This article describes a new way for us to think about energy.
The Marion County Waste-to-Energy Facility is a new plant that converts garbage into 13 Megawatts of electricity each year. The trash is burned at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit which generates stream that turns large turbines to generate electricity. The particles that are carried away in the hot air are collected after they pass the turbines and before they are expelled into the air. Any metals that are collected during this process are also later recycled.
The Marion County Waste-to-Energy plant is an excellent example of how we, as a society, need to think outside of the box when it comes to renewable energy. In a sense, this power plant is killing two birds with one stone. The trash that is collected in Marion County is no longer piling up in a dump where it can’t be used, but rather, the trash is being processed and recycled back into the power grid.
My only concern is that I am not sure how the harmful toxins, from burning plastics and other composite materials can be collected before they are expelled into the atmosphere. Could this form of power generation end up being more harmful to the environment than beneficial if used on a larger scale?
I really like this idea! I feel like they could be utilizing this in other county's as well. Your question you raised is a good one...I am concerned about that myself. I like the whole idea of converting waste and recycling.
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