't want to breathe it. How do they handle it?
Do you actually know what is in plastic? Why would you be abnormally alarmed? All exhaust products should be scrubbed to remove atmosphere contaminants, but I don't think there is much coming off generic plastic. Certainly better than disposing of it in the ocean.
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