http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/14Rmethane.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=environmentTrash is often defined as something worth little or nothing such as junk and rubbish that has no economic value. However, increasing trash or waste is beginning to be seen as a resource with a certain economic value for another users. Energy from trash can be generated in two possible ways, namely through the decomposition process and combustion of waste or trash.
In many countries including Malaysia, its quite often represents jobs, financial opportunity, raw materials for new products as well as an economic lifeline for some people. Possible wealth can be generated from various kinds of trash with appropriate technology available.
Energy from waste can be generated in two possible ways, namely through the decomposition process and combustion of waste. The bacterial activities in the decomposition process of organic substances in the waste will generate biogas such as methane, which is a source of renewable energy. A common example for waste-to-energy from biogas is landfill gas which can be captured and used to generate electricity and heat.
As scouring for alternative energy intensifies, landfill methane is getting more attention from the public, together with private energy and waste-management companies, landfill owners and energy entrepreneurs. EPA has indicated that, if it is not captured, landfill methane becomes a greenhouse gas at least 20 times more potent than CO2, the principal greenhouse gas, when it rises into the atmosphere. The agency estimates that landfills account for 25% of all methane releases linked to human activity.
As a result, capturing methane at former and active landfills is a global housekeeping benefit as well as an important alternative energy niche. For example, power from landfill methane far exceeds solar power in New York, while power from landfill methane surpasses both solar and wind power in New Jersey. Experts has described that the methane production depends on the type of garbage; organic-laden municipal solid waste is the best producer; how old and how tightly bundled it is, the quantity and, especially, weather conditions. Landfills in dry, hot climates produce less; those in steamy, rainy places do best because moisture hastens the decomposition that produces methane.
Energy generated is both a source of income, and an entitlement to carbon credit under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which was established under the Kyoto Protocol. CDM allows governments or private entities in the industrilised countries to implement emission reduction projects and received credit in the form of “certified emission reductions” or CERs.
In summary, the growing attention of the generation of energy from waste such as methane worldwide is offering opportunities in Malaysia. Waste is no longer something that is unwanted. Waste now regarded as resources for businesses that generate income. Turning waste into wealth not only make good environmental sense, but also turns TRASH into CASH.
