In this blog, we explain how industries can help solve the global problem of CO₂ emissions and overflowing landfills and why it’s time to start investing now in alternative waste-derived resources from an economic and ecological point of view.
The demand for energy will continue to rise - even though we are already unable to provide the resources we need. As the world continues its transition from fossil fuels to other alternatives - for both consumers and industrial sectors - the demand for energy and fuels will continue to increase more and more. How do we keep up with this rising demand without turning to fossil fuels? One potential solution is to use the huge quantity of waste being used as an alternative fuel source. Let´s go from waste to fuel.
Why we need a global solution to reduce landfill
The scale of the climate crisis seems insurmountable at times. Fossil fuels still account for approximately 82% of the world’s primary energy use. At the same time, another problem is growing beneath our feet (although landfills became mountains during the past decennia).
Collectively, the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with around 37% disposed of in some form of a landfill. Much of this is not managed in an environmentally safe manner, resulting in even more harmful methane emissions. Hence, the need to reduce landfill is evident, but how can we use waste to our advantage?
Reduce landfill by using waste as an alternative to fossil fuels
To resolve the waste and climate crises simultaneously, it’s necessary to start thinking differently about waste streams and how we could make use of them. Waste doesn’t mean worthless. It is less expensive and widely available since every country has its own potential “mine” of value just waiting to be put to use.
Using non-recyclable waste streams as an alternative energy source in energy-consuming industries can help solve the landfill crisis, lower CO₂ emissions, and reduce costs compared to burning fossil fuels. Download our Strategic Guide: Waste to Value to learn more about the potential and benefits of using waste as an alternative to fossil fuels.
The benefits of reducing landfill: lower CO₂ emissions and major cost-reduction
Although burning waste may have a bad image, it is less harmful for the environment than burning fossil fuels in terms of emissions. Independent scientific studies have consistently shown that the carbon produced by using waste-derived fuels is less than that generated by burning coal, oil, and gas.
The cement industry is a perfect example of one that couldn’t exist without alternative fuels. Cement is an industry where alternative fuels are already utilised, a marked change from the industry’s initial reliance on fossil fuels. Other industries, like steel and energy, are on the same journey. It’s one that investors would be wise to join them on.
Realize cost-savings with waste-derived resources
Waste-derived fuels also present economic advantages for businesses. For example, sending waste to landfill has become increasingly expensive in recent years, with space running out and costs rising.
At the same time, the prices of many fossil fuels have skyrocketed, partly due to Russia’s war with Ukraine and subsequent supply chain disruption. Companies can benefit from vastly reduced costs if they use alternative fuel sources of (local) waste while reducing their carbon footprint at the same time - a win-win situation.
Reduce landfill waste and contribute to the energy transition
Existing efforts to solve the climate crisis simply aren’t working - or they aren’t working quickly enough. The answer to this climate conundrum may reside with the trash we discard daily.
Waste is an unavoidable outcome of human existence; but dumping it in a landfill is not. It’s time that the perception of waste will be transformed. It’s time to see it as a source to contribute to the energy transition.
Want to get more in-depth information into how waste-derived fuels can be a solution for global landfill and the energy crisis? Request our strategic guide below and learn why waste is both the problem and the solution at the same time:
Want to get more in-depth information into how waste-derived fuels can be a solution for global landfill and the energy crisis? Request our strategic guide below and learn why waste is both the problem and the solution at the same time:
