Sustane Technologies Inc., a company based in Nova Scotia, has developed a waste processing technology that uses steam to break down trash and keep it out of landfills. This innovative solution is able to recirculate about 90% of waste that would normally end up in a landfill or be burned in an incinerator. Every tonne of waste processed through the system results in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by two to three tonnes, making it an environmentally friendly option for waste management.
The County of Wetaskiwin in central Alberta is in need of a new waste processing solution as their current landfills are reaching the end of their lifecycle. Traditional recycling methods have proven to be inefficient and costly, leading the municipality to search for a more sustainable option. Sustane Technologies was chosen as a partner due to their competitive rates and ability to recover nonrenewable resources from waste. The technology can even convert plastic back into oil, which can be used for energy or to produce more plastic, promoting a circular economy for plastic waste.
The partnership with Sustane Technologies is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the local economy. Once the facility is built, it is expected to create around 30 skilled jobs in the region, providing economic opportunities for residents. Additionally, the facility will help extend the lifespan of existing landfills in the area by diverting waste from them and converting it into valuable resources. The technology can even be used to mine existing landfills, turning waste into a valuable resource for the future.
The approval from the Canada Food Inspection Agency to use the output of biomass from the process as a fertilizer highlights the sustainable nature of the technology. By finding innovative ways to recycle waste, Sustane Technologies is contributing to a more circular economy where waste is considered a resource rather than a problem. The technology aligns with the province’s efforts to promote extended producer responsibility, forcing manufacturers and end-users to recycle their products. This solution could potentially solve many of the plastic waste problems faced by the province, making it a viable option for waste management.
The technology developed by Sustane Technologies has the potential to revolutionize waste processing and management, turning waste into valuable resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership between the County of Wetaskiwin and Sustane Technologies is a step towards more sustainable waste management practices, creating both environmental and economic benefits for the region. With the ability to convert plastic waste back into oil and run trucks on the diesel created from it, the technology offers a practical and efficient solution to the growing waste management challenges faced by many municipalities. Overall, this innovative waste processing solution represents a promising future for sustainable waste management practices in Canada.
