WM invests in ´unique´ WTE conversion technology

Aug. 26 -- Waste Management Inc. is investing in what the company calls a unique waste-to-fuel conversion technology.

The Houston-based solid waste management company is investing in Terrabon LLC and joins Valero Energy Corp., which invested in the company in April and recently increased its funding.

Money from Waste Management and Valero, the largest refiner in North America, will be used to advance the scalability of the company´s technology.

Waste Management also will help Terrabon secure organic waste that will be used to create high-octane gasoline using company technology. Terrabon uses an acid fermentation process to convert biomass into organic salts that can then be converted into gasoline, the companies said.

"We see waste as a resource to be recovered in a way that protects and enhances the environment, and this investment in Terrabon, together with Waste Management´s other renewable energy initiatives, will help move Waste Management toward meeting two of its sustainability goals: doubling its renewable energy production and investing in emerging technologies for managing waste," said Carl Rush, vice president of organic growth at Waste Management.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at 937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com