What science is necessary to turn soiled disposable diapers to fuel and why aren't we doing this?

Question

Diapers can be made from compostable materials (cornstarch-based plastics), but one would assume that since regular plastics are also petroleum-based, in theory that should be something that is convertable to fuel as well. And with the news that Boeing is working on making biofuel from algae (partnering with Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Airlines), why not use something that instead simply ends up in landsfill? I challenge the diaper manufacturers, the automakers, the airlines, Boeing, pro-lifers....do something good for your country, good for the world and good for business too! Form an alliance and figure this one out! We need a Manhattan Project team for this (Sir Richard, would you fund it? Bill Gates?)

Answer 1

Because the materials are created from something combustible (petroleum, whatever) does not mean that the new materials made from them are easily combustible. I have not seen the conrstarch based plastics you refer to, but generally plastics are long chain polymers and don't burn very well.

Answer 2

Hey..that's a really good idea.

If I was a billion zillionaire I would help you out but I'm not. But that's a really awesome idea and why we're not doing that...I don't know.

Answer 3

I can figure a way out to turn decomposing stuff into Auto-gas.

Auto-gas is a bit less efficient than gasoline but it has been used around the world for transport fuel.  There would have to be a conversion of the car that might take a little while and take up space. I'm still researching it.