During the advanced process at PPE facilities, all of the organic material that is in the feedstock turns into the syn-gas, which is then used in power generation.  All of the inorganic material, such as metal and glass, is melted by the extreme temperatures of the process.  It turns into a molten liquid much like volcanic magma.  It then cools into a hardened “slag” which is much like volcanic obsidian, a glassy rock formed by cooled magma.

This “vitrified” slag is completely non-toxic, non-hazardous and does not leach anything harmful to the environment or public health.  “Leaching” is the leaking or transfer of contaminants and is a major concern with landfills and various hazardous wastes.

The vitrified slag is the only significant physical leftover from the facility.  It can be used for many purposes, the simplest perhaps being used as road aggregate.  Slag is not waste and does not require disposal at landfill.

By volume, the reduction from feedstock to slag is 100 to 1.

By weight, the reduction from feedstock to slag is 5 to 1.