The technology "compresses tons of garbage into dense cylindrical bales and seals them hermetically in several layers of plastic film," after which TransLoad plans to transport them to landfills through the use of rail lines. This system provides benefits to the environment and reduces cost. Groundwater pollution is prevented by the use of "impermeable plastic" wrap and shipping by rail cuts down on fuel use and emissions. Only 22 tons of waste can be transported through traditional trucks, while a boxcar of bales can hold 100 tons. TransLoad already custom designed and ordered 1,200 rail cars to make the process even more efficient.

With a launch date of early 2008, TransLoad hopes to change the way trash is handled. Aiming even higher, they hope to use future technology to change its landfills into producers of "biofuels, electricity, [and] heat" with its bales as the source.

Via: Wired

Comments (3)

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How convenient...
written by Remi , March 27, 2007

Maybe they could make a plasma arc gasification unit that would be the perfect size to use big fuel pellets like that for fuel...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_arc_gasification

Yup
written by Billy , March 28, 2007

I believe they talk about that at the source Wired article as a possibility.

...
written by Courtney , March 28, 2007

Can the impermeable plastic film be made from recycled grocery bags and soda bottles?

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