I

\

Waste Management It's Not a Game and It's Not Trivial

Virginia Department of Waste Management

Integrated Waste Management Planning

Source Reduction Reuse

Recycling Resource Recovery (Waste to Energy)

Incineration Landfilling

June, 1989 Second Edition

For additional information contact Ms. Cheryl Cashmn, Legislative Liaison, Virginia Department of Waste Management: (804) 225-2667 or 1-800-552-2075.

This document is printed on recycled paper.

Virginia Waste Management Board

Dr. James R. Craig, Chairman Mr. Frank H. Miller, Jr., Vice Chairman

Dr. Heather D. Wicke, Secretary Dr. James A. Davis Mr. Edward I. Long

Ms. Joan MacCallum Dr. Michael Markels, Jr.

Virginia Department of Waste Management

Executive Director Cynthia V. Bailey

Director of the Office of Policy and Planning Harry E. Gregori, Jr., AICP

Director, Division of Special Programs Dr. K.C. Das

Director, Division of Regulation William Gilley

Director, Division of Technical Services Dr. Wladimir Gulevich

Director of Administration Charles E. Hanigan

Director, SARA Title 111 Program Wayne Halbleib

Division of Litter Control and Recycling Acting Director, Harry E. Gregori, Jr., AICP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

Foreword

Part I I. Introduction 11. Virginia's Strategic Plan 111. Waste Management Planning

A. Federal Plans B. StatePlans C. Regional Plans D. LocalPlans E. Educating our Citizens

Part I1 IV. Pollution Prevention Program

A. Source Reduction B. Product Consumption C. Product Manufacturing D. Recycle Material Market

Part I11 V. Waste Generation, Collection, Processing and Disposal

A. Home; BusinesdGovernment; Industry B. Collection C. Collection Point D. Separation E. Process F. Market Distribution G. Recycle Material Market H. Fuel Potential I. Resource Recovery and Incineration J. Residue Processing and Storage K. Permitted Disposal Facilities

10 10 13 16 16

17 17 21 22 23 26 26 27 29 30 32 33

Foreword

This document is for everyone who wants to know about what he or she can do to influence waste management policy making at the source of production and through the systems that manage the waste once created. By following the decision chart the reader can better understand choices and assist local governments and private enterprise in addressing the product-to-waste management system. Each section of the decision chart will briefly describe the challenges, the opportunities and the resources available for decision makers.

This document is designed to improve the reader's understanding of the larger issues of "products and services-to-waste" and "waste management and disposal processes."

The information presented in this document is organizedinto three parts. The first includes Sections I, I1 and I11 which encompass an introduction, a description of Vir- ginia's Strategic Plan and an overview of waste management planning.

The second part includes Section IV which describes waste pollution prevention strategies and describes the relationship between the consumer, the producer and the marketa which provide input into the production process.

The third part includes SectionV which describes waste generation, processing and disposal strategies.

Copyright 1989, Commonwealth of Virginia This publication may be reproduced either in part or in full f a educational p ~ p s e ~ , provided that

acknowledgement is given to the Virginia Department of Waete Management.

Integrated Waste Management Planning Commonwealth of Virginia

WASTE MANAGEMENT IT’S NOT A GAlME AND

IT’S NOT TRIVIAL

I. INTRODUCTION

At one time or another we have all probably taken a crumpled piece of paper and “took a hook shot” a t a waste paper basket and missed. Having missed, we may have let the paper discard lie assuring ourselves that we will pick it up at a later time or hoped someone else would do it.

In a sense, as an individual citizen, this action reflects our societal attitude about our discards in our neighborhoods and in our broader community.

However, waste management is not a game. The consequences of mismanagement are costly, and may cause irreparable harm to the environment and public health. Are you willing to take a “chance” on mismanagement?

Each day Virginians generate about 25,000 tons of municipal solid waste which must be managed in a responsible manner. Responsible waste management requires the actions of citizens which will lead to the reduction in volume and of the products we purchase and thus an equivalent reduction in the waste we generate. This will be ac- complished through behavioral changes, through education, and through the incentives and penalties we are willing to accept. The same freedom which allows us to choose how we will act also requires the responsibility to provide the necessary facilities to manage the wastes we generate. The first steps of responsible management include the development of policies and goals and a plan to achieve the goals.

