2019-077 Plastics to Fuel TechnologyDate: April 19, 2019 Report No. 2019-077
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Summary of plastic to fuel conversion technologies
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION:
During the concluding items portion of the March 26, 2019 City Council meeting, Council
Member Meltzer requested a staff report on whether plastic to fuel conversion technology is
currently available.
Because plastics are typically created using natural gas or oil, there is potential for plastic waste to
be converted and reused as a liquid fuel source. There are several academic studies underway in
the United States and abroad that are exploring the viability of converting plastic waste to diesel,
hydrogen, crude oil, and sulfur. Research indicates that these efforts have demonstrated a measure
of success; however, significant commercial adoption of these technologies has not occurred in
the United States at this point in time.
Additionally, the technologies used to convert plastic to fuel is not currently supported by Texas
state law. As part of the current state legislative session, bills were proposed in both the House of
Representatives and the Senate regarding the conversion of plastics and other recoverable
materials through pyrolysis or gasification. H.B. No. 1953 is awaiting action by the House, and
S.B. No. 1656 was left pending in Committee.
Staff will continue to monitor this bill and the commercial viability of similar technologies. Please
let us know if you have additional questions.
STAFF CONTACT(S):
Ethan Cox
Director of Solid Waste
(940) 349-7421
Ethan.Cox@cityofdenton.com