The president of Foundation University in this capital said Friday he hopes to bring in this year a pyrolysis technology that would resolve the trash disposal problems of the city and Negros Oriental.

Victor Vicente Sinco announced during a press conference that it is a costly endeavor, but plans are in the pipeline with potential investors and local officials to adopt and acquire a pyrolysis machine that is not harmful to humans and the environment.

“The pyrolysis machine that I am hoping to promote is the real one, and it’s been tested in the US,” Sinco said.

Environmental groups here and abroad recently released an air quality monitoring report that showed the pyrolysis unit at the city’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) was releasing unhealthy levels of particulate matter.

This led to continuing calls for the city to shut down the pyrolysis incinerator.

Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of organic materials to produce products like bio-char, and convert waste into valuable products, depending on the feedstock type and operating conditions, such as temperature.

“This is a real pyrolysis machine that is closed and produces carbon black or bio-diesel or slag, depending on what you feed it,” Sinco said.

He said he would approach the city mayor and other local government officials in the province to encourage investment in the technology that would solve garbage disposal problems.

Sinco said the current pyrolysis machine at the MRF should be disposed of as it has “the wrong technology.”

Asked what would be done with the city’s trash if the pyrolysis machine were to be discarded, Sinco said it is about time for the people to practice waste segregation.

Sinco said the pyrolysis he is recommending costs up to USD5 million.

However, this can be turned into a revenue-generating venture that would rake in USD8,000 to USD10,000 daily, he said, noting that this would be feasible if there is enough organic feedstock. (PNA)