How is Bitcoin a tool for waste management?

This appeared in The Millennial Source

With the adoption of blockchain technology, projects in the US are trying to add accountability to the garbage collection process that will allow waste managers to scrutinize the process with more knowledge and insight.

It’s not easy to say where trash goes after it leaves the curb outside your house.

Most waste products aren’t recycled, instead, they all too often end up in landfills. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018, approximately 146.1 million tons of municipal solid waste were landfilled. Most of this waste consisted of food, at around 24%, while plastics accounted for another 18% of waste.

About 12% was made up of paper and paperboard while 11% consisted of rubber, leather and textiles. Other materials accounted for less than 10% each.

How much of this waste accumulates is often a challenge to track down, as there are many moving parts that exist along the chain, including processing centers and collectors.

With the adoption of blockchain technology, specific pilot projects in the US are trying to add accountability to the garbage collection process that will allow waste managers to scrutinize the process with more knowledge and insight.