Ohio solid waste organization selects green building options
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and RASTRA have broken
ground on an $8.3 million facility in South Columbus which will produce RASTRA
products. RASTRA is an insulated foam construction system that provides a
permanent framework for a reinforced concrete grid which forms load-bearing
walls and other components of a building. It is manufactured by grinding
polystyrene (Styrofoam) and mixing it with cement.
SWACO interim executive director Ron Mills hails the product
as one with multiple advantages to Greater Columbus. “Central Ohio builders will
soon have a local green alternative to traditional building methods, one
that provides stability, strength, and energy savings. It also brings benefits
to taxpayers as Rastra’s use of polystyrene will save space at SWACO’s
Franklin County landfill.”
Currently, polystyrene makes up about six per cent (6%)
of what is sent to the landfill (annually 87,000 cubic yards by volume).
This $8.3 million project is expected to create 47 jobs
within 3 to 4 years. The project is funded in part by a $2 million loan from
the Ohio Department of Development.
Rastra will be supported by a City of Columbus Jobs Creation
Tax Credit of 65% for a period of 8 years in consideration of the company’s investment
of $3.9 million in new personal property and the creation of new jobs.
Rastra’s Columbus facility will produce about 3,500 square feet of
wall per shift, which is enough material to construct a mid-size house. After
a short start-up period, there will be two shifts. The production will use
in excess of one million cubic feet of post consumer and post industrial
polystyrene waste. |
