Municipal solid waste to energy plants are a great alternative to other waste disposal methods. These plants can generate large amounts of electricity and syngas, and can be an alternative to fossil fuel use which adds to global warming and pollution. Waste to energy is a clean technology, and can be a vital component of the future of energy. This method of disposing of MSW that is generated will become even more important as the population around the world continues to rise, and even more energy will be needed and more waste will be generated. The pros and cons of generating municipal solid waste are not clear cut and well defined. Many times the way the waste is disposed of will determine whether the generation of that waste was a good or bad thing. Minimizing the amount of waste you make and using the smaller amount for energy is the key to making the world a better place for everyone.

Overall review of municipal solid waste generation: process, methods and potential positives and hazards if not approached and implemented correctly.

• One of the pros of municipal solid waste generation is that this waste can be used to generate energy


• Municipal solid waste recycling can help decrease the amount of waste generated, and save resources and energy at the same time


• Efficient municipal solid waste management can include waste to energy programs

 

Municipal solid waste generation has both pros and cons, and understanding these can help develop more efficient municipal solid waste management plans and programs. Municipal solid waste recycling is also important, both for the earth and the environment. When materials are recycled, they use less natural resources and energy, and help protect the environment.

The cons of municipal solid waste generation can be many if the right methods of municipal solid waste management are not used. Landfilling was used for many years, and is still in use in few places today, but this management method does not work very effectively. It takes the municipal solid waste decades, sometimes centuries, to break down completely in a landfill, and in the meantime the waste can create toxic runoff and gases, and pollute the environment in a big way. Landfills also take space, and there are millions of tons of municipal solid waste generated just in the US every year, and many times this amount worldwide. This waste can build up and take acres of space, at a time when overcrowding is becoming a problem in many countries and areas.

Municipal waste generation can be a positive thing though, and waste to energy programs use municipal solid waste as a source of energy, turning discarded trash into electricity you can use. These processes must be carefully controlled though, otherwise pollution and environmental damage can occur. Strict pollution controls must be followed to prevent any gases or smoke from escaping. When these plants are planned and built correctly, there should be no environmental damage to the area.

Municipal solid waste recycling can minimize the amount of waste that needs to be burned, so that items like metal which can be reused are removed before the waste is burned. Municipal waste generation is an ongoing process, and every home in America usually puts out at least one can or bag of garbage each week. This waste really adds up, and if methods of solid waste management are not used which are efficient and actually get rid of the waste instead of just dumping it somewhere, pretty soon the whole world will be overrun by trash. The great pacific garbage patch shows us what happens when waste is generated and not disposed of effectively.

Municipal solid waste generation has both pros and cons, but the fact of the matter is that it is impossible to live without generating some trash. You can do your part by using recycling methods to minimize the amount of municipal solid waste you contribute. Use reusable paper bags or cloth shopping bags, and take steps to buy recycled products whenever possible. These steps will decrease the amount of municipal solid waste that is generated, so that it is easier to manage and dispose of.

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