Breakthrough in Technology for Recycling Paint Sludge

The Society of Agricultural Recycling System (AGRES) in Japan has developed a technology to recycle paint sludge generated in the manufacture of automobiles. The sludge is converted into a smaller-volume, easy-to-handle material by using fermentation heat generated by microorganisms.

The paint sludge is mixed with organic sludge, food waste, etc., and then the mixture is fermented at around 65 degrees Celsius for two weeks in a bioreactor developed by AGRES. The result is an organic product 40 percent lighter than the original mixture. About 80 percent of the product is used to feed the microorganisms fueling the next round of fermentation, and the remaining 20 percent is used to make pots for tree seedlings and planting soil for rooftop gardens. The pots are suitable for planting trees because they are biodegradable.

Normally, paint sludge is either incinerated or deposited in landfills. This system, however, does not emit carbon dioxide because no combustion is involved, and only requires energy for a motor used to drive the process. Moreover, the system produces no waste, which leads to prolonged life for landfill sites.

The technology is expected to make a significant contribution to the achievement of zero emissions, as it can treat paint sludge mixed with other organic wastes generated at automobile manufacturing plants, such as food waste, sludge from septic tanks, paper waste, rags stained with grease or oil, and used cotton work gloves. Three of Japan's major auto manufacturers?Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., and Nissan Shatai Co., Ltd.?have conducted tests on its technical performance, and are satisfied with the results.





Posted: 2003/07/22 10:13:16 AM
Japanese version