New TPS Landfill Solutions Project to Transform Waste into Clean Energy in Escuintla

TPS Landfill Solutions will invest US$185 million through its subsidiary TPS Guatemala S.A. to build a state-of-the-art solid waste processing plant in Guanagazapa, Escuintla. The project aims to transform how Guatemala manages waste, addressing one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

According to the World Bank, Guatemala generates around 7,990 tons of waste daily, or approximately 0.47 kilograms per person. Most of it ends up in open-air dumps that have exceeded their capacity and lack environmental control, posing severe health and social risks to nearby communities.

A Sustainable Approach to Waste Management

Facing this growing crisis, the Houston-based company proposes a sustainable alternative powered by cutting-edge technology. The new facility will be capable of processing 1,250 tons of waste per day—the equivalent of 350 garbage trucks—and converting it into energy and reusable materials.

“To solve the waste problem, we need innovation, environmental responsibility, and a vision that combines technology with social impact,” said Stephan C. Lett, Chairman of the Board at TPS Landfill Solutions.

Clean Technology and Energy Efficiency

At the core of the project is pyrolysis, a thermal process that breaks down waste in the absence of oxygen, preventing harmful gas emissions. The plant will operate with two systems:

• High-temperature pyrolysis for organic waste.
• Low-temperature pyrolysis for plastics.

This process enables the recovery of over 93% of collected materials, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative to incineration. Designed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, the plant will operate as a closed-loop system, minimizing emissions and waste.

Transforming Waste into Energy and Resources

Beyond processing efficiency, the Escuintla facility will feature a modern wastewater treatment system that discharges water exceeding Guatemala’s environmental standards. The operation is expected to generate:

• 10 MW of renewable energy
• 25,700 gallons of diesel per day
• 5,300 gallons of naphtha per day
• Industrial steam and byproducts such as asphalt, carbon black, and fertilizer

With this project, TPS Landfill Solutions positions itself as a key player in advancing circular economy practices and sustainable infrastructure in Central America.

The TPS Landfill Solutions initiative represents more than just an investment—it’s a shift toward a cleaner, more responsible future for Guatemala. By integrating advanced technology with an environmentally conscious design, the company sets a new standard for waste management in the region, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to drive lasting change.