This document is designed to increase our understanding ofwaste management sys- tems and how, with that understanding, we as a society can manage waste effectively and improve the quality of our environment.

1

11. VIRGINIA'S STRATEGIC PLAN

With the creation of the Virginia Department of Waste Management in July, 1986 and the appointment of the Virginia Waste Management Board, the planning process was initiated with the implementation of a statewide strategic plan.

The Commonwealths strategic plan, "Resource Discovery", was based on the process described in Diagram I. Strategic issues were developed through an internal stafF assessment of the Department's activities and the effectiveness of programs. This effort was coordinated with an external assessment by a committee composed of citizens from a variety of interests throughout the Commonwealth. Following these reviews, strategic action statements were developed and recommendations were made to the Board and the Executive Director. Based on these recommendations, resource deployment decisions were made in addition to specific legislative initiatives to accomplish the mission of the Department of Waste Management.

The planning process resulted in the Board's adoption of the first policies and goals for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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Virginia Waste Management Board Policies Document:

Mission Statement

Protect public health and the environment through formulating and implementing policies to assure the proper siting, management, and disposal of solid, hazardous, and low-level radioactive wastes generated in the Commonwealth and through the promotion of recycling and resource conservation.

Goals

1. Promote sound waste management practices within the regulated community, government and the public.

Reduce the adverse effects of past waste management practices.

Increase the public's awareness and participation in waste management practices.

Promote the effective storage and transportation of hazardous materials.

Improve the management of Departmental resources.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2

STRATEGIC PLANNING INITIATIVE

LEGISLATIVE MANDATE GRANT COMMITMENTS

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEEDS

EXTERNAL EVALUATION

FORMAL BIENNIAL EVALUATION

FLEXIBLE OPEN CHANNEL ALWAYS C J

STRATEGIC

ISSUE

DEVELOPMENT

STRATEGIC

ACTION

STATEMENT

RESOURCE

DEPLOYMENT

AGENCY PROGRAM INITIATIVES _ _ _ _ _

STRATEGIC STRATEGIC RESOURCES

+ MMMIlTEE PUBLIC RESOURCES

PHASE I1 REVIEW COMMIlTEE

(EXTERNAL FACTORS) -

LEGISLATION BUDGET

PHASE I RECOMMENDAnONS

I T I

INTERNAL EVALUATION

STAFF

JI I

DIAGRAM I: VIRGINIA STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS - JANUARY 1989 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

I I '

Policies of the Board

1.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2.

3.

4.

5.

It is the policy of the Board to promote the development of comprehensive waste management programs that include the following components of a waste management hierarchy:

Planning Source Reduction Reuse Recycling Resource Recovery (Waste-To-Energy) Incineration (Volume Reduction) Landfilling

It is the policy of the Board to plan for and to implement both strategies and initiatives that will reduce the overall volume and the toxicity of hazardous waste produced in the activities, processes, and manufacturing techniques used by Virginia industry.

It is the policy of the Board to continue to conduct Strategic Planning, a process which includes ongoing participation in the development of plans, policies, legislative initiatives, regulations and Departmental programs to meet the agency’s future needs, and address Virginia’s future environmental problems.

It is the policy of the Board to maintain the highest quality ofleadership and programsin order to fulfill the legislative mandates given to the agency, and;

It is the policy ofthe Board to find innovative methods for solving waste man- agement problems in Virginia.

The Virginia strategic plan resulted in the implementation of the state waste man- agement plan including the identification of initiatives by regional planning district commissions, the private sector and local governments.

4

111. WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Planning for solid waste management facilities is institutionalized at four levels in the United States: federal, state, regional and local.

A. Federal Plans

At the federal level, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with the leadership role and the responsibility to develop and implement programs to assure the safe management of solid waste. The primary federal law which drives the regulatory and planning initiatives is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 as amended. RCRArequires states to develop programs which provide for regulations for the control of waste disposal as well as the elimination of unpermitted facilities or open dumps.

Financial support for state planning was provided to states in the early 1980s but was discontinued and the majority of federal resources were directed at the hazardous wastemanagement problem. By thelate 19808, however, the growingnationalunrestwith improperly disposed of medical waste and the trek of the garbage barge affected the policy making at the federal level. Public outrage has stimulated renewed interest and EPA has responded with the February 1989 publication of the report “The Solid Waste Dilemma, An Agenda for Action.” The major objectives of the report include:

1.

2.

Increase waste planning, information management and research.

Increase effective planning by waste handlers, local governments and states.

3. Increase source reduction activities.

4. Increase recycling.

5.

6. Reduce risks from landfills.

Reduce risks from municipal solid waste combustion.

B. State Plans

At the State level, a similar level of renewed interest is reflected in the legislative mandates for the Department of Waste Management. One key charge states:

“Develop and keep current state waste management plans and provide technical assis- tance, advice and other aid for the development and implementation of local and regional waste management plans.”

5

The Department of Waste Management is preparing a state solid waste manage- ment plan which has three key elements:

1. State mission statement, goals, and policies.

2. Coordinated local and regional plan elements.

3. Regulatory programs and enforcement.

C. Regional Plans

In 1981, the Commonwealth of Virginia assisted the designated 22 planning districts with funding to develop regional solid waste management plans. It was not until 1988 that the Commonwealthagainprovidedassistance totheplanningdistricts to update the 1981 plans. Each planning district was required to assess each of the components of integrated waste management with specific emphasis on the development of data for recycling. The information developed in the regional plans will provide a good basis for developing the state solid waste management plan. Some examples of regional planning systems dedicated to solid waste currently include:

1. Southeastern Public Service Authority (804) 420-4700

2. New River Resource Authority 143 Third Street, NW Pulaski, Va. 24301 (703) 674-1223

3. Roanoke Valley Regional Solid Waste Management Board (703 - 981-9331) [Solid Waste Information Line]

D. Local Plans

Virginia law requires each local government to prepare and update a comprehen- sive land use plan. Many local governments which have developed a plan include an element for solid waste or have developed a planning process on the basis of need for a facility. A number of local governments participate in regional waste management systems. A number of individual local governments are now investigating the possibility of developing a regional system.

The Department is required by state law to promulgate regulations governing the preparation andimplementation oflocal and regional plans. The regulations must require that the plans include an element which addresses source reduction, reuse and recycling, and programs which address the storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste. The plans must also include a description of how the local or regional plans will attain the following recycling rates: 10% by 1991,15% by 1993 and 25% by 1995.

6

E. Educating Our Citizena

While there are many forms of waste management in Virginia, both public and private, individual local government or regional approaches, each system includes some mechanism for people to deliver their daily trash to the management system with an ul- timate destination c a landfill.

How then, can we as a society, government, citizens, employer and employee, affect our management systems to accomplish the goals of the Virginia Waste Management Board, meet the mandates of Virginia law, and finally, address the demands of the people of Virginia who want safer waste management systems?

The best way to address this issue is to assure that the citizens of the Common- wealth are informed and educated.

The first pieces of information which are essential concern the means by which we create and manage waste. Diagram I1 shows the full system fi-om the creation of products and services, our consumption of the goods and services and finally the generation of solid waste. Once generated many alternatives are available for government and the private sector to manage and ultimately dispose ofthe waste. This system ofalternatives is shown by the series of decision boxes (diamond shaped blocks) in the lower half of the diagram.

Product or service creation is the key to the entire system ofhow we manage waste. Typically, producers turn to the “Virgin Materials” market for inputs. The use of virgin, raw materials, short circuits opportunities for post consumer wastes (metals, paper, glass) from entering the decision point for the producer. Diagram I11 shows how a recycling program and market development will allow usable market supplies to be developed and used.

