Bolivian farmer makes fuel from waste to cut costs
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Etson Machaca, a farmer in Ancocala, Bolivia, is producing fuel for his tractors from discarded plastic bags, used tires, and waste oil.
He established a small plant in the Laja municipality to process these materials using a method called pyrolysis, which heats them to create gasoline and diesel. Machaca currently produces 21 to 40 gallons of fuel daily. This alternative fuel source helps Machaca reduce his expenses.
Diesel currently costs around $1.54 per gallon in Bolivia, but Machaca makes his fuel for about $0.60 to $0.85 per liter. The farmer’s solution also addresses waste management issues in his community, preventing pollution from accumulating plastic and tires. Bolivia has become increasingly reliant on imported fuels as its natural gas production declines, now importing 95% of its diesel and 60% of its gasoline.
While Machaca’s small-scale operation won’t solve the country’s overall fuel needs, it provides a local workaround for farmers facing rising diesel prices and offers a degree of self-sufficiency. Scientists are also exploring other methods to convert plastic waste into usable fuels and materials.
