For a long time landfills have been the standard waste solution in the United States, especially for non-recyclable items. There are more than 1250 landfills in the United States, in the southern and m0idwestern regions. Over time, there has been a significant decrease in landfills since the 1990s. Take a look at some waste management solutions that do not involve landfills.
Waste to Energy Incineration
Waste to Energy incineration converts waste into fuel to create energy. Products from residential trash collection are given a second life by being valuable forms of energy to society. The only concern is the amount of CO2 released when using these methods.
Anaerobic Digestion
In this process, bacteria are used to break down organic waste without oxygen. This is a safe method used to create methane and other products. These end products can be used to power engines or used as natural gas.
Composting
Composting is more of a biological process where waste food breaks down naturally. It is environmentally friendly and is now being considered for industrial-scale applications to reduce dependency on landfills further. Organic waste can be converted into fertilizer which is suitable for farming. Most residential trash collection in Livingstone Parish can help get composting solutions besides standard waste collection.
Waste Management Technologies
New waste management technologies are being developed every day, even here in Livingston Parish. One is pyrolysis which breaks down organic waste into smaller pieces at high temperatures for more straightforward disposal. Plasma arc gasification is also used to catalyze organic matter into slag and synthetic gases. Slag is used mainly for construction because it is solid.
Most of these new technologies are still under development, and within a few years we will have fewer landfills to worry about. Instead of depending on municipal waste management services to do all the heavy lifting, you also have to play your part. Try recycling and reusing where necessary to reduce the amount of trash going into the landfills. It is a win for you and the environment in the long run.