Virginia is too good to waste

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1

WASTE GENERATION

AND COLLECTION

BUSINESS / GOV

INDUSTRY

VIRGIN RECYCLE

INPUT MATERIALS

I 1 1 I I I I I PROCESSING I I I I I I I

MATERIALS

DISPOSAL

ILLEGAL DISPOSAL

I I

LANDFILL DISPOSAL

DIAGRAM II: PRODUCT-TO-WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

t3

I I I I

' I I

I I I

WASTE GENERATION

AND COLLECTION

I I I I

I I I

' m I. I

DISPOSAL INCINERATOR

FUEL

DISPOSAL INCINERATOR

FUEL NO

DIAGRAM 111: PRODUCTION-RECYCLING LOOP VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

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IV. POLLUTION PREVENTION PROGRAM

- Question:

Yow can I shape decision making to improve the outlook for Source Reduction? Proceed lo B. "Product Consumption"

A. Source Reduction Challenge

Within the larger frame of reference, pollution prevention is the combination of activities which reduce the amount of waste ultimately generated (source reduction) and increases the amount of waste available for reuse or recycling. Source reduction is the activity which focuses on a select element of the product-to-waste system -- elimination at the source of production. This can be accomplished, for example, by minimizing the packaging associated with a product. When the product is used, even if the packaging cannot be recycled, the amount generated for disposal has been reduced. Our disposal costs will be reduced overall and we will receive the added benefits of saving landfill space and reducing the risk of environmental contamination.

Opportunities

Source reduction has its biggest impact in the relationship between the consuming public and the product manufacturer or service provider. No single other relationship can affect the waste management problem by reducing the volume and toxicity of packaging and products consumed and disposed.

Diagram IV shows the decision tree for the relationships between you as the con- sumer, and later the waste generator, and the producer. The relationship between the point of production and the recycling markets is also shown.

Diagrams IV and V show the full relationship between the consumer product-to- waste process and the consumer generator, collection, and disposal system. The key points in the full operating system are shown in the double lined boxes:

1. The households, businessedgovernments and industries as both consumer of products and services and generator of waste

The recycling market as an outlet for separated recycling materials, and a market for sources of inputs into the production process.

2.

Resources

The Virginia Department of Waste Management has instituted a Pollution Preven- tion Program for both solid and hazardous waste. Contact: Pollution Prevention Program 1-800-552-2075 - Ms. Madeline Grulich

