Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44 1518081136

Rapid Communication - Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling (2024) Volume 7, Issue 1

Waste to energy: Exploring renewable energy options

Sebastian Bach*

Departments of Public Health & Preventive Medicine and Family Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, United States

*Corresponding Author:
Sebastian Bach
Departments of Public Health & Preventive Medicine and Family Medicine
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States
E-mail:bach.s@upstate.edu

Received: 26-Dec-2023, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-24-135283; Editor assigned: 29-Dec-2023, PreQC No. AAEWMR-24-135283 (PQ); Reviewed: 12-Jan-2024, QC No. AAEWMR-24-135283; Revised: 16-Jan-2024, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-24-135283 (R); Published: 23-Jan-2024, DOI: 10.35841/aaewmr- 7.1.183

Citation: Bach S. Waste to energy: Exploring renewable energy options. Environ Waste Management Recycling. 2024; 7(1):183

In the quest for sustainable energy sources, waste to energy (WtE) technology has emerged as a promising solution. By converting waste materials into usable energy, this approach not only helps in waste management but also contributes to the generation of renewable energy. Waste to energy involves the conversion of various types of waste materials, including municipal solid waste, agricultural residue, and industrial byproducts, into heat, electricity, or fuel. The process typically involves thermal, biological, or chemical methods to extract energy from the waste [1], [2]

Waste materials are burned at high temperatures in specially designed facilities called incinerators. The heat generated is used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Pyrolysis involves heating organic materials in the absence of oxygen to produce syngas, bio-oil, and char. These products can be further processed into electricity, heat, or biofuels. Gasification converts organic materials into syngas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane) using controlled amounts of oxygen and steam. The syngas can be used to generate electricity or produce fuels such as hydrogen and synthetic natural gas [3].

The process involves the decomposition of organic waste by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. It produces biogas, primarily methane and carbon dioxide, which can be used for electricity generation or as a renewable natural gas [4], [5]

WtE facilities produce renewable energy from waste materials, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting waste from landfills and incinerators, WtE helps in reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal. WtE processes recover valuable resources such as metals, glass, and plastics from waste streams, promoting recycling and circular economy principles. WtE facilities can provide localized energy solutions, reducing dependence on centralized power grids and enhancing energy security [6].

Incineration-based WtE facilities may emit air pollutants and greenhouse gases, requiring stringent emission controls to mitigate environmental impacts. The quality and composition of waste feedstock can vary, affecting the efficiency and reliability of WtE processes. The economic feasibility of WtE projects depends on factors such as waste management costs, energy prices, and government incentives. WtE projects often face opposition from communities due to concerns about air quality, odor, and potential health risks [7].

As governments and industries seek to transition to a low-carbon economy, waste to energy technology is expected to play a significant role in the renewable energy mix. Advancements in WtE processes, coupled with improved waste management practices, can enhance the sustainability and viability of this technology. Additionally, innovations such as decentralized WtE systems and integration with other renewable energy sources hold promise for further expanding the reach of waste to energy solutions [8], [9]

Waste to energy represents a viable pathway towards achieving both waste management and renewable energy objectives. By harnessing the energy potential of waste materials, we can move towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. However, careful planning, technological innovation, and stakeholder engagement are essential to overcome the challenges and realize the full potential of waste to energy solutions [10].

References

  1. Thomson K, Hillier Brown F, Todd A, et al. The effects of public health policies on health inequalities in high-income countries: an umbrella review. BMC Public Health. 2018; 18(1):1-21.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref  

  2. Bargain O, Aminjonov U. Trust and compliance to public health policies in times of COVID-19. J Public Econ. 2020; 192:104316.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref   

  3. Gorski MT, Roberto CA. Public health policies to encourage healthy eating habits: recent perspectives. J Healthc Leadersh. 2015; 7:81.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref  

  4. Brownson RC, Chriqui JF, Stamatakis KA. Understanding evidence-based public health policy. Am J Public Health. 2009; 99(9):1576-83.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref   

  5. Haskell WL, Blair SN, Hill JO. Physical activity: health outcomes and importance for public health policy. Prev Med. 2009; 49(4):280-2.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref 

  6. Nettle D. Why are there social gradients in preventative health behavior? A perspective from behavioral ecology. PLoS One. 2010; 5(10):e13371.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Shook NJ, Sevi B, Lee J, et al. Disease avoidance in the time of COVID-19: The behavioral immune system is associated with concern and preventative health behaviors. PLoS One. 2020; 15(8):e0238015.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Takahashi Y, Edmonds GW, Jackson JJ, et al. Longitudinal correlated changes in conscientiousness, preventative health?related behaviors, and self?perceived physical health. J Personal. 2013; 81(4):417-27.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Meyer M, Johnson JD, Ethington C. Contrasting attributes of preventive health innovations. J Commun. 1997; 47(2):112-31.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Redmond N, Baer HJ, Clark CR, et al. Sources of health information related to preventive health behaviors in a national study. Am J Prev Med. 2010; 38(6):620-7.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App