For decades, treated seeds have been a cornerstone of modern agriculture, boosting crop yields and protecting against pests and diseases. These seeds are typically coated with pesticides such as neonicotinoids and fungicides to ward off harmful insects and diseases. However, when these seeds can't be used due to damage or quality issues, they become a complex waste management challenge. Their pesticide coatings prevent composting and pose significant environmental risks, potentially contaminating soil and water if not properly handled.

Historically, the disposal of treated seeds has presented significant environmental concerns. The environmental impact is underscored by EPA studies showing that improper disposal can lead to substantial contamination of natural resources1. Moreover, traditional landfill disposal methods have proven costly and inefficient.

A leading supplier of treated agricultural seeds sought VLS Environmental Solutions' expertise to tackle this challenge. Their ambitious goal was to find a sustainable and economically viable way to dispose of treated seeds while achieving zero landfill waste.

Recognizing an opportunity, our team applied our Alternative Engineered Fuel (AEF) technology, Shredded Heat®, to transform this waste into a resource that offsets the use of coal and natural gas. After careful planning and regulatory approvals, the project fully launched in May 2024. Since then, we have coordinated the transport of approximately 120 loads of seeds—nearly 2,400 tons—to our facility in Brent, Alabama. This facility, one of several in our network equipped to handle this specialized waste stream, has demonstrated its capability in treating these seeds effectively. At the kiln, the treated seeds burn cleanly and efficiently, with the generated energy equating to 50,400 MMBTU.

James Smith, operations waste manager and expert on agricultural waste, stated, "Our innovative approach not only provides a sustainable solution for treated seed disposal but also significantly reduces the risk of pesticide contamination highlighted by EPA studies. This model transcends agriculture, offering viable waste management solutions for industries like landscaping, food processing, and chemical manufacturing."

Financially, our solution has proven more cost-effective compared to traditional landfilling methods. The margin of savings from moving this waste stream to an energy recovery process instead of a landfill is estimated at 15-20%, aligning with both economic and environmental goals.

1: EPA Study on Pesticide Contamination: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides