Total generation and combustion emissions of plastic derived fuels: A trash to tank approach

Trash to Tank (3T) is a concept based on the conversion of waste plastic trash into a liquid fuel, suitable for use in any diesel or kerosene fuel application. This contribution compares total carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from generation and combustion of petroleum derived diesel fuel with plastic derived fuel oil. Generation emissions for diesel are obtained from literature values for well-to-tank (WTT) CO₂ emissions, while 3T CO₂ emissions for plastic are calculated based on a locally managed decentralized circular economy for waste plastic management. Specifically, this analysis applies a novel approach based on local, small-scale decomposition of waste plastic to fuel in an appropriate technology setting, with consumption of the fuel locally in rural, developing communities to completely remove waste plastic from accumulating in the global ecosystem. Results from 3T CO₂ emissions for both the generation and uses of the fuel oil are reported based on a combination of literature review, laboratory experiments and theoretical calculations. Four plastic derived fuels––low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene––were individually compared with petroleum derived diesel fuel to depict a positive reduction in total CO₂ emissions. Hence, this contribution will demonstrate that the 3T approach is a sustainable solution to waste plastic management in developing regions, where mismanaged waste plastic is an ongoing environmental and social challenge. Potential benefits to the global environment, particularly in developing regions, from the use of plastic derived fuels as replacement for petroleum based is additionally discussed in this study.