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' I I PRODUCTION I I

I I CONSUMPTION I

PROCESSING

MFG I SERVICE HOME

BUSINESS I GOV INDUSTRY I INDUSTRY

I I

WASTE GENERATION

AND COLLECTION

~~~ BUSINESS I GOV

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I ' ' I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

L -_ - - - -_ - - -_ - - - - - -_ - - - - - - 1 DIAGRAM IV PRODUCTION-CONSUMPTION SYSTEM

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

U t l Y t r V I I I U l Y

AND COLLECTION PROCESSING

~~

INDUSTRY

OR

INCINERATE

DIAGRAM V GENERATION/PROCESSING/DlSPOSAL SYSTEM VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

DISPOSAL

ILLEGAL

DISPOSAL

B. Product Consumption: Houeeholde; Bueiness and Government; Industry

Challenge

Each ofus, as consumersin our homes or actingas consumersfor ourbusinesses and industries, purchase goods and services for use directly or for use as an input into the production process.

Therefore we have the opportunity to influence which products or services we will pur- chase. Through our purchasing practices we can influence what is produced in the first place. As you can see in Diagram IV, the decision box for our choice of product or service results in a product or service delivered regardless of our choice. However, through our demand for a type of (good) product or service, the decision is pushed backward to the manufacturer to use recycled inputs. Therefore, the manufacturer can decide from which inputs he will select. By establishing collection systems which insure constant supply, the manufacturer can turn to the recycling market for a source of material input.

Opportunities

What can we do as responsible consumers to facilitate waste minimization activi- ties? The Seattle Washington Engineering Department’s Solid Waste Utility and Wash- ington Energy Extension Service recommends the following:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

~.

11.

12.

Buy durable products; do not buy throw-aways.

Buy sensibly packaged products.

Buy in bulk quantities.

Reuse handy containers.

Borrow or rent items you use infrequently.

Maintain and repair products to insure long product life.

Resell goods you no longer need.

Buy used goods.

Donate used goods to charities.

Avoid buying products which use unnecessary plastic and paper packaging. You can remove 10-20% of the waste from your household garbage can.

Buy products which are recyclable.

Look for nonhazardous substitutes for cleaners and pesticides.

13

Resources

1. Virginia Pollution Prevention Program Madeline Grulich Virginia Department of Waste Management 804-225-2667 ~

2. EPA RCFU Information Center Office of Solid Waste (WH-562) 401 M Street S. W. Washington, D.C. 20460

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2 0 2 - 4 7 5 - 9 3 2 7

3. Environmental Hazards Management Institute P.O. Box 932,lO New Market Road Durham, N. H. 03824 603-868-1496 - Household Hazardous Waste Wheel

4. UVA, Center for Risk Management Engineering Systems Thorton Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. 22901 [(804) 924-0960 or 924-38031

VPI, University Center for Environmental and Hazardous Materials Studies Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061

5.

(703) 231-7508

Question: Ask yourself: Is this product worth a higher garbage bill or a more polluted environment? Proceed to C. "Product Manufacturing."

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C. Product Manufhcturing

Challenge

Those of you who are responsible for the manufacture of products or who provide services have the opportunity to significantly affect society’s waste management practices and facility needs. Using non-toxic ingredients in products, using containers which are recyclable, and minimizing the amount of packaging for your product are ways to respond to consumer desires for a safer environment.

Opportunities

Government is working cooperatively with the private sector to find ways to provide you with stable supplies of good quality recyclable materials. Research is being conducted to find ways to reuse products, and make products which can be repaired rather than disposed because one part malfunctions. Industry is beginning to re-examine the product lines in terms of liability associated with the pollution of the environment should their products have hazardous constituents which ultimately make their way into the environ- ment. Soon youwill have the abilityto selectproductioninputsfromthe recycledmaterials market.

Resources

Companies and processes which already have changed the production processes include:

1. Aluminum Recycling Association 5. American Paper Instute 1000 16th St., NW, Suite 603 Washington, DC 20036

260 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10016

(202) 785-0550 (212) 340-0600

2. Aluminum Association 818 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 862-5163

3. Glass Packaging Institute 1801 M St., NW, Suite 1105-L Washington, DC 20006 (202) 887-4850

Plastics Institute, Division of the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. 355 Lexington Ave. New York, NY 10017, (212) 503-0600.

4.

D. Recycle Material Market

Challenge

Those who are involved in the market which supplies raw materials or feedstock t o product manufacturers, have a very vital role in solid waste management. By choosing to market materials which have been recycled, producers can make a positive impact in

energy and natural resources and improving the environment. However, as marketers of recycled material, there is competition with suppliers of

virgin materials. Presently, many product manufacturers prefer virgin materials. Virgin materials are often available in a more steady supply, the suppliers are more well known, and the material is cleaner (less contaminated).

To compete with virgin material suppliers, marketers need to provide a consistent volumeofmaterial, whichis both free ofcontaminants andisintheformtheproductmanu- facturer demands. Also, the recycled material will have to be offered at a competitive price with virgin material.

