Coby Skye Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

1. The Southern California Conversion Technology Demonstration Project Presentation to California Resource Recovery Association Coby Skye Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

2. My Background • Raised in New York, received B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Polytechnic University in New York, Masters in Public Administration from Cal State Long Beach • Worked as a Civil Engineer for Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Programs for past 10 years • Involved in numerous environmental and community groups in Southern California • Reside in Long Beach with wife Gabrielle

3. More About Me…

4. Why Do We Need Alternatives to Landfills? • Too many resources are buried in CA landfills each year! Last year, 43 million tons of MSW sent to landfills in CA. • Many landfills are nearing capacity. Puente Hills Landfill in LA County (largest in nation), closing in 2013. • Landfills are nearly impossible to permit – in CA permitting process can take 15+ years. • Communities do not want a landfill in their midst • Noise pollution from truck traffic, odors, pests, large user of land resources

5. Why Do We Need Alternatives to Landfills? • Landfills continue to pollute even post-closure. • Potential leakage into the groundwater • Long term (post closure) liability estimated to cost taxpayers $1.8 Billion in CA • Methane emissions contribute to climate change (most methane is flared in CA, and it is impossible to capture all emissions) • As urban capacity decreases, disposal costs will increase for consumers and local governments

6. Diversification is Key • From a municipal perspective, effectively managing our waste is a three-point approach: • Enhance and expand our current waste reduction and recycling programs. Continue to develop programs that address designer waste streams (i.e. plastic shopping bags, expanded polystyrene, etc.) • Pursue infrastructure expansion, including transfer, processing, recycling, composting, and disposal. • Develop locally-based conversion technology facilities that manage post-recycled waste residuals.

7. What are Conversion Technologies? • Processes capable of converting post-recycled residual solid waste into useful products and chemicals, green fuels, and renewable energy • May be thermal, chemical or biological, but are not incinerators

8. The Benefits of Conversion Technologies Reduce emissions, including GHG emissions, by reducing disposal, transportation, and fossil fuel usage ImageSource: http://www.matternetwork.com/images/Matter/biofuel.jpg Reduce dependence on landfilling and waste exportation Create export-proof environmental sector jobs Locally produce renewable energy and green fuels, including ethanol, biodiesel, & electricity Reduce dependence on foreign oil

9. Can Conversion Technology Facilities Meet U.S. Air Emissions Standards? YES. A 2009 study conducted by the University of California at Riverside identified 100 facilities operating around the world and compared independently-collected air emissions data for 16 thermochemical conversion facilities worldwide and compared with regulatory standards in California, the U.S., the EU, and Japan. With few exceptions, the facilities were well below current emissions limits mandated in California. Europe Japan Southern California

10. What is Safe? Emissions in Context • Low levels of oxygen prevent the formation of dioxins and furans, while high temperatures destroy them, leaving barely detectable amounts comparable to a fireplace or BBQ. (All limits normalized to lbs dioxins/furans per ton municipal solid waste)

11. More than Just Compliance – Life Cycle Analyses and Net Reduction in Emissions • Research by the CIWMB, Los Angeles County and University of California, Riverside conclude conversion technologies have the lowest net criteria air pollutant levels and GHG emissions when compared to other waste management options. • On a lifecycle basis, CTs will make our air cleaner, displacing pollution caused by transportation, fossil energy, and disposal.

12. More than Just Compliance – Life Cycle Analyses and Net Reduction in Emissions

13. More than Just Compliance – Life Cycle Analyses and Net Reduction in Emissions

14. More than Just Compliance – Life Cycle Analyses and Net Reduction in Emissions

15. More than Just Compliance – Life Cycle Analyses and Net Reduction in Emissions

16. How Do Conversion Technologies Impact Recycling? • CT Facilities process waste material that can not be recycled • CT Facility/MRF co-location have numerous benefits, including: • Land for development • Readily available feedstock • Pre-processing capacity • Appropriate zoning • Environmental benefits • Feedstock is material that would otherwise have been disposed • Transportation avoidance • Numerous studies substantiate CTs complement and enhance recycling

17. The County of Los Angeles Efforts on Conversion Technologies • In July 1999, the Board adopted recommendations from the Los Angeles County Solid Waste Committee/Integrated Waste Management Task Force (Task Force) to implement additional waste diversion programs, support efforts to enhance in-County disposal capacity, and promote alternatives to disposal at landfills • Approved dedicated funding for conversion technologies through landfill CUPs • Approved technical consultant contracts in 2004, 2006, and public outreach contract in 2006 • Sponsor/support legislation that would further the development of conversion technologies in CA

18. The Southern California Conversion Technology Demonstration Project • Since 2004, the Department of Public Works has conducted extensive research on multiple types of conversion technologies • Evaluation of over 100 technologies around the world including site visits • Review of multiple potential host site (MRFs and transfer stations) throughout the Southland • Developed a shortlist of 4 technology suppliers and 3 MRFs • Currently reviewing offers for demonstration facilities expect to present recommendations to the County Board of Supervisors this summer • The Public Works’ research is compiled in comprehensive reports available at www.SoCalConversion.org

19. What Will It Take to Achieve Zero Waste? reduce reuse recycle recover Consumers make conscious decisions Policies require manufacturers to create durable, long-lasting products and use the maximum amount of recycled materials feasible Local recycling markets are created/enhanced to promote maximum recycling, create jobs, and reduce environmental impacts of shipping recyclables overseas Remaining material is used for beneficial purposes such as generation of biofuels, renewable energy, and other products

20. Conclusions • Conversion Technologies can revolutionize how we manage our waste: stretching landfill capacity, reducing GHG emissions, generating valuable products, renewable electricity and green fuels, and leading to a less polluted, more sustainable world • If local efforts are successful, California can maintain a leadership role in the development of advanced technologies • It’s important for scientists, politicians, policy makers, environmentalists, and industry to continue collaborating to reshape the new era of resource management

21. Contact Information Coby Skye Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (626) 458-5163cskye@dpw.lacounty.gov For copies of the County’s Evaluation Reports, visit: www.SoCalConversion.org • Sign up for future updates, including data and findings from our demonstration project, on our e-Notify system, linked from the website above.