We produce a lot of waste. Reducing the amount of waste is the ultimate goal but in the meantime, we have to figure out what to do with the trash we’re putting out now. One possible solution is burning trash for fuel, a process known as bioenergy, but Australia is questioning whether or not this is really the answer.
It makes sense, we’ve got this waste, lets burn it for energy. Get some use out of it while also getting rid of it but it’s not really that simple. It works just fine, waste is burned at high temperatures, energy is collected, that part is great. But the effect that it may be having on other parts of our lives and world is more questionable.
Proponents are worried about the effect that the burning has on the environment and health of the people that live nearby these plants. There’s also the question of what effect it’s having on recycling and whether or not it is hurting those efforts. All and all, although the process works, it’s worth looking into further before deciding that it’s the best solution.