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solid waste management by reducing the volume of waste headed for disposal, saving __

Opportunity

The increasing costs of disposal have caused some local and state governments t o mandate recycling of certain wastes. Other localities have started recycling programs out of concern for the environment. Whatever the reason, this increase in recycling has in turn provided the recycled material markets with a very large supply, a t relatively little additional expense. In addition, individual consumers and government purchasing agents are buying more and more products made from recycled materials.

Resources

1. Mill Trade Journal's Recycling Markets (newsletter) South 105 Farview Avenue Paramus, New Jersey 07652 (201) 368-1225

2. Waste Age's Recycling Times (newsletter) Suite 1000 1730 Rhode Island Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036

3. Department of Waste Management Recycling Markets Update Michael Murphy (804) 786-8679

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V. WASTE GENERATION, COLLECTION, PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL

A. Homes; BusinessdGovernment; Industry

Challenge

As a consumer, once you have selected a product or service, it will make all the differ- ence in the world if you are conscientious about your product-to-waste management prac- tices. Once you have consumed the product or service, you assume the role of waste generator. If you really want efficiency and ecoaomy in your community’s waste manage- ment system and if you really want composting, reuse and recycling, or waste to energy facilities to work and minimize the need for landfill space, you will need to support and participate in the adopted methods to collect your waste so that the waste can be most efficiently managed within the system. Your local government will need to develop an integrated waste management program and determine what type of system will be most effective in meeting the recycling targets set by the Virginia General Assembly.

Diagram VI shows a very basic system, typically in a rural area, which results in waste being taken to the local landfill. As we seek to reduce the dependency on landfills, Diagram VI1 shows the changes in the system you will need to develop to accomplish any changes.

Opportunities

As a waste generator, and one who purchased products and services with an eye toward reuse and recycling, you can support the waste management program by finding out how your waste is collected and what happens to it. Is it collected at your door, at a central collection center (greenbox) or do you take it directly to the landfill? Will it go to a separation facility to pull out the recyclables, andor be incinerated?

The most important opportunity for you as a generator is to make your waste avail- able in a form which is compatible with the type of collection which is provided in your community. By disposing your waste properly, you will eliminate illegal litter activities.

The options available to you are described in the decision tree shown in Diagram IV. First you will need to learn about the waste management system operating in your com- munity.

The opportunities and options available to you to recycle certain waste materials are discussed in the section entitled “SEPARATION.”

The first question each Household, BusinesdGovernment, and Industry must ask is shown in the first diamond in the decision tree (Collect).

__

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Resources

Contact: Your local government:

Public Works Littei'coordinator Recycling Coordinator

Your Regional Planning District Commission Your "Yellow Page" listing for "Waste" Virginia Waste Industries Association (804) 788-0429 Government Refuse Collection and Disposal Association (GRCDA)

Clearinghouse 1-800-458-5886 or 1-301-585-2898

Virginia is too good t o waste

18

t i t N t M l IWN AND

COLLECTION PROCESSING DISPOSAL

RECYCLE MATERIALS

MARKET L ILLEGAL

DISPOSAL

\ I I I

_. NO

YES YES YES

YES RESIDUE NO PROCESS MARKET

DlSTR NO STORE SEPARATED

YES

NO

YES PROCESS

NO RES RECOV

YES OR

FUEL INCINERATE NO

DIAGRAM VI: BASIC WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

i I '

GENERATION AND

COLLECTION 'ROCESSING DISPOSAL

ILLEGAL

DISPOSAL

YES YES YES

YES NO

A A >

NO RES RECOV

OR

INCINERATE

DIAGRAM VII: INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

B. Collection

Challenge

Throughout the Commonwealth solid waste is generated by individual households, businesses, government offices and industries. The most common form ofwaste collection, particularly in urban and suburban areas, is at the point of generation. Typically you put your garbage in a little green bag, place it out on the street in front of your residence and employees ofyour local government or a private company come by and take it away. Many people do not even know what happens to their waste &er its collected.

.-

Opportunities

Collection of waste is often a large part of the annual operating budget of a local government or private industry. Arranging your wastes to make them convenient for col- lection will greatly improve opportunities for reuse and recycling.

Collection at the point of generation provides the best opportunity to undertake recycling programs.

Special wastes may allow opportunities for organized collection services such as solvents from dry clearking businesses, used oil from automobile repair shops, or tires from tire dealers.

Resources

Local governments operating collection programs include: The City of Virginia Beach (804) 427-4111 The County of Fairfax (703) 246-5040 The City of Richmond (804) 780-7000 The City of Roanoke (703) 981-2000

Question Is solid waste collected at my location? If the answer to the question is YES, proceed to D. "Separation."

If the answer to the question is NO, proceed to C. '%ollection Point."

21

C. Collection Point

Question Isthereacollectionpointformywastetobemanaged? Iftheanswerto thequestionisYES, then proceed to D."Separated."

