Last week we announced plans to develop a gasification plant on our site near Rockcliffe, Carlisle. And now we are delighted to share a few more details with you.
Sadly, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. Most is burnt for energy and the rest ends up as plastic waste in the environment. Whilst manufacturers of plastic packaging are improving processes and materials used, and households are recycling in record numbers, the progress is slow.
In reality, a lot of the waste is contaminated, and cannot be separated or recycled. This ‘black bin’ waste is a mix of plastic, food waste, textiles and other material. The unfortunate fact is that this waste is burnt or landfilled, causing significant environmental damage. To put this in context, the UK generates 13 million tonnes of this non-recyclable waste every year.
We will feed waste which cannot be recycled into a vessel that is heated to a high temperature with very limited oxygen (so the waste is not burnt). The solid waste turns into a gas and the very high temperature in the heating vessel breaks the complex molecular forms of the plastics, food waste etc into two simple fuel molecules – one of which is Hydrogen. The gas produced is often known as synthetic gas, or syngas for short.
Importantly, Syngas is incredibly clean. When combusted in an engine, the greenhouse gas emissions from syngas (0.2KgCO2) are less than natural gas (0.8KgCO2)
In addition, the syngas we produce will be used in an engine to turn an alternator to provide electricity to power the whole Rockcliffe Recycling Facility. We will not have any gas storage on site – the process can be started and stopped quickly (stopped in less than 2 minutes) – so gas storage is not needed. The exhaust gas will be continuously monitored and will meet strict emissions standards.
Moreover, the production of syngas is silent and the engines will be in acoustic containers. So there will be no noise pollution.
Furthermore, the production of syngas with the gasification plant generates no odour.
There is simply no hazardous ash. Ash from the process is removed as vitrified stones – used to replace mined aggregate in construction. No chemicals are required to clean the gas – the heat ‘cleans’ the gas.
At a local and regional level, this type of clean fuel generation is a potential game changer. In the initial stage, our plan will power and fuel our entire 30 acre site and all of our vehicles. This in itself would be massive for us, and a first for the region.
But plainly its potential goes much further – we can’t wait to share more with you.
Stay tuned for more updates and sign up to news alerts for the latest developments.
When it comes to waste and recycling, North West Recycling is the leading waste management provider across Cumbria and beyond. And for good reason too. Here are 10 reasons why you should choose us as your provider: 1. North West Recycling provides a reliable service with a reputation for quality and dependability. 2. We recover […]
What are aggregate materials used for and what are their main benefits? Construction aggregates are often referred to as simply “aggregates,”. They are a group of materials that are used in construction to form the foundation of roads, buildings, and other structures. Indeed, there are several benefits to using construction aggregate materials in construction projects: […]
A simple guide to gasification and its benefits Gasification is a process that converts solid or liquid fuels into a gaseous fuel called “syngas”. This is done by oxidizing the fuel, creating a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and other volatile gases. The syngas produced can then be burned as a fuel in a gas […]
Hiring a skip is an excellent and convenient way of getting rid of waste in your home. During home and garden clean or clear outs, you will realize that you have different types of waste to dispose of. Before you embark on disposing of any waste, it is important that you understand what type of […]
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is a diverse and intricate category of recyclable waste that poses unique challenges in the recycling process. This category of waste consists of various electronic devices, making it a challenging waste type to handle. Our primary goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for the waste we receive, […]
Ever wondered whether you actually know the best way to recycle plastics? Here are some tips specifically for recycling rigid plastics in the UK: Recycle Plastics Remember that recycling is just one part of the solution to reducing plastic waste. Reducing your use of single-use plastics and choosing products with minimal packaging can also have […]
The truth is there is no right or wrong answer on how best to recycle paper, however we’ve written an easy guide blog post to help demystify the process. Here are some general tips for recycling paper: Recycle Paper By recycling paper properly, you can help conserve resources, reduce waste, and contribute to a more […]
Last week we announced plans to develop a gasification plant on our site near Rockcliffe, Carlisle. And now we are delighted to share a few more details with you. THE BACKGROUND Sadly, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. Most is burnt for energy and the rest ends up as plastic waste in the environment. […]
There many great waste management careers available to explore within the waste sector. Some of the most common roles include: Environmental Waste Manager. These professionals are responsible for managing waste collection and disposal operations. They focus on ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting sustainable waste management practices. Recycling Operatives. These professionals are responsible for the […]
The best way to recycle plastic film may vary depending on the specific type of plastic it is made of and the recycling capabilities in your local area. However, here are some general tips that may be helpful: Furthermore, remember that reducing plastic consumption and choosing sustainable alternatives whenever possible is also an important part […]
Syngas gasification is a proven technology that has been used for several decades in various industries. These include sectors such as power generation, chemical production, and waste management. The feasibility of gasification as a process depends on several factors. Factors including the type of feedstock, the scale of the operation, and the specific application. One […]
The truth is there is no right or wrong answer. There are several ways to recycle garden waste, and the best option will depend on the type and quantity of waste you have, as well as your personal preferences and available resources. Here are a few options to consider: By recycling your garden waste, you […]
Trade accounts