Dueling Op-Eds Posted on MedRecycler Pyrolysis Plant

WEST WARWICK, RI — A plan by MedRecycler-RI to build a medical waste processing plant on the East Greenwich line has generated intense controversy.

An opinion column by MedRecycler CEO Nicholas Campanella can be read here. An opinion column by East Greenwich resident Denise Lopez, a leader of the opposition movement, can be found here.

The West Warwick facility would process up to 70 tons of medical waste per day in a high-heat, zero-oxygen process known as pyrolysis. Dozens of trailer containers of medical waste could be stored on site, according to a fact sheet distributed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The New Jersey-based proponent seeks RIDEM approval to build its facility and begin operations.

RIDEM held a virtual public hearing on the matter March 15.

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MedRecycler asserts that the plant will generate renewable energy while keeping medical waste from the state's Central Landfill. They also point to tax benefits for West Warwick. Opponents say it's not a clean energy project, that the technology is untested, and that the project brings too much risk to the region.