AirBuild to collect city organic waste for biochar under partnership agreement; council keeps city dump open

Green River's City Council on Aug. 12 approved a partnership agreement with AirBuild that authorizes the private company to collect organic waste from the city's existing organic-dump area and convert it into biochar.

John, a representative of AirBuild, told the council the company is a technology startup testing algae treatment and pyrolysis-based conversion of organic waste into biochar for local agricultural use. He said AirBuild will not charge the city for the service; the firm expects to fund operations through private investment and sales of carbon offsets and biochar. AirBuild proposed phased on-site staffing and a scale-up plan: initial operations will be part-time (about four hours per day) until the pyrolysis equipment and staffing are in place, with plans to expand hours once continuous operation is possible.

City staff and council members clarified that the city's organic-dump site would remain open 24/7 and that the AirBuild agreement would authorize the firm to collect material from that site. Staff said the company will place signage at the existing dump directing residents to the AirBuild collection site and that residents who drop off qualifying agricultural waste at AirBuild will be tracked and eligible for free biochar in return.

Council members asked about accepted materials and public safety. AirBuild confirmed the operation will accept only organic and agricultural waste (yard waste, tree limbs, leaves) and will not accept bulky items such as couches. The company said it plans to buy a wood chipper sized to handle common local species such as Russian olive but not very large stumps without a chainsaw. On the question of animal carcasses, AirBuild said pyrolysis can process carcasses but that the technology requires additional testing and that they do not currently plan to rely on carcasses as a feedstock.

Council members raised concerns about hours and potential illegal dumping: one member asked whether residents might dump material in the desert if the AirBuild site is closed when they arrive. AirBuild and staff emphasized the dump would stay open and that signage and public education would be used to encourage direct delivery to the AirBuild site.

The council approved the partnership by voice/roll call; members also directed staff and the company to finalize signage, staffing plans and to return to council with operational updates.

Ending: Staff listed follow-up tasks including finalizing the rent/operational terms and confirming hiring for on-site technicians; the company said equipment delivery remains several months out.