[Rumor]

Giant microwave turns plastic back to oil - earth - 26 June 2007 - New Scientist Environment

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? It doesn't seem to reduce dependancy on oil. Though, it does do something with the abundance of plastic.

[CharlesS]

Hey, it's probably better than clogging up a landfill with all that plastic.

[- - e r i k - -]

It's a temporary band aid, but it's kind of an interesting concept.

I wonder how energy efficient it is though, so far recycling of anything other than aluminium is far too energy consuming, outweighing the benefits. Landfill space we have plenty of.

[nonhuman]

I think this is an awesome concept. We produce tons (literally and figuratively) of plastic waste every day. Now we can turn all that waste into diesel fuel.

So, waste plastic, of which we have tons, can be turned into diesel fuel. Waste cooking oil, of which we have tons, can be turned into diesel fuel. Diesel engines are also cleaner and more efficient than gasoline engines (especially when burning bio-fuels).

Seems like diesel is the way to go to me. (Which is a relief, since I just bought a diesel car.)

[nonhuman]

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - - 

It's a temporary band aid, but it's kind of an interesting concept.

I wonder how energy efficient it is though, so far recycling of anything other than aluminium is far too energy consuming, outweighing the benefits. Landfill space we have plenty of.

They said that in the on instance the recycling of plastic waste produced enough fuel to power the machine itself as well as several others. So it's a net positive for energy.

[- - e r i k - -]

Well, good stuff then