Waste recovery
The Time Is Ripe for Waste Recovery
08/26/2010
The first type of recovery consists of re-using materials. Glass, aluminum, iron, plastic, and paper, can all be reused after treatment. If recycled, these materials can save both natural and industrial resources. However, not all materials can be treated so effectively.
When a product cannot be recycled, it can be used as fuel to produce energy, through incineration, or as a source of biogas, through methanization.Incineration converts used products from households, industry or agriculture into energy. When these products are burned, they are converted into heat or electricity. Europe has some 420 plants that incinerate 64 million tons of waste, producing electricity for 7 million households and heating for 13.4 million homes.
Methanization is a natural phenomenon whereby industrial processes are used to speed up the natural fermentation process of putrescible waste. This process is used from small-scale farms to large-scale power plants. The biogas produced is put to various uses, such as heating, electricity, and fuel for vehicles.
Recycled materials: garbage cans full of potential
Recycling is a booming sector. Although the products used still produce varying results, more and more materials are being recycled in all sectors.
Incineration: the heating power of refuse
Burning waste is not just a way of getting rid of waste, it can also produce energy. Incineration is a well-known end-of-life process for household waste and is also used in industry and agriculture.
Methanization: biogas in our waste
Methanization can convert used organic matter into biogas. It is being developed on an industrial scale to produce energy for multiple uses.
