http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/oxygen-free-recycling-technique-could-keep-tons-of-plastics-from-landfills/
Summary:
Oxygen-Free Recycling Technique Could Keep Tons of Plastics from Landfills by Scientific American
Summary:
Pyrolysis, from its roots, means “fire breaking down,” which is what is being done to non-recyclable plastics. These plastics are heated in an anoxia environment and are converted into valuable fuels and feedstocks such as oils and diesels. The company, RES Polyflow, has a plant in Central Ohio that is going to be operational in 2016. This technology is expected to contribute 9 billion dollars to the American economy and create more than 40,000 domestic jobs. Internationally, Cynar has already been doing so and plans to continue expanding. One of their current plants in Ireland, opened in 2008, currently handles 40 tons of polymers daily, which is over 900,000 liters of transportation fuel produced annually.
Reflection:
Since plastic is already non-biodegradable, it is a nuisance to deal with when not being used, especially non-recyclable ones. However, technology to harness these plastics and create fuel for other technology, economies, and job markets not only exists, but continues to improve and expand. Becoming better at waste management, spurring the economy, and expanding the job market, is killing three birds with one stone. Pyrolysis lives up to its cool name; hopefully, it becomes a household and mainstream term like recycling is.
Summary:
Oxygen-Free Recycling Technique Could Keep Tons of Plastics from Landfills by Scientific American
Summary:
Pyrolysis, from its roots, means “fire breaking down,” which is what is being done to non-recyclable plastics. These plastics are heated in an anoxia environment and are converted into valuable fuels and feedstocks such as oils and diesels. The company, RES Polyflow, has a plant in Central Ohio that is going to be operational in 2016. This technology is expected to contribute 9 billion dollars to the American economy and create more than 40,000 domestic jobs. Internationally, Cynar has already been doing so and plans to continue expanding. One of their current plants in Ireland, opened in 2008, currently handles 40 tons of polymers daily, which is over 900,000 liters of transportation fuel produced annually.
Reflection:
Since plastic is already non-biodegradable, it is a nuisance to deal with when not being used, especially non-recyclable ones. However, technology to harness these plastics and create fuel for other technology, economies, and job markets not only exists, but continues to improve and expand. Becoming better at waste management, spurring the economy, and expanding the job market, is killing three birds with one stone. Pyrolysis lives up to its cool name; hopefully, it becomes a household and mainstream term like recycling is.