The plasma arc process uses an enclosed reactor to gasify feedstock in the absence of oxygen through pyrolysis. This produces synthesis gas (syngas) as well as slag and recoverable metals. The syngas can be used as fuel or to produce liquid fuels and chemicals. The slag becomes rockwool or other materials. The plasma arc reactor exceeds EPA emission guidelines and produces near pure products. It has extremely low maintenance costs due to its long life cycle of 50 years, making it economically viable for large-scale operations.