This Toyota technology can convert waste into electricity. Here’s how

Toyota Chemical Engineering, a division of the Japanese vehicle maker, Toyota corporation, is spearheading efforts in sustainable waste management and recycling.

The company has unveiled a recycling method that can transform ‘green waste’ into energy, without the need for traditional incineration processes that contribute to CO2 emissions.

The process involves combining ‘green waste’, water, sawdust, and shredded paper in a high-pressure machine. These materials are then liquified and transferred into a “methane fermentation vessel,” where microorganisms ferment the mixture, converting it into methane gas. This methane gas is utilised as fuel to power Toyota’s chemical plants, demonstrating a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact.

To showcase the effectiveness of their process, Toyota Chemical Engineering used expired lunch boxes as a demonstration. The waste, along with sawdust, shredded paper, and other garbage, is processed into a liquid using high-temperature, high-pressure water, resembling a massive pressure cooker. The resulting liquid is then pumped into the methane fermentation vessel, where microorganisms convert it into methane gas, serving as a sustainable fuel source for generating electricity.

While Toyota acknowledges that some form of incineration is still required in their waste disposal process, the company ensures that the CO2 emitted during this process is captured and used to power its facilities, effectively reducing its carbon emissions output. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Toyota’s broader environmental goals and showcases its dedication to innovation in waste management.