Clean-tech EfW firm gets commercial go-ahead

A compact advanced thermal treatment technology that can deal with complex waste streams on-site has been approved for commercial-scale production by the Environment Agency.


The small-scale technology developed by PyroPure involves a mix of pyrolysis and gasification and destroys waste at source in three stages, eliminating the need for any storage, collection, transport or disposal.

The residue of ash and clean gas are flushed separately into the sewer system in the final stage, which involves steam injection. The units also produce heat that can be redeployed at individual locations, for example in radiators.

Each PyroPure unit is about the size of a chest freezer and can handle all types of organic waste, separating out any metal and glass for recycling. The technology is considered ideal for hazardous and clinical materials that are often difficult to treat.

PyroPure’s chief executive Andrew Hamilton said getting the green light from the Environment Agency to enter commercial production was an important step in the company’s development.

“Due to the unique nature of our technology and the fact that the units deal specifically with difficult to treat waste, we had to present robust evidence and trial data to the Environment Agency,” he said.

Hamilton added that a wide variety of sectors should benefit from the technology including healthcare, prisons, the military and leisure.

Maxine Perella

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe