# MAGS Marine Trash Gasification Technology Explained

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/mags-marine-trash-gasification-technology-explained/
- Published: 2011-11-16T19:07:46-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Marines Test New Energy-Efficient Weapon in the War on Trash

**By Dave Nystrom, Office of Naval Research**

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) — In collaboration with the Office of Naval Research (ONR),
Marines at Camp Smith, Hawaii, are currently testing an innovative trash disposal
system. This advanced system effectively [reduces a standard 50-gallon bag of waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/06/epa-and-usda-join-together-to-help-americans-reduce-wasted-food/)
into just a half-pint jar of harmless ash.

Called the Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS), the unit is currently undergoing
evaluation by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC). It may be a possible
solution to help Marines [win their daily battle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/byd-ev-vs-tesla-who-is-winning-the-ev-battle/)
against the increasing trash at remote forward operating bases (FOB).

Lt. Col. Mike Jernigan, a dedicated Marine combat engineer who recently commanded
a logistics battalion in Afghanistan, expressed that waste disposal in the field
is a significant and ongoing problem. This issue can greatly impact both morale 
and operational efficiency. He highlighted the challenges faced by troops when it
comes to managing waste in remote areas. In such locations, access to proper disposal
facilities is severely limited. Jernigan emphasized that improper waste management
not only poses environmental [hazards but also affects](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/10/does-vaping-affect-indoor-air-quality/)
the health and safety of the personnel involved. The accumulation of waste can attract
pests and lead to unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, he noted the critical need
for innovative solutions to address this persistent issue. This would ensure that
soldiers can focus on their primary missions without the additional burden of waste
management concerns.

![A soldier carefully places a jar into a portable device while others observe in
a tropical environment](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2011/11/image-44-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy")

Marines demonstrate the Micro Auto Gasification System MAGS as it efficiently reduces
waste to a harmless ash during field tests

## Options: Burn or Bury It

“Right now, we have two main options. We can burn it or bury it,” Jernigan said.“
Any potential solution must reduce security and logistics concerns regarding trash
disposal. Additionally, it should help the environment. This is important. Ultimately,
that’s a good outcome for the Marine Corps.”

MAGS is both environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. A controlled decomposition
process, which thermally converts [energy from biomass](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/10/renewable-energy-capacity-2020-a-growing-global-trend/)
is the key to MAGS’ effectiveness. Additionally, “The system essentially bakes the
[trash and recovers](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/vtt-recovering-metals-and-minerals-from-waste/)
a high portion of combustible gas byproduct, which is used to fuel the process,”
said Donn Murakami, the MARFORPAC science adviser who leads the Marine Corps’ evaluation
team.

### Program Under Environmental Quality

Developed under the Environmental Quality, Discovery and Invention program at ONR
and in [collaboration with the Canada’s Department of National](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/bhutan-nissan-partnership-a-dynamic-collaboration/)
Defence. For MAGS was definitely designed to meet the need for a compact, solid-
waste disposal system for both ships and also shore facilities.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/image-46-400x300.
png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy")

“Decades ago, the idea of harvesting energy from trash was just a side show in the
environmental movement,” said Steve McElvany, the MAGS program officer at ONR. “
Now, the technology is mature enough to where the Department of the Navy is seriously
evaluating its practical and tactical benefits.”

The energy-efficient and clean-burning properties of MAGS make it attractive to 
expeditionary units. It has a low carbon footprint, and emissions are not visible,
which is a tactical plus. Waste heat can also be used for practical purposes, such
as heating living quarters or water.

“What we are doing for FOBs can be applied to schools, hospitals, or an office building,”
Murakami said. “We are talking about disposing of our waste in a different manner,
rather than just sending it to the landfill. This means implementing innovative 
waste management systems that focus on [recycling and reusing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/what-do-americans-think-about-recycling/)
materials, thereby minimizing our ecological footprint. By collaborating with local
governments and organizations, we can create tailored solutions that enhance environmental
sustainability in various sectors. It’s about fostering a culture of responsibility
and awareness among individuals and institutions. This approach encourages them 
to think critically about how they manage resources in their facilities.”

### Testing of Marine MAGS Trash Gasification

We will test MAGS through March. This provides valuable insights into its performance
and capabilities. As we gather more data, we can refine our approach. We will improve
the system’s effectiveness. Next summer, phase three of the evaluation starts. It
will also focus on the system’s expeditionary aspect at the Pohakuloa Training Area,
Hawaii. There, we will run a series of comprehensive field tests. This phase aims
to evaluate MAGS in various environmental conditions and operational scenarios. 
It also ensures that we meet the rigorous demands of modern military operations.
By tackling realistic challenges in diverse terrain, we hope to find areas for improvement
and innovation.

MAGS is an exemplary illustration of how ONR energy programs are significantly contributing
to the [Department](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/02/easy-steps-to-cut-energy-waste-and-save-money-no-matter-how-cold-it-gets/)
of the Navy’s efforts to meet its strategic ashore energy goal. By investing in 
innovative technologies and sustainable practices, the Navy is actively working 
towards producing **at least** 50 percent of its installation energy requirements;
essentially from only alternative sources by 2020. This ambitious target not only
aims to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, **but additionally** to
enhance energy security, improve resilience against disruptions, **and furthermore**
support environmental sustainability. **Moreover**, the implementation of these 
energy programs reflects the Navy’s commitment to leading the way in renewable energy
adoption. As a result, the Navy is driving forward a cleaner, more efficient energy
future. This ensures operational effectiveness **and** readiness.

ONR drives the science and technology that sustains the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological
edge. It leads in science and technology through its affiliates, engaging in 50 
states and 70 countries. Furthermore, ONR collaborates with 1,035 institutions of
higher learning and also 914 industry partners. The [organization employs about 1,400 people](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/hey-green-people-organic-flowers-on-mothers-day-perfect-green-holiday/),
including uniformed, civilian, and contract personnel. Additionally, more employees
work at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

### Source:

US Navy, Story #, NNS111115-14  Release Date: 11/15/2011 4:09:00 PM

_**For more news from Office of Naval Research, visit [http://www.navy.mil/local/onr/](http://www.navy.mil/local/onr/).**_

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