Ifthe answer to the question is NO, then proceed to K."Permitted Disposal Facility." -

Challenge

If waste is not collected at the point of generation, many local governments or private waste management businesses will or should provide a collection point at locations con-

or transfer stations. At these locations the waste is usuallyprocessed, compacted or baled for transfer to a central processing unit, recycling center, combustion unit or landfill.

It is important to recognize that these collection points provide an excellent oppor- tunity to separate the waste for recycling.

venient to the generators. In some cases these collection points will consist of green boxes ._

Opportunities

When developing your plan, take full advantage of each point of collection or transfer to separate wastes for efficiency in the operating system. Collection points should be de- signed to be convenient for the public, but provide sufEcient control to eliminate indis- criminate or illegal disposal of wastes. Such controls include staff presence when the facilityis open, and a secure gate to control access when no attendant is available. Where staffing is not feasible, provide sufficient containers that are properly marked to meet the demands of the generators.

One way of minimizing the amount of household hazardous wastes such as automo- bile batteries, paints and paint thinners from showing up at these collection points is to provide a special collection day for these special wastes or a central collection point where citizens know to take these wastes.

Decision makers need to locate the collection points in a manner compatible with the integrated waste management system adopted by the community.

Resources

Communities that are using collection points which are integrated with recycling

1. programs include:

The Southeastern Public Service Authority Marc T. Thorton, Administrative Analyst, (804) 420-4700

2. King William County David S. Whitlow, County Administrator, (804) 769-4927

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D. Separation

Challenge

Separation at a collection point provides the same type of benefits as with separation at the point of generation: clean materials yield higher value in the recycling markets, minimizing unnecessary wastes in a combustion process, and minimizing the waste which must ultimately go into the landfill.

Opportunities

Separation can be done either by having separate containers for each of the wastes you intend to separate, or, if you have a processing center, the recyclable materials can be “co- mingled” and taken to a central processing unit for separation. In each case you increase the marketability of the waste when it is clean and when it yields constant supply for the market.

Each community must determine first its goals for the development of an integrated waste management system. The type ofseparation must be compatible with the operations taking place in the community.

Resources

Examples of communities offering separation of recyclables a t the point of genera- tion (curbside collection) include:

1. Town of Middleburg (Loudoun County) William S. Leach, Town Administrator, (703) 687-5152

2. Roanoke County Kelly Whitney, Recycling Coordinator, (703) 345-5523

Localities using separation at a collection point, transfer station or drop-off site include:

1. Arlington County Ken Hook, Deputy Director, Public Works, (703) 358-3702

2. Henrico County Public Information Office (804) 672-4257

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A number of localities in Virginia that have neither a point of generation collection system or designated collection pointdtransfer centers for recycling, offer their residents the opportunity to separate their recyclable materials at the landfill. Examples of localities offering separation at their landfills include:

~

1. FloydCdunty Randel E. Arno, County Administrator, (703) 745-2028 -

2. Prince William County Godfrey Ampadu, Recycling Coordinator, (703) 335-6820

For additional information about recycling programs in the state, the Department of Waste Management offers a 24 hour, toll-free recycling hotline: 1-800-KEEP ITT 11-800-533-7488].

Question Is my waste separated? Ifthe answer to the question is YES, then proceed to F. “Market Distribution.”

If the answer to the question is NO, then proceed to E. “Process.”

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E. Process

Challenge

Ifwaste is collected or can be taken to a collection point but it is not separated, process- ing centers can be established to separate the recyclable waste before the waste is used as a fuel or ultimately disposed in a landfill.

Opportunities

Building on the collection system, we may plan for a processing facility to enhance a recycling program and to prepare a fuel pellet from the wastes, and then mass burn and/ or landfill the remaining waste.

The decision makers must consider the potential for the construction or utilization of a processing facility versus separation at the point of generation or collection point.

Resources

Southeastern Public Service Authority, Chesapeake, Va. Marc C. Thornton, Administrative Analyst (804) 420-4700

Question Canmy process wastebeutilizedinthemarketplace? Iftheanswer to the questionisYES, proceed to F. "Market Distribution."

Ifthe answer to the question is NO, proceed to J."€&sidue Processing and Storage."

25

F. Market Distribution

Challenge

Market distribution deals with brokers, buyers or operations which arrange for the transfer of accumulatedrecycledmaterials fromthe collectionlocation to themarket place. Usually a private business or a designated government operating unit will provide the service of identifying sources of recycled materials and fadlitate the acquisition of these materials by private companies. Such an operation is critical to the successm operation of a recycling program. Without a mechanism to move materials to markets, collected re- cyclable materials will just accumulate at a collection center.

