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

2. Burn barrels

Like most rural householders, my father burned trash in a barrel.  In the cities, residents' trash was picked up by sanitation workers but burn barrels were utilized too.  Using burn barrels is not a smart way to dispose of trash for a lot of reasons.  Today we know that wastes turn into toxic chemicals like dioxins when burned in barrels.  These pollute the land, air, water and food.  Old habits die hard but this is one we need to kick.  Recycling, using landfills or waste-to-energy plants are better for the environment than burning trash in the backyard. 
Image: NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation