The Economist has noted the growing interest in turning trash into electricity through the use of electric plasma torches in a recent article.  Stating that burying trash "is old-fashioned and polluting", the article looks at the technical ability and profitability of plasma-based technologies to manage municipal solid waste.  More than three dozen American firms are proposing plasma-torch syngas plants, according to Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, a waste consultancy based in Fairfax, Virginia (and ERC member).  While no plasma facilities currently operate in the United States, this article demonstrates the concentrated effort of many companies to make this technology work on a commercial scale.  In short, it shows that household trash is a valuable energy source and the business of making energy from waste has a bright future.