TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Components: The energy conversion processor is configured to convert the solid waste stream into the complex hydrocarbon by subjecting the solid waste stream to a specific temperature and pressure within the energy conversion processor. The temperature and pressure within the energy conversion processor are operable to convert the solid waste stream into a complex hydrocarbon having material properties similar to those of a petroleum based asphalt binder. The temperature and pressure within the energy conversion process are configured to convert the solid waste stream into a complex hydrocarbon that is operable as at least one of: an additive to the petroleum based asphalt binder, a substitute for at least a portion of a petroleum-based asphalt binder, an additive to an asphalt crack sealant, and a substitute for at least a portion of the polymer-based asphalt binder additive. The energy conversion processor uses one or more conversion processes that utilize controlled temperature, pressure or time to convert the solid waste stream into the complex hydrocarbon. The control system is configured to control at least one of a temperature and a pressure within the energy conversion processor. The system further comprises a hydrogen injection mechanism configured to introduce hydrogen to the energy conversion processor. The complex hydrocarbon is produced by a method comprising: separating liquids and solids included in the waste stream into a solid waste stream and a liquid waste stream; controlling an amount of moisture in the solid waste stream such the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with an energy conversion process; and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste stream into the energy conversion process, where the energy conversion process is adapted to convert the moisture controlled solid waste stream into the complex hydrocarbon. The complex hydrocarbon has material properties similar to the petroleum based asphalt binder. The mixture comprises: 1-50 wt.% of complex hydrocarbon; 1-20 wt.% of polymer-based asphalt binder additive; and 25-98 wt.% of petroleum-based asphalt binder.