Latest news with #industrialwaste
Associated Press
11-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Dispovac Systems Inc. Announces Expansion, Charting Major Growth with Plans to Onboard New Subcontractors
07/11/2025, Edmonton, Alberta // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Dispovac Systems Inc. , an Edmonton-based industrial waste management company, is proud to announce its plan to expand its subcontractor network of hydrovac partners by the end of the year. This ambitious growth strategy comes as part of a broader mission to increase capacity, improve service accessibility, and strengthen Dispovac's position as the leading hydrovac waste facility in Western Canada. Operating 24/7 with an unwavering commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Dispovac Systems Inc. has quickly become a go-to partner for construction companies, contractors, and local utility and telecom companies across Alberta. Operational since 2021, the company has built its business model on resource recovery and operational excellence, processing non-contaminated material collected from hydrovac trucks and returning it to the economy through eco-conscious resale. The company's managing director, Richard Bullock, alongside operations and logistics manager Paul Rouleau, has been instrumental in steering Dispovac toward sustainable growth while maintaining a deeply rooted commitment to the local community. Their leadership is the driving force behind the company's unique value proposition, which combines technical sophistication with an approachable, contractor-first ethos. At the heart of Dispovac's facility lies its massive 30-acre site housing five deep material pits. These pits serve as designated dump zones for subcontracted hydrovac trucks transporting dirt, mud, gravel, sand, and other non-toxic materials from nearby construction, pipeline, and roadwork projects. With environmental sustainability at its core, Dispovac operates on a 100% recyclable model. After being unloaded, the materials are separated during the warmer months, dried, and repurposed. Rather than ending up in a landfill due to traditional processing, the end products are then used by area businesses for industrial use. What truly sets Dispovac apart, however, is the client experience. Unlike traditional facilities that require long wait times and limited access, Dispovac offers a seamless in-and-out process, 24/7 operational scales (even on weekends and holidays), and a culture of genuine care for the workforce. Free hot meals, snacks, beverages, and access to onsite water are available to truckers and site workers alike. In harsh Edmonton winters, this water becomes a critical tool, enabling workers to use heated water for melting frozen ground and maintaining productivity on the job. Paul Rouleau, a skilled heavy equipment operator and a respected figure in the industry, oversees site operations with unmatched precision. Beyond his role at Dispovac, Paul is also a championship-level car racer and a community leader. The company proudly sponsors local car races and golf tournaments, and it donates regularly to various charities as part of its philanthropic initiatives. 'Everything we do is about community, innovation, and sustainability,' says Bullock. 'Expanding our partner base isn't just about growth, it's about empowering more operators to work in a system that respects their time, offers valuable resources, and gives back to the community.' As Dispovac prepares for its next phase, it may include converting one of its smaller pits to process impacted materials, signaling a further step toward comprehensive waste solutions. The call is open to qualified subcontractors ready to partner with a facility that truly understands the demands of the field. With scalable infrastructure, round-the-clock support, and a purpose-driven mission, Dispovac Systems Inc. is not just seeking new business; it's inviting others to be part of something bigger. Media Contact Name: Richard Bullock Email: [email protected] Source published by Submit Press Release >> Dispovac Systems Inc. Announces Expansion, Charting Major Growth with Plans to Onboard New Subcontractors
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
The Rocks Beneath Your Feet Are Younger Than Your Parents and Made of Your Trash
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: The rock cycle naturally takes thousands to millions of years, but scientists just identified a new form of rock that cements in under four decades. Researchers believe the natural cements found in industrial waste react with the ocean, leading to rapid cementation. Experts were able to estimate the cementation timeline using modern objects found in the rock, some of which include a zipper, a King Charles V coin, and a soda tab. Fossils are amazing; not only can they spark inspiration for iconic movie franchises (I'm looking at you, Jurassic Park), but they more importantly also provide accurate timestamps that help researchers piece together history from across millennia. Incredibly, scientists are starting to find examples of a new kind of fossil—well, sort of. Researchers from the University of Glasgow found modern society's detritus, including things like soda tabs, cemented inside a new form of rock. Published in the journal Geology, the study reconsiders everything we know about the rock cycle and how humans affect it. Typically, rocks take thousands to millions of years to form, with processes like heating, compaction, and melting producing different types of rock over long periods of time. The recent study, however, found that the anthropoclastic rock cycle is forming rocks in just 35 years rather than hundreds. Researchers realized this when they were studying slag deposits—or byproducts from industrial production—at Derwent Howe in West Cumbria. The region was formerly home to steel and iron-making plants, and scientists noticed irregular formations in the coastal cliffs, leading them to investigate 13 different sites in the area. Using methods including electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy (chemical analysis), the team determined the slag is made of 'natural cements' like calcite, goethite, and brucite. They explain in the study that the rapid cementation is likely a reaction between the waste and the sea water. Researchers were able to pinpoint just how rapid this new rock formation is by using the 'anthropogenic material'—or, more simply put, modern junk—they found hiding inside the rock. 'We found both a King George V coin from 1934 and an aluminium can tab with a design that we realised couldn't have been manufactured before 1989 embedded in the material,' John MacDonald, co-author of the study, explained in a press release. 'This gives us a maximum time frame of 35 years for this rock formation, well within the course of a single human lifetime.' Other discoveries include a zipper, copper wire, and even a tire. 'This is an example in microcosm of how all the activity we're undertaking at the Earth's surface will eventually end up in the geological record as rock,' MacDonald continued, 'but this process is happening with remarkable, unprecedented speed.' Researchers also expressed the environmental concerns the new rock form poses. The study suggests that we don't have as much time to dispose of loose waste material as we previously believed—and it only gets worse after it hardens. According to experts, excess anthropoclastic rocks could affect life both above and below the water's surface, especially as coastal ecosystems change with rising sea levels. 'What's remarkable here is that we've found these human-made materials being incorporated into natural systems and becoming lithified—essentially turning into rock—over the course of decades instead,' co-author Amanda Owen said in the release. 'It challenges our understanding of how a rock is formed, and suggests that the waste material we've produced in creating the modern world is going to have an irreversible impact on our future.' While this isn't the first time the anthropoclastic rock cycle was recorded, it is the first time researchers could put a definitive timeline on the process. The team explained in the release that the effects of anthropoclastic rock aren't currently included in models of erosion and land management, which are crucial parts of combating climate change. In the future, the researchers hope to study more deposits throughout Europe and further understand the rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Equatorial Guinea's Golden Swan Sets Regional Benchmark for Greener Oil and Gas Practices
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( proudly supports the recent visit of Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema to Equatorial Guinea's Golden Swan industrial complex, marking a defining moment for Africa's oil and gas sector. As the continent intensifies efforts to industrialize responsibly, Golden Swan – and Equatorial Guinea, under the leadership of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whose commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship has been instrumental – is demonstrating that environmental protection and energy development can and must go hand in hand. During the visit, President Oligui Nguema and his delegation witnessed first-hand how Equatorial Guinea has achieved self-sufficiency in treating industrial and hazardous waste. Golden Swan's advanced infrastructure includes industrial incinerators, a wastewater treatment plant, a medical waste processing unit and recycling systems for waste oil, plastics, batteries and metals. Presentations showcased the company's household waste system, which reduces landfill use by up to 90% through sorting and recycling, and its production of critical industrial gases like medical oxygen and nitrogen. The Golden Swan model directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Africa's hydrocarbons sector: the management of hazardous and industrial waste generated by upstream and downstream operations. By achieving self-sufficiency in this area, Equatorial Guinea not only protects its ecosystems and communities, but also strengthens its position as a responsible, forward-looking energy producer. The AEC believes that facilities like Golden Swan can serve as blueprints for governments and companies aiming to build energy industries that are both profitable and sustainable. The visit also sets the stage for tangible collaboration between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, beyond high-level dialogue. Opportunities now exist for technical cooperation, joint ventures and knowledge sharing that could see similar waste management infrastructure developed across the region. The Chamber encourages both governments to formalize this cooperation and take decisive steps to turn this vision into reality. 