Wastewater treatment facilities across the country are facing mounting challenges in managing biosolids. Traditional disposal methods — particularly land application — are under increasing scrutiny due to concerns about PFAS contamination, nutrient runoff and long-term environmental impacts.

Regulatory agencies are tightening restrictions, and public resistance to biosolids land spreading is growing. At the same time, landfill and incineration options are diminishing as capacity shrinks and disposal costs surge, leaving municipalities and utilities with fewer, more expensive pathways for biosolids management.

A sustainable solution

Trashology’s Pur-Gen technology offers a sustainable, on-site alternative that eliminates the need for offsite biosolids disposal. The system converts biosolids into a high-energy fuel, which is then cleanly gasified to generate the thermal energy required for drying. This modular, closed-loop solution reduces disposal costs, minimizes regulatory exposure and eliminates PFAS and pathogens through high-temperature processing, turning a costly waste stream into a renewable energy resource.

Designed for flexibility and scalability, the Pur-Gen system adapts seamlessly to facilities of all sizes, from smaller plants treating 1 mgd to large-scale operations exceeding 20-plus mgd. With modular units processing 1 to 5 dry tons per day, expanding capacity is as simple as adding additional modules. No costly infrastructure overhaul is required. Whether you’re managing municipal biosolids or tackling tough industrial waste from food processing, textiles or pulp and paper, Pur-Gen delivers a clean, cost-effective, on-site solution that transforms waste into renewable energy.

Pur-Gen features

The Pur-Gen system is a compact, self-contained solution designed to make biosolids processing simple, sustainable and scalable. Key features of the system:

• Fully containerized design requiring just 640 to 1,200 square feet, ideal for 1 to 5 mgd facilities.
• Fully automated operation with no dedicated operator required.
• High-temperature processes that effectively destroy PFAS compounds.
• Produces nutrient-rich biochar for use as a soil amendment.

How it works

The Pur-Gen system processes biosolids into fuel pellets. The pellets are then processed in Trashology’s patented downdraft gasification system and broken down to produce fuel without any direct emissions. The fuel is then used to produce clean thermal energy for direct use to dry the biosolids.

To get started with Pur-Gen, take advantage of the company’s free assessment of your facility and operations. Next, Trashology will produce the Pur-Gen value creation and site implementation plan, demonstrating the systems return on investment. A system is then installed and optimized to ensure maximum value recovery. 

Trashology was founded in 2008. The company’s work began in research and development programs with the U.S. military, as it developed waste-to-energy technology to replace the practice of open-pit burning, which had disastrous effects on the local environment and soldier health. Today, Trashology is helping the commercial and municipal facilities manage, reduce and find value in its waste streams, turning a liability into a valuable asset.

978-264-0679 | svpsales@trashology.com | trashology.com