08-15-2008, 06:12 AM
Rather than just saying "should"...
Try this: have a look at the facts about the percentage of the various materials that we call 'trash' -- major items are plastic, paper, glass, cardboard, food, metals, 'greenwaste', treated wood, untreated wood, cement, textiles, batteries...and more.
Plastic, paper, glass, cardboard, metals are all bringing a premium rice on the global market for recycling. The Zero Waste team will be working with local folks to identify and service those markets.
Food and 'greenwaste', as well as some 'dirty paper' and textiles are compostable at a lot less cost than bury or burn.
Again, the market for compost is quite good. Like many opportunities, it takes some organizing on-the-ground and that is what the Zero Waste team has a proven track record of doing.
Building materials -- treated and untreated wood, glass, vinyl, hollow blocks -- are referred to as "C&D" ...construction and demolition. Again, where the markets get organized, there is a booming re-use business by local entrepreneurs.
The above three groups -- "recyclables", "organics", "C&D" -- constitute over 75% of what now goes into the landfill.
None of the remaining 25% is combustible -- chemicals, heavy metals, and wet mixed materials are especially prevelant in this 25%.
More than half of the recyclables and organics are not combustible -- think: moisture, metal, masonry.
So, once market-driven re-use, recycling, and composting are established, there is not enough fuel to economically operate an incinerator.
If you do not believe me, then do the research. I have, and if that is needed, can post lots here -- but not sure Rob wants that ...?
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Try this: have a look at the facts about the percentage of the various materials that we call 'trash' -- major items are plastic, paper, glass, cardboard, food, metals, 'greenwaste', treated wood, untreated wood, cement, textiles, batteries...and more.
Plastic, paper, glass, cardboard, metals are all bringing a premium rice on the global market for recycling. The Zero Waste team will be working with local folks to identify and service those markets.
Food and 'greenwaste', as well as some 'dirty paper' and textiles are compostable at a lot less cost than bury or burn.
Again, the market for compost is quite good. Like many opportunities, it takes some organizing on-the-ground and that is what the Zero Waste team has a proven track record of doing.
Building materials -- treated and untreated wood, glass, vinyl, hollow blocks -- are referred to as "C&D" ...construction and demolition. Again, where the markets get organized, there is a booming re-use business by local entrepreneurs.
The above three groups -- "recyclables", "organics", "C&D" -- constitute over 75% of what now goes into the landfill.
None of the remaining 25% is combustible -- chemicals, heavy metals, and wet mixed materials are especially prevelant in this 25%.
More than half of the recyclables and organics are not combustible -- think: moisture, metal, masonry.
So, once market-driven re-use, recycling, and composting are established, there is not enough fuel to economically operate an incinerator.
If you do not believe me, then do the research. I have, and if that is needed, can post lots here -- but not sure Rob wants that ...?
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park