SynSel plants have the flexibility to utilize MSW in addition to wood as a biomass feedstock to generate its synthetic fuels. Where appropriate, a hybrid mix of 80% wood waste to 20% MSW will be utilized. The MSW will be processed into pellets certified by the USEPA to be pathogen-free, non-hazardous secondary material (NHSM). These MSW-to-biomass plants will typically be located in metropolitan areas close to the source of MSW. The pellets will then be transported to the SynSel plants typically located in rural locations. Over time, the MSW content may exceed that of waste wood, especially at plants located in urban areas – areas of high population. 

MSW and unrecycled plastics continue to be a growing international concern. Local solutions are needed to counter the current practices of landfilling this waste, burning in open-air incinerators, or the unfortunate dumping in oceans. A recent study found that since the 1950’s, 91% of plastic produced has not been recycled. Up until recently, most of US plastic scrap was purchased by China. However, they enacted China’s “National Sword” in 2018, which banned the importation of this material for recycling. As result, it is estimated that less than 5% of US trash is being recycled today.

Litigation over the lack of recycling is also gaining favor, which is putting further pressure on these already weak markets. As an example, major beverage bottlers are being sued for not recycling their plastic bottle waste as it is estimated that between 8 and 20 million tons of plastic is ending up in the oceans each year. The problems keep getting larger as landfills approach capacity, open-air incinerators are shuttering due to the association with respiratory ailments, and marine waste is destroying our oceanic biodiversity.

Fortunately, SynSel has real solutions to respond to these crises with multiple win/win environmental solutions while also strengthening the local economies through job creation for both metropolitan and rural communities.