A type of this service which is already available in Virginia includes drop off centers for aluminum cans where cash can be obtained at the collection center. Aluminum companies also collect the cans and return the cans to the production process.

Opportunities

When preparing a recycling plan, an assessment must be made of the availability of markets for each of the materials you plan to collect. This can be accomplished by contact- ing companies listed in the yellow pages of your telephone directory for waste, waste paper, and recycling services and equipment. In addition, the Department of Waste Management can provide you with a listing of companies which are performing recycling marketing services.

Resources

Local governments which are already utilizing marketing services include:

1. City of Williamsburg Judy &tor (804) 229-0714 Coordinator, Williamsburg Task Force on Recycling

2. Roanoke County Kelly Whitney (703) 345-552 Recycling Coordinator

"he contact at the Department of Waste Management is Michael Murphy, Recycling Coordinator, (804) 786-8679

Question Is thereamarketdistributionprocessavailable? Iftheanswertothequestion,isYES,then proceed to G. "Recycle Material Market."

If the answer to the question is NO, then proceed to J. "Residue Processing and Storage."

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G. Recycle Material Market

Challenge

The market place for recycled materials is a very diverse and a very competitive environment. The markets for some materials, such as aluminum and glass, are well established andwidelyaccessible. Marketsforplastic materials are relativelynew andare not widespread. Some of the markets are very stable, others are subject to large price fluctuations. When the market is operated as a business enterprise, profit is the goal. In other markets, such as the market for compost made at a government-run facility, the goal may only be cost savings or to "break-even.''

In Diagrams IV and V, the crossover or return point for sending waste materials back into the production process, was shown to be the MARKET. Therefore, without a market, there can be no "recycling" of waste into useable products.

Since recycled materials are considered commodities, the market for these materi- als is driven by the laws of supply and demand. Recycled materials are the supply in this market. Demand is created when we begin to purchase more products made from recycled materials and/or products that can be easily recycled. The success ofthe recycled material market depends on both a reliable supply and a large enough demand for the end product.

opportunity

As a consumer, you can have a measurable effect on the market place for recycled materials through your purchasing decisions. As a waste generator, you can send a strong message to this market by your willingness to participate in a recycling program.

State and local governments can also have profound effects on these markets through legislation. Governments can require mandatory recycling, which will increase supplies to the market. This may cause some markets to change operation or even shut down. Finally, because they generally purchase in large volumes, governments can also impact the market by choosing to purchase only products that can be recycled or products that are made from recycled materials.

Resources

There are a large number of sources for information about the markets for recycled materials. An industry or trade association exists for nearly every recycled material mar- ket. These associations represent the industries, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and services that are involved in each particular market. Some examples of these types of associations include:

1. Aluminum Recycling Association 1000 16th Street, NW Suite 603 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 785-0550

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2. Aluminum Association 818 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, D. C. 20006 (202) 862-5163

3. American Paper Institute 260 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10016 (212) 340-0600

4. Glass Packaging Institute 1801 K Street, NW

Washington, DC 20006 Suite 1105-L

(202) 887-4850

- Question

Is the waste capable of being processed? If the answer to the question is YES, then proceed to F. "Market Distribution."

If the answer to the question is NO, then proceed to H. "Fuel Potential." -

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€I. Fuel Potential

Challenge

Solid waste contains large amounts of combustible materials consisting of many forms of paper, cloth,$lastics, wood and related organic materials. Combustion has been found to be useful in reducing the total volume of waste which must ultimately be landfilled. During the 1970 energy crisis, the value of solid waste as a fuel increased significantly particularly where the fuel value could become an energy source for the generation of steam or electricity. Steam generation can be used to entice new industry to locate in the area or can be used to stimulate expansion of existing industries. The sale of the steam or electricity provided a source of revenue to offset the higher cost of the waste-to-energy or incineration system.

Waste can also be processed to recycle noncombustibles and create a fuel pellet which may be used as a supplemental fuel for coal-fired powerplants. See the section titled "Process" for information on processing systems.

Opportunities

When first addressing the waste management problem our evaluation of the possibili- ties for integrated waste'management will reveal the potential for reuse and recycling prior to calculating the unit size for a combustion alternative.

If you already are operating a combustion process, you will need to start a t the be- ginning to determine opportunities for source reduction, reuse, and recycling through the decision tree.

Resources

Contacts for developing or operating combustion facilities: Ogden-Martin Systems also see "Resource Recovery" and "Incineration" resources.

