Date: February 2025
Location: Negombo City, Sri Lanka
Overview
MPF’s Environmental Technology team has deployed a modular pyrolysis unit to convert post-consumer plastic into low-sulfur fuel oil. Coupled with community collection drives, this project demonstrates a circular-economy model in a mid-sized urban setting.
The Challenge
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Plastic pollution: Negombo generates over 8 tons of plastic waste daily, much of which ends up in waterways.
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Energy demand: Small businesses and fisheries rely on expensive, polluting diesel.
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Collection gaps: Informal collectors lack incentives and processing infrastructure.
Our Approach
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Community Engagement & Collection
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Partnered with three youth associations to run door-to-door plastic pickup and sorting centers.
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Modular Pyrolysis Deployment
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Installed a skid-mounted, 200 kg/day pyrolysis reactor at a municipal scrap yard.
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Quality Control & Blending
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Set up an on-site lab to test fuel properties; blend with diesel to meet engine standards.
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Implementation Highlights
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Skid unit operational since April 2025, processing 1–2 tons/week.
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10 collection hubs established across the city, each managed by a local cooperative.
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Real-time tracking of feedstock tonnage and output yield via a custom mobile app.
Progress to Date
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1.5 tons of plastic processed into 1,200 L of pyrolysis oil.
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Local tuk-tuk drivers report 5% cost savings when blending at a 10:1 ratio.
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Youth cooperatives earned Rs. 50,000 in collection stipends.
Expected Outcomes
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Process 8 tons/week by Q4 2025.
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Reduce city landfill plastic volume by 30%.
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Validate replicability for deployment in two additional municipalities.
“Turning my daily plastic haul into cash and cleaner fuel—it’s changed how we see waste.”
— Ms. Silva, Collection Hub Coordinator