Thermal depolymerization and pyrolysis played integral roles in the development and operation of autotrophic communities, particularly in their waste management and energy production systems. These processes allowed communities to convert various types of organic waste into usable fuels and other valuable products, contributing significantly to their goal of resource independence and closed-loop systems. Thermal Depolymerization: Thermal depolymerization is a process that breaks down complex organic compounds into simpler molecules, typically resulting in the production of oil-like hydrocarbons. In autotrophic communities, this process was adapted to handle a wide range of organic waste materials, including plastics, biomass, and food waste. The Mars College Institute for Insurrectionary Ecology (MCIIE) pioneered the use of small-scale thermal depolymerization units in 2025. These units were designed to process the community's plastic waste, converting it into a diesel-like fuel that could be used in their modified generators. This innovation allowed the MCIIE to achieve near-total energy independence while simultaneously addressing the problem of plastic waste. By 2030, improved thermal depolymerization systems had become a standard feature in many autotrophic communities. These systems were capable of processing a wider range of materials and producing higher-quality fuels, as well as other useful products such as lubricants and chemical feedstocks. [[Pyrolysis]]: Pyrolysis, a process of decomposing organic materials at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen, became another cornerstone technology for autotrophic communities. While similar to thermal depolymerization, pyrolysis offered greater flexibility in terms of end products and could be optimized for different feedstocks. The MCIIE's 2025 [[Biochar Reactor]], which utilized excess solar power to process solid human waste and toilet paper, was an early example of pyrolysis application in these communities. This system not only addressed waste management issues but also produced woodgas for cooking and heating, as well as biochar for soil improvement. As the technology evolved, more sophisticated pyrolysis systems were developed. By the mid-2030s, many autotrophic communities were using advanced pyrolysis units that could handle mixed waste streams and produce a range of valuable outputs, including: 1. Syngas: Used for power generation or as a chemical feedstock 2. Bio-oil: Refined into various liquid fuels or used as a petrochemical substitute 3. Biochar: Applied as a soil amendment to enhance agricultural productivity and sequester carbon Integration into Autotrophic Systems: The integration of thermal depolymerization and pyrolysis into autotrophic communities had several key impacts: 1. Waste Reduction: These processes allowed communities to dramatically reduce their waste output, approaching zero waste in many cases. 2. Energy Independence: By converting waste into usable fuels, communities were able to supplement their solar and wind energy systems, enhancing overall energy security. 3. Soil Improvement: The production of biochar provided a valuable resource for improving soil quality in community gardens and agricultural areas. 4. Carbon Sequestration: Both processes, particularly when producing biochar, offered opportunities for long-term carbon sequestration, contributing to the communities' goals of carbon neutrality or negativity. 5. Economic Benefits: Excess fuels and other products could be traded with neighboring communities or sold, providing an additional source of income. By 2040, the combination of thermal depolymerization and pyrolysis technologies had become a hallmark of autotrophic communities worldwide. These processes were key components in achieving true resource circularity, transforming what was once considered waste into valuable resources. The success of these systems in small-scale applications eventually led to their adoption in larger urban areas, contributing to a broader shift towards more sustainable waste management and energy production practices globally.