'This is a defining example of how African oil and gas producers can lead on environmental issues rather than follow,' said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. 'Golden Swan shows what is possible when governments and industry come together with a clear purpose. It sets the bar higher, and it invites others on the continent to match or exceed that standard. This is good for our industry, good for our people, and good for Africa's future.' Golden Swan's success underscores a broader truth: Africa's energy sector can drive industrialization while respecting the environment. As more nations follow this path, the continent will be better positioned to attract investment, create jobs and ensure long-term sustainability. The AEC welcomes this milestone and encourages all oil and gas stakeholders to build on Golden Swan's example by innovating, collaborating and driving Africa's growth while protecting its natural heritage. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Sustainability Times
17-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Trash Into Power': Scientists Create Batteries From Industrial Waste to Store Green Energy and Rewrite the Future of Sustainability
IN A NUTSHELL 🔋 Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an innovative electrolyte from industrial waste. from industrial waste. ♻️ The new anolyte utilizes triphenylphosphine oxide, a common industrial byproduct, offering an alternative to rare metals. utilizes triphenylphosphine oxide, a common industrial byproduct, offering an alternative to rare metals. 💡 This breakthrough could significantly enhance renewable energy storage by making it more efficient and sustainable. by making it more efficient and sustainable. 🌍 The development aligns with global sustainability goals, reducing waste and promoting circular economies. In recent years, the quest for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions has become more critical than ever. As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, the need for reliable storage systems grows. American researchers have developed an innovative electrolyte using a common industrial byproduct, potentially revolutionizing large-scale renewable energy storage. This breakthrough could address current challenges in the energy sector, offering both economic and environmental benefits. Understanding Redox Flow Batteries Redox Flow Batteries (RFBs) are a promising technology for energy storage. These batteries operate by using two electrolyte solutions, known as anolyte and catholyte, stored in separate tanks. When these solutions are pumped into a central chamber containing a separating membrane, they undergo a chemical reaction that generates electrons. The process is reversible, allowing the battery to be recharged by passing an electric current through the membrane. While this approach shows potential for being cost-effective, current RFB systems are bulky and require significant maintenance due to the moving parts involved in liquid pumping. Additionally, these systems often rely on rare materials like lithium and cobalt, which can be economically and environmentally taxing. However, recent advancements by researchers, including Emily Mahoney from Northwestern University, have led to the creation of an anolyte derived from a common industrial waste product, offering a promising alternative to these rare metals. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything Introducing a New Anolyte The innovative process involves transforming triphenylphosphine oxide, a byproduct of manufacturing products such as vitamin tablets, into cyclic triphenylphosphine oxide. This compound has a high potential for storing negative charges. When used as an anolyte, it maintained its effectiveness over 350 charge and discharge cycles. 'This type of anolyte boosts the overall potential of the cell, thereby enhancing its efficiency,' explains Mahoney. 'Historically, this improvement has been accompanied by stability issues, making this stable and highly negative compound particularly noteworthy.' According to the authors of the study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, these RFBs could efficiently store wind and solar energy, presenting a viable solution for renewable energy storage. 'China Builds 40-Story Giants': These Gravity Batteries Could Crush Lithium's Dominance and Trigger a Global Energy Power Shift The Broader Implications The development of this new anolyte not only signifies a leap in battery technology but also highlights the potential of using industrial waste in innovative ways. By converting waste into a valuable resource, this research aligns with global sustainability goals, reducing waste and promoting circular economies. Furthermore, the reduced reliance on rare metals could alleviate some of the geopolitical and environmental concerns associated with mining these resources. The implications extend beyond energy storage. