12. Innovation: Clean energy from contaminated recyclables and trash

I learned about this on-site mobile waste-to-energy machine, the GEM 3T120, from a Linkedin posting by Stu Haber of IST Energy (MA).  I think the GEM could be used productively in small transfer stations that offer recycling because glass and metals are usually separated by the users at these sites.  Processing could be used to heat site buildings, or create electricity, a cost savings.  Non-profits may be able to get grants to give this innovative approach a try and work out the kinks.  I've subscribed to IST's YouTube channel and hope to see more videos from the company.  My main concern is that clean materials, that should be recycled, won't be by some employees.  However, there is a lot of contaminated material that can't be recycled at MRFS and transfer stations and this might be a solution.  It's important to be open to new thinking about ways to produce clean energy from trash after recycling.  But trash should not be confused with natural renewable energy. 

More info:  
"Air Force Base to Gasify Waste for Energy | Green Tech - CNET News." Technology News - CNET News. Web. 01 Mar. 2011. <http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20029787-54.html>. 
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