The overarching goal of work that will be initiated under this project is to end land filled plastic waste forever, by collecting, processing, and converting the plastic waste from the U of I waste transfer station MRF to a usable fuel that can be used in University vehicles. This will be achieved by demonstrating the continuous pilot scale catalytic pyrolysis system for distributed production of most desirable fuel for use in University trucks, and generating data including mass/energy balance to make a business case for commercial scale system capable of using all plastic waste produced on campus. It also involves introduction of this technology to students and involves them in conducting detailed process characterization with the aim of improving process yields and product quality and develop a student led/run initiative similar to the Illini Biodiesel Initiative.

The specific objectives of this project are:

Year 1:

• Demonstrate the feasibility of converting waste plastic to fuels by installing a continuous catalytic pilot scale system capable of processing 200 lbs of waste plastic every day
• Engage students to identify the parameters of the continuous pilot scale catalytic pyrolysis process for producing high yields of most desirable fuel (gasoline, diesel, and NC gases) 
• Support the education and training of students from various disciplines to study the effect of continuous operation on catalyst life

Year 2:

• Involve students to study the impact of feed stock quality and composition on yield and quality of fuels 
• Evaluate and compare various fuels thus produced with petroleum fuels and demonstrate their potential as blend component in petroleum diesel 
• Engage students to generate mass/energy balance data 
• Create awareness in the larger community by participating in outreach activities