Pyrolisis technology involves the conversion of plastic under high temperature under which it releases an oil –from which it was originally made – that can be used as fuel to run generators, Balasubramaniam said. Waste from this process will be passed through an isolator to convert it to ash for use with manure.  

The proposal was necessitated following the National Green Tribunal ordering the closure of the Saduperi garbage yard from February 1. The 230 tonnes of garbage that the corporation generates every day is collected and shipped to 42 solid waste management centres, where it is separated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable garbage. 

While the former is converted to fertiliser and sold locally, the non-biodegradable garbage, including plastic, is meant for the Pyrolysis plant which will thus ensure total eradication of plastic. At present, such segregated plastic is used for road laying for increasing the longevity of roads.

However, the local body cannot rest on its laurels as Vellore MLA P Karthikeyan demanded that accumulated garbage in the Mundy street and Nethaji market areas be removed immediately. While Vellore commissioner in charge Vijayakumar assured him that this would be done immediately, officials feel that expeditious setting up of the Pyrolisis plant will ensure that such complaints do not arise. “We have already identified those willing to purchase the oil extracted from the proposed Pyrolisis plant,” Balasubramaniam said. However, the location of the proposed unit has not been revealed, as the local body fears locals may oppose it.

If implemented, the project may offer relief for other local bodies in the district, who are struggling to deal with the plastic waste. Recently, around 100 residents of Vannivedu Mottur near Wallajahpet municipality staged protest against the local body dumping garbage in their neighbourhood.