Wonderful World O' Waste

Erin Spinka

Too bad not all waste-to-energy plants are accompanied by dance tunes and a disco ball. At Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.'s Museum of Discovery and Science, a science display enlightens kids on how waste-to-energy plants transform garbage into electricity. To work the system, children crank handles and push buttons as they watch fake trash being taken from a house. Then, the trash is carried on a conveyor belt and “processed” inside the exhibit where steam forms and a turbine fan kicks on, providing electricity for the house. With the help of fun bells and whistles, and a video about waste management, county officials are pleased the exhibit places a positive spin on what often is seen as a dirty business.
Source: Herald.com