Dive Brief:
- Agilyx Corp. announced it will update a waste plastic-to-oil plant by installing new continuous feed technology.
- Wastech, based in Portland, is moving forward in the implementation of the latest development, Generation 6 technology. This is likely the first commercial use of the system.
- The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. At that time, the facility is looking to handle 50 tons of plastic waste every day and produce 10,000 gallons of crude oil daily.
Dive Insight:
The Wastech plant is owned by the largest waste and recycling company at this time, Waste Management. The upgrade is expected to open the plant to commercial plastic generators and aggregators for the first time. The conversion of waste plastics into fuel could further zero waste initiatives in the region.
In September 2013, the state of Oregon announced a plan to study the life cycle of plastics recycling. The state hopes to use the findings to increase the diversion rate and expand the plastics recycling program. The information gathered will also help establish a statewide plan for plastics management, expected to be implemented by 2050. Could the Portland Wastech facility become a component to propel this plastics management plan into action?
