Dumpster Rental in Winston-Salem, NC

How Methane Gas is Captured and Used to Generate Power

Landfill gas is made up of 40-60 percent Methane and 40 percent carbon dioxide. Not a healthy combination. The gas is a result of decomposing microorganisms. Because these gasses can be both a blessing and a curse, there are monitoring systems in place to watch the levels of gasses being produced. The curse is that these gasses are hazardous and the blessing is they can also be used to generate electricity.
Flame ionization detectors are used to monitor levels. It is by law that(The Clean Air Act) that landfills must install monitoring devices. Surface, sub surfaces, and the ambient air must be tested. Owners and operators of landfills must ensure that methane gas levels do not exceed 25 percent.

Landfills that are utilizing processes to harness the methane gas have installed on-site, both steam and microturbines, and in some instances, fuel cells. Electricity is made right on the site and is sold to various power companies. Pipes can also be utilized to send gas through natural gas pipelines. Another hazardous waste that landfills produce is leachates. However, this danger can be remedied by evaporation as a result of the steam turbines heat.

Another advantage is that the environment is improved by using systems like those described above. The greatest impact is the lowering of greenhouse gasses. One more major benefit is that the capturing of methane gasses and selling the gas will lower energy costs.
Though the methods used to capture methane gasses are expensive and without some controversy which is not in the realm of this particular article to hash out, at least there is some technology at work trying to find solutions to the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. And any solution that moves us closer to weaning our country off oil is a positive step in the right direction.

The Composition of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is one of the leading causes of pollution in America. It is destroying our rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans. All of which are vital to a healthy environment. Though many people are working to alleviate this problem there is much, as individuals, we can do to help in the fight to keep our natural resources clean and protected.
Here are mention some of the hazardous materials Light bulbs, Pool chemicals, Ant baits, Antifreeze, Paints, Starter fluids, Cockroach sprays.

It is very important to recognize these materials and know-how to handle them. Make sure you read all labels so you are familiar with the proper use and disposal of these materials. If you are using bug sprays, for example, know the chemicals that are inside the can and make sure the area you are spraying is properly ventilated or wait until it is safe to return. Our landfills are full of items that are causing havoc. Cell phones and cell phone batteries are a huge problem. The chemical from these products can leach into our underground water sources and contaminate the water we drink. So think about what you are using, where you are disposing, and help keep our ecosystems free of pollution.

Landfills/Dumps & Solid Waste in Winston-Salem

The City of Winston-Salem operates through the Solid Waste Division a state-permitted, active, sanitary landfill at Hanes Mill Road. Sanitary landfills must adhere to strict EPA guidelines to ensure public safety. Liners must be used and underground watering monitoring systems have to be deployed to help safe-guard the drinking water. The landfill is located at:

• 325 Hanes Mill Road Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
• The Hanes Mill Road Landfill can be reached on 336-727-8000.
• The landfill operating hours are Monday-Friday:7am-4:30pm  & Saturday: 8am-Noon

The City also operates a Construction and Demolition waste disposal site. It is located at:

• 336 Old Salisbury Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27127 – Phone 336-727-8000.

According to North Carolina law, sanitary landfill sites cannot accept yard wastes. So the city has provided 2 options for leaf drop-offs.

• The Reynold Park Road which only accepts leaves from city sanitation crews and the
• Overdale Yard waste facility accepts leaves from the general public. Located at Old Milwaukee Lane Winston-Salem, NC.

How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste in Winston-Salem

Forsyth County residents can drop off household hazardous free of charge at the 3RC-EnviroStation. This facility is located at:

• 1401 South Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive – Winston-Salem (across from Bowman Gray Stadium).
• The hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 9:00am-2:00pm & Saturday 9:00-noon.
• And the 3RC-Envirostation can be reached by calling: (336) 784-4300.
• Some of the materials that can be dropped off at this station include Paint, Pesticides, Automotive fluids, Computers.
• Some of the banned items include Medical waste, Automotive oil filters, Wooden pallets, Used oil, Yard trash.

Remember to never dump hazardous waste into drain pipes or sewers. Keep waste separate and in the original container if at all possible. There are open burning laws in the country that must be followed. Residents are allowed to burn leaves, tree branches, and yard trimmings. Logs over 6 inches in diameter or tree stumps cannot be burned. Open burning is only allowed in cities that do not have residential trash services. The hours’ residents are allowed to burn are between 8am and 6pm. And make sure the burning is not bothering your neighbors. Use some common sense.

Winston-Salem Recycling Rules and Regulations

Forsyth County has 3 major recycling or convenience centers. They include:

• Winston-Salem Convenience Center
  325 Hanes Mill Road
  Winston-Salem, NC 27105Hours of operation:
  Monday – Friday: 7:00am-4:30pm
  Saturday: 8am-Noon
• Kernersville Convenience Center
  445 Lindsay Street
  Kernersville, NC 27284Hours of operation:
  Tuesday – Saturday: 8am-5pm
• Pfafftown Convenience Center
  6328 Yadkinville Road
  Pfafftown, NC 27040
  Yadkinville RoadHours of Operation:
  Tuesday – Saturday: 8am-5pm
• The Recycling Centers can be reached on:
  (336) 703-2440

Materials accepted at the recycling centers include Corrugated boxes, Steel, Tin, Aluminium cans, All plastics 1-7, Glass.

Items the recycling centers will not accept are Paint cans, Styrofoam egg cartons, Motor oil, Bottle caps, Books, Garden hoses.

The Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection oversees all solid waste and recycling in Winston-Salem. They can answer any questions you may have related to environmental concerns. They can be reached on Fifth Floor at the Forsyth County Government Center :

• 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 – Phone: 336 703 2440.

Remember the Three “R’s” of recycling.

• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle

Reducing waste by composting. Reuse old items or repurpose them. And always recycle. This helps keep the city beautiful and clean. More people are more likely to visit and to buy homes. Businesses are going to be more inclined to invest in areas where there is growth. And this all helps to make a city vibrant. A nice place to call home.