The news has reported discussions on wind turbines and adoption of solar panels, both of which are promoted as being green (i.e., good for the environment). The April 9 edition of Chemical & Engineering News, however, contained an article, "Recycling Renewables," which examines their impact on the environment. Although promoted as solutions to global climate change, their research and development did not ensure they are green to the end.
Solar panels will create about 172 billion pounds of waste globally by 2050. The value of metals in each panel ($3 to $13) makes recycling unprofitable; silicon recovered by recycling is of poor quality. Heavy metals in the panels, which are poisonous at low concentrations, pose another recycling issue.
In Europe alone, wind turbine blades will create at least 660 million pounds of waste by 2038. Made from thermoset plastics, the blades cannot be successfully remolded or reheated after they are formed and their extremely large weight and size, plus the low value of the recycled material, limit recycling.
The key question: Will adding to the global trash crisis really improve the environment?