The 'zero landfill' promise often means burning waste — which is better?
The Polk County solid waste management facility in Fosston, Minn., which recently expanded its footprint and capabilities, aims to recycle 20 to 25 percent of everything that comes in the door. Remaining items are burned via incinerator. The incinerator stack is seen at left. The facility also sells steam to a handful of customers in the vicinity. A set of above ground pipes for transporting steam is seen at right.
Ann Arbor Miller for MPR News
Some major companies are now burning waste in incinerators that it gets out of landfills, where it can release methane into the atmosphere.
But burning it can release carbon and other toxins into the air. So, what’s the most climate-friendly way for companies to handle bulk waste they can’t recycle?
Katie Schoolov covers Amazon for CNBC and recently looked into this. She joined Climate Cast to share her findings.
To hear the episode, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.
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