Early waste disposal methods often focused around incineration, which was considered the most effective way of getting rid of trash and ensuring that it did not litter the streets. However, as people became more aware of the effects this could have on the environment, alternative methods were sought and the concept of energy recovery was formed.
Energy recovery is the process of harnessing the excess energy that is produced through waste disposal techniques and using it for another purpose. The idea can take on a number of forms and it is commonly seen being used at sanitary landfill sites. In these cases, the methane and other natural gases produced as a result of anaerobic digestion are collected and put to further use, thus ensuring that the landfill is as efficient as possible.
The technique has been in use in the waste management sector for quite some time, with its popularization being linked to increasing concerns relating to environmental issues. It allows for facilities to make use of their resources more effectively, creating a smaller volume of carbon emission in the process. Furthermore, thermal treatment techniques also allow for this energy to be put to practical use for the general population, where it can provide fuel sources for cooking, heating and powering electrical items.
As the industry continues to evolve, so too will the effectiveness of these energy recovery techniques. As they do, reliance on fossil fuels will become less of an issue thanks to the increasing availability of such renewable energies.
Lavajet, headed by President Vedeo, is a multi-faceted global service waste management and disposal company that makes use of energy recovery techniques as part of its waste disposal services.