Source Reduction and Recycling Compatibility with Conversion Technology

1. Source Reduction and Recycling Compatibility with Conversion Technology July 2006 Eugene Tseng J.D. UCLA Extension, MSW Recycling and MSW Management Program UWLA School of Law, Center for Environmental Justice

2. Integrated Waste Management Source Reduction Recycling / Composting Environmentally-Safe Transformation / Landfilling

3. Integrated Waste Management • Interconnected / Interdependent “System” • More Source Reduction = Less Recycling • More Recycling = Less Conversion • More Recycling = Less Incineration • More Recycling = Less Disposal • More Conversion = Less Incineration • More Conversion = Less Disposal • Conversion Feedstock is “Systems Dependent”

4. Systems Approach Generator Hauler MRF / Transfer Station Recycling Energy Transformation Secondary Manufacture Disposal Facility

5. Conversion Technology (CT) • CT Feedstock is basically “MRF Residual” that is currently Disposed • Processing of MRF Residue into CT feedstock results in additional recycling or feedstock(s) for secondary manufacturing • CT feedstock is “leftovers” from source reduction and recycling programs

6. Generator Hauler MRF / Transfer Station Conversion Technology Recycling Energy Transformation Secondary Manufacture Disposal Facility

7. City of Los Angeles (City-Collected) Three-Bin Residential Waste Stream Source Separated Recyclables Recycling Facility MRF Greenwaste / Compostable Food Composting Facility Household Disposed Trash Sanitary Landfill Disposal

8. City of Los Angeles, Three Bin Residential Collection, Conversion Technology Impact Source Separated Recyclables Recycling Facility MRF Greenwaste / Compostable Food Composting Facility Household Disposed Trash Conversion Technology Sanitary Landfill Disposal

9. Waste Recycling Compatibility with Conversion Technology Question: What Happens with MRF Residuals Taken to Conversion Technology “Conversion Technology Facility ” Feedstock Management Conversion Technology Product / Waste Management Project / Facility Environmental Controls

10. Recycling Compatibility with Conversion Technology “Conversion Technology” Feedstock Management Conversion Technology Product / Waste Management Project / Facility Environmental Controls “Feedstock Management” includes additional processing of “MRF Residuals” (Optimizing CT Feedstock”)

11. Feedstock Management (“Preprocessing”) • Preprocessing includes Materials Receiving and Storage • Preprocessing involves additional removal of hazardous and “non-processible materials • Preprocessing involves additional recovery of recyclables • Preprocessing includes feedstock storage and materials handling

12. Feedstock Management (“Preprocessing”) Incoming Materials (e.g., City of LA Black Bin) Receiving and Storage Recovery of Recyclables Recycling Facility Removal of Hazardous and Non-Processibles Storage & Disposal CT Feedstock Storage and Handling To CT Process

13. Recycling Compatibility with Conversion Technology “Conversion Technology” Feedstock Management Conversion Technology Product / Waste Management Project / Facility Environmental Controls “Product / Waste Management” Includes” Product Storage, Product Distribution, and Waste Disposal

14. Product / Waste Management From CT Process Product Storage Product Distribution End Market From Preprocessing and CT Process Storage and Disposal of Hazardous and Non-Processibles Disposal

15. Compatibility with Recycling • From Systems Standpoint, Conversion Technology Compatible with Recycling: • If Conversion Technology occurs AFTER waste reduction and recycling programs, • Conversion Technology creates additional potential for recovery (e.g., more metals recovery, etc.) • Conversion Technology is last step before disposal / incineration • Conversion Technology Reduces Landfill Disposal • More “Local” Jobs