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable practices in various industries, encouraging the exploration of waste materials as potential resources. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of such sustainable practices could become a cornerstone of modern industrial processes. 'NASA Eyes Game-Changing Breakthrough': These Sodium-Air Fuel Cells Could Soon Power Full-Size Passenger Jets Across Continents Future Prospects in Energy Storage As the energy sector faces mounting pressure to innovate, breakthroughs like this are essential. The potential to store renewable energy efficiently and sustainably could transform how we approach energy consumption and storage. With companies like Polar Night Energy already exploring novel storage solutions, such as large-scale sand batteries, the landscape of energy storage is on the cusp of significant change. Moreover, the use of industrial byproducts in energy storage technologies highlights an exciting intersection of waste management and renewable energy. As researchers continue to refine these technologies, the future of energy storage looks promising, opening up new avenues for sustainable development and innovation. The journey towards sustainable energy storage is fraught with challenges, but each technological advance brings us closer to a more sustainable future. As we harness the potential of industrial waste in energy storage, we must ask ourselves: What other untapped resources could redefine our approach to renewable energy? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
Forbes
30-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Humanity's Trash Is Turning To Rock
Human garbage Researchers from the University of Glasgow have found that trash and slag, an industrial waste product produced by the glass and steel industry, is turning into solid rock in as little as 35 years. In a new study, the researchers have documented for the first time a new "rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle," which mimics natural rock cycles but involves human material over accelerated timescales. It all started when one of the authors came across an aluminum tab found encased in a strange rock along the coast of Derwent Howe in West Cumbria. Derwent Howe was home to iron and steel-making foundries during the 19th and 20th centuries, and its coast accumulated an estimated 27 million cubic-meters of furnace slag over the course of its industrial history. The slag deposits have formed cliffs of waste material that are being eroded by coastal waves and tides forming sedimentary rocks — resembling the natural rock cycle. A chemical analysis shows that the slag contains calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese. These elements are highly chemically reactive, which is key to causing the accelerated process of rock formation. When the slag is eroded by the sea, it exposes the material to seawater and air, which interacts with the slag's reactive elements to create natural cements including calcite, goethite, and brucite. These cements are the same materials that bind together natural sedimentary rocks, but the chemical reactions cause the process to happen much faster. 'For a couple of hundred years, we've understood the rock cycle as a natural process that takes thousands to millions of years,' explains corresponding author Dr. Amanda Owen of the University of Glasgow's School of Geographical and Earth Sciences. As the eroded slag is deposited and cemented, it incorporates trash carried by waves and currents to the coast. "What's remarkable here is that we've found these human-made materials being incorporated into natural systems and becoming lithified — essentially turning into rock — over the course of decades instead. It challenges our understanding of how a rock is formed, and suggests that the waste material we've produced in creating the modern world is going to have an irreversible impact on our future." Almost like real fossils, this trash can be used to date the new 'anthropoclastic rock." "We were able to date this process with remarkable precision," says Dr. John MacDonald, a co-author of the study. 'We found both a King George V coin from 1934 and an aluminum can tab with a design that we realized couldn't have been manufactured before 1989 embedded in the material. This gives us a maximum timeframe of 35 years for this rock formation, well within the course of a single human lifetime." Plastiglomerates, a sort of rock resulting from marine plastic pollution, were described for the first time in 2014 from a beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Since then similar deposits were found along the shores of the Portuguese island of Madeira, the island of Giglio in the Tyrrhenian Sea and in Cornwall in southwest Britain. As plastic pollution is nowadays widespread, likely also plastiglomerates will become more common. 'I think it's very likely that this same phenomenon is happening at any similar slag deposit along a relatively exposed coastline with some wave action anywhere in the world,' explains Dr. David Brown, the paper's third author. The study,"Evidence for a rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle," was published in the journal Geology. Additional material and interviews provided by the University of Glasgow.
