Envion has found a way to cheaply, and safely, convert low grade plastic into something resembling oil. This compound can be mixed with other chemical components and sold as  gasoline or diesel. Many companies have tried this approach before, but the process has always been so costly and made quite a mess inside the machine used to melt the plastic that would require major clean up. But Envion has perfected the science of converting plastic into fuel.

They utilize infra-red energy to heat the plastic to a very carefully controlled temperature range. The machine can convert everything from large plastic McDonald’s cups to the actual blue recycling bins themselves! The process is said to cost about $10 per barrel of the converted substance and many gasoline companies have already expressed interest in buying.

Envion recently set up their first conversion station at a waste transfer plant in Montgomery County, just north of Washington, D.C. They are set to unveil the station and more about how it works today with a speech by Gov. Martin O’Malley to follow.

References

1. nytimes.com