Messina: New Recycling Plant for Diapers & Sanitary Products at Former Incinerator Site
A new facility designed to process specific types of household waste is planned for Pace del Mela, in the province of Messina, Sicily. The project, currently in a bidding phase managed by Invitalia, aims to replicate successful waste management strategies from the Treviso region and address the challenge of processing materials often sent to general landfills.
The Former Incinerator
The planned facility will operate within the jurisdiction of the Srr Messina Area Metropolitana, but may potentially serve multiple provinces through inter-Srr agreements. The project focuses on “Pap” – absorbent hygiene products, including diapers, incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins – which represent approximately three percent of urban waste. According to project documentation, the initiative is intended to increase material recovery rates and reduce the amount of waste sent to disposal.
The project includes the complete decommissioning of the former incinerator, restructuring the existing reinforced concrete structure, and installing the new processing plant. A photovoltaic system covering approximately 400 square meters will also be installed to help power the facility’s machinery. The incinerator at Pace del Mela ceased operations in 2011, but was subsequently used for sorting and pressing dry recyclable materials from 2012 to 2018.
Recycled Materials
The process is expected to yield valuable secondary raw materials from the waste. Approximately 150 kilograms of cellulose, 75 kilograms of plastic, and 75 kilograms of super absorbent polymer can be recovered from each ton of waste processed. These materials can then be reintroduced into the market for use in new production processes, including plastics processing, animal care products, high-quality paper, and textiles.
From July 2018, waste recovery activities continued at a nearby facility constructed by AtoMe3. Complete decommissioning of the incinerator requires the removal of two grate furnaces and large tanks used for cooling heavy slag. Once cleared and renovated, the concrete structure will house the new plant, utilizing approximately 1,000 square meters of space on two levels and a 500 square meter warehouse within a 14,000 square meter area.
The Processing Steps
The new plant’s technology will begin with sanitizing the waste to remove pathogens, followed by a separation and recovery system for the constituent materials. Waste will be stored in a sealed environment with controlled atmosphere to manage odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of waste will this facility process?
The facility will process absorbent hygiene products, specifically diapers, incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins, referred to as “Pap.”
What is the timeline for this project?
The bidding process for the project, managed by Invitalia, is scheduled to close on January 28th. The project includes development of the design and construction work.
What will happen to the existing incinerator structure?
The existing incinerator will be completely decommissioned, with its remnants dismantled and the reinforced concrete structure renovated to accommodate the new processing plant.
How might advancements in waste processing technology impact the future of waste management in Sicily?