By Lucy Waldron
Stanthorpe Waste Management Facility hosted a world-first technology showcase on Wednesday, 6 December.
The Southern Downs Regional Council organised an information session to introduce the community to a cutting-edge pyrolysis technology trial, which has the transformative ability to turn plastic waste into usable fuels.
A council spokesperson said the equipment on display was a mobile system that can be moved to different sites to process plastic waste.
“Agricultural plastic is a difficult waste to manage in the region,” the council spokesperson said.
“Large volumes are generated and only trickle tape can currently be recycled.
“It was an exciting opportunity to see an example of a technology that is being developed in the waste recovery space.”
The pyrolysis process involves reversing the plastic production cycle. Initially derived from fossil fuels, plastic chains are broken down using heat. In the pyrolysis reactor, plastic is heated to 500°C in the absence of oxygen, causing it to vaporise and form a gas.
The ScarabTech innovation takes this gas through a condensation phase, resulting in the production of different types of fuel. Approximately 84% of the feedstock transforms into oil, 12% remains gaseous (which undergoes a scrubbing process before flare-off), and the remaining 4% becomes carbon black—a solid byproduct suitable for various applications such as roof tiles and road base.
The plant, running for 16 hours per day, can process 800 kilograms of plastic, yielding 800 litres of fuel daily. The success of the operation depends on the feedstock quality, emphasising the importance of the input material for optimal results.
The showcase drew an audience comprising farmers, council staff, Councilor Stephen Tancred, and community members eager to witness the potential of this revolutionary technology. The information session was a collaborative effort facilitated by the Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Innovation Hub and the Granite Belt Growers Association.
The pyrolysis trial offers a glimpse into a future where plastic waste is not just discarded but transformed into valuable resources. The demonstration marks a significant step forward in the ongoing quest for environmentally friendly waste solutions through an agricultural lens.
