OLR Report 2012-R-0025 discussion of technologies that convert plastics to oil or other fuels, and the potential carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions and other environmental benefits that would be derived if the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) were to use these technologies.
There are a variety of technologies that convert plastics to oil or other fuels using a process called pyrolysis. While there are commercial plastics-to-fuels (PTF) facilities around the world, the existing PTF facilities in the United States are pilot stage or smaller facilities.
CRRA recycles the plastics that come to its recycling facilities, such as soda bottles and milk jugs. CRRA sells these plastics under a contract that runs until 2018 with a firm that recycles them. As a result, CRRA has not considered PTF technologies to date. CRRA incinerates other plastics that are not recycled at its facilities to generate power.
It appears that PTF technologies could be a cost-effective complement to recycling, producing fuel at prices substantially below current fuel prices. The conversion process itself creates few emissions. However, the oil or other fuel produced by the PTF technology will produce substantial CO2 emissions when it is burned.
For more information, read the full report.
