SMART plans trash-to-energy plant in Plainfield, Connecticut

A company plans to build a plant in Plainfield, Connecticut, to help solve the state's trash problem. SMART Technology Systems, LLC will use advanced technology to turn trash into renewable electricity. The plant will be located on Norwich Road and Black Hill Road and aims to process about 468,000 tons of waste each year. Connecticut faces a growing trash issue because existing landfills are nearly full. The closure of the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority in 2022 has made the situation worse. Many towns are now sending their trash out of state, which is becoming more expensive and difficult. Incinerators are also being used, but they produce harmful emissions and add to landfill waste. The Plainfield plant will accept various types of waste, including recyclables and food scraps. When waste arrives, it will be sorted to remove recyclables and hazardous materials. The remaining materials will be processed using gasification technology to create a clean synthetic gas. This gas will be used to generate electricity, while organic waste will be turned into renewable natural gas. Some ash produced by the plant can be recycled for use in products like cement and to cover landfills. The electricity generated will go into the electrical grid, sold to Eversource, and the gas will be sold to a natural gas company. SMART Technology Systems claims the plant will increase the capacity to handle trash and food waste within the state, reducing reliance on landfills and incinerators. The project is expected to have a lower environmental impact while producing clean energy. The manager of the company stated that noise and odors from the plant will be managed effectively. To begin construction, the project must receive permits from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Siting Council. The company plans to present the project to local residents in May. If approved, construction could start later this year and take about 1.5 to 2 years. The plant is expected to be operational by 2028. Additionally, it will be located away from residential areas, and property taxes will go to the Town of Plainfield.