We have some local authorities who are interested
Ian Toll, Autothermal
Dorset-based Autothermal has launched an upgraded version of its autoclave process, with a single system having the capacity to process a 30 tonne batch of municipal waste in just over two hours.
The company's managing director, Ian Toll, explained: “The new system has been enhanced since its introduction and provides re-usable energy at three key stages.
“It also permits an easier method of collection and disposal, whilst eliminating any negative impact on the climate.”
Organic
Via its pressure sterilisation process, the autoclave reduces organic matter such as garden waste to its basic form, known as cellulose floc, before releasing the steam produced through a condensation system and converting it back to water.
A sorting process allows metals, plastics and glass to be recycled and reused before the remaining organic materials are then sent through an anaerobic thermophilic process, producing biogas for use in electricity generation.
Aerothermal claim that their system offers significantly higher opportunities for recycling than alternative procedures available, while they also offer an additional gasifier to increase the available energy from waste by producing an inert ash for use in developing building products.
Enhanced
With the enhanced system now available, Mr Toll told Letsrecycle.com yesterday that “we have some local authorities who are interested”.
“The problem is that many local authorities have already signed 25-year contracts with waste collection companies and we therefore have to find the companies who have responsibility for the waste,” he added. “It makes the job difficult but we do have a lot of interest.”
While unable to provide specific details of councils who they are in talks with, Mr Toll did reveal the details of one possible future deal with a local authority.
He said: “There is one council talking to us about entering a working partnership, for three sites, with 150,000 tonnes a site.”
Summing up the perceived benefits of the new system, he explained: “The new system will assist local authorities to process waste and meet national targets at the most beneficial cost to UK residents.”
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