The EPA reported almost 300 million pounds of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in 2018. What amount of MSW do you think you have generated in your lifetime? Individuals create more waste than many feel comfortable admitting. Every piece of trash can harm the environment if not correctly disposed of or recycled. That is why innovative waste processing methods are critical towards developing healthier habits. Read below for Top 5 Innovations in Waste Processing for a Cleaner Planet and how to change your waste habits.
- Waste Processing to Create Energy
The most powerful newfound knowledge of waste is what trash can turn it into – energy.
Creating energy from waste means less ends up in landfills, easing the harmful emissions. Instead, things like digesters and thermal conversion take garbage and convert it into sources of energy.
Plasma gasification is new to waste management. It heats trash to the extreme and captures the release of usable gases.
- Optimizing Waste Management Routes
Waste management companies are undergoing many transformations as a result of innovation. One such area is with the truck drivers that pick up waste around cities.
Sensors and GPS data optimize fleet routes, saving on gas and energy consumption. Drivers can plan out routes and better understand waste levels via data collection.
The most efficient routes become accessible when adequately tracked.
- Disposal Sensors
Trash can sensors help individuals better understand their waste creation and recycling habits. Further, the technology optimizes waste processing companies by alerting them to the need for pickups.
No more half-full bins need to take the time and energy from a busy fleet.
Smart waste bins are a perfect option for everyone to make smarter decisions about waste. Some bins may even share the environmental impact you have on your consumption.
- Advanced Intelligence for Sorting
AI impacts many areas of day-to-day life, including understanding what can be shredded and what can be recycled.
Waste sorting has been inefficient and expensive over the years. AI applications assist in management through technology like machine vision. This helps identify what has slipped through the cracks when recycling or putting through a super shredder.
AI helps waste management companies understand their environmental impact. Further, it showcases how to avoid potentially hazardous errors.
- Robot Trash Cans
Many individuals with motor disabilities find it hard to take care of waste processing. Trash cans are heavy, and this poses serious challenges for those with restricted mobility.
Robot trash cans have hit the market, making it easy to roll trash out to the curb with a click of the button. The advantage becomes easy and timely delivery of waste for the fleet to then process.
Innovating on Waste Management
Waste processing has harmed the environment and individuals since the beginning of time. Yet, today’s innovations allow for better management and greater chances of environmental friendliness.
Seeking other routines to switch up with technological advancement? Read our articles for different products and habits that will improve your life.
