I wrote recently about the issues surrounding landfills and the world's problems in grappling with the immense amount of garbage we create on a daily basis. One perfect solution would be to reduce consumption and waste, but if our habits will not follow our desires, then perhaps technology can help bridge the gap.

A promising invention that I found today is a mobile machine that takes any type of garbage and converts it into electricity or ethanol. Leave it to the U.S. military to commission it and the scientists at Purdue University to create it. Such a device allows the U.S. to remove any evidence of its presence on the battlefield, while also providing a useful product for its activities. The diesel engine is powered by propane and methanol which is created in a process called gasification. (To learn more about gasification, click here.)

According to the article, you can 'stuff paper, plastic, cardboard, food waste, woodchips, and even Styrofoam in one end and expect to get electricity out the other end' The machine is in the prototype phase, but early tests have it producing 90% more energy than what's put in. Apparently, it only takes a few hours for fuel to made from the process.

It would be an interesting concept to see this invention incorporated into garbage trucks. Imagine taking the trash from the first block you hit and using it to make fuel for the next day's pickup. With plenty of garbage to go around, you might potentially create a closed-loop fuel source for your fleet! Judging by photos of the device, we're years away from such advances, but it's encouraging to see it working today. Hit the article for more!

photo credit: mobile magazine