NYC Considers Using Sewage As Renewable Energy

Sewage is usually viewed as an environmental hazard, not an asset. The question NYC faces is where all that waste should go that it won't cause odor and even water contamination.

The answer? New York City is now looking at its sewage treatment plants as possible sources of renewable energy.

Heating fuel can be extracted from sludge, and sewage treatment plants could sell methane gas that can power homes.

The DEP is looking to recoup some of the costs of dealing with wastewater, which currently costs the city more than $400 million a year.