SAO JOAO LANDFILL!

On Thursday morning, we visited the Sao Joao Landfill which is located in Sao Paulo. When we arrived at the landfill, I learned that it consisted of many sites that were owned by 2 different companies, EcoUrbis and Biogas. The actual Sao Joao Landfill is run by Biogas. Our first stop was EcoUrbis. There we had a presentation about the different sites EcoUrbis is working on and what phase of construction they are currently on. I learned that EcoUrbis is in fact not actually creating electricity form the methane, but just burning it. When we asked EcoUrbis if they plan to eventually generate electricity, they said it has been discussed but as of now no implementation or plans have been developed for the future.

This is where the methane is burned!

Above is the type of trucks EcoUrbis uses to collect the trash!

A view from up top on garbage mountain!

Our second stop was at Biogas, as I mentioned earlier, the actual Sao Joao Landfill. At EcoUrbis we learned that the Biogas plant in fact does not generate enough money for the initial investment it made to create the plant and maintain the facilities. During the tour at Biogas, I learned that the plant burns the methane here and then generates electricity. This electricity is then put into the grid. From studying various types of alternative energies throughout this dialogue, I was able to conclude that burning methane is in fact a positive form of alternative energy. Biogas reduces the emissions of gases that are released into the environment as well as it provides an alternative source of energy to the community. Overall, they contribute to the environmental preservation of the planet. Although this form of energy is environmentally friendly, it is not economically viable and that is why I think the U.S. and other countries have not adopted it as a main form of alternative energy. Biogas does however sell their carbon credits to other companies. The government also gives them credit to use towards taxes or other payments. The U.S. government also provides tax incentives to companies however that is not enough to push this type of alternative energy to make it as popular as it is here in Brazil. Companies want to be reassured that the economic gain will outweigh the initial investment. At Biogas, I also learned why landfills in Brazil are so popular. Brazil's waste is biodegradable and renewable. The waste that we produce in the U.S. is not. In the U.S. we throw away more garbage like products including plastic, styrofoam and packaging materials from meats and other products. These materials are not biodegradable and therefore landfills are not as popular. Brazil on the other hand throws away more organic materials like fruit peels and eggshells, which can be broken-down. Hopefully, in the future the U.S. can move towards making their waste more biodegradable so we can begin implementing these landfills.

Methane is burned here!

Heat exchangers!

Aerial view of the landfill!