The Evolution of Mixed Waste Processing Facilities, 1970-Today by Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc. (GBB) of Fairfax, Virginia notes that mixed waste processing (MWP) facilities use a variety of new and existing technologies to separate recyclable commodities from a stream of mixed trash, or MSW.
In a review of evolving technologies, the study’s authors recount how MWP facilities initially were designed to capture high-energy elements of waste for combustion based energy recovery (also referred to as waste-to-energy). However, today MWP is attracting renewed interest as a means to boost recycling rates. This is important because even after many residents have separated out their recycled commodities, the average MSW stream may contain up to half of the total volume of recyclables, and in some cases, more.
The authors conclude: “Based on its roots in single stream sortation, today’s MWP technology appears promising. The results in terms of outputs, net revenue, and reduced collection costs could be attractive for some communities. The combination of recycling with energy recovery for non-recycled materials is an excellent approach to managing post-use materials more sustainably.”
The report also identifies outstanding issues that need to be addressed to achieve these improvements. For example, in some cases technologies may deliver more volume of recycled material, but increased contamination could lead to reduced commodity prices. The authors point out the need for better data and case studies to demonstrate realistic recovery numbers for MWP.
The authors also suggest that coupling MWP facilities with existing large materials recovery facilities (MRFs) could help communities increase diversion rates: “GBB finds that combined MRF and MWP systems have the potential to significantly increase both the volume and total revenue from recycling materials. The potential exists to divert 180 percent more high value metals and plastics from landfill than are diverted today.”
The report was commissioned by the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which is examining methods to increase recovery of plastics.
Published in the October 2015 Edition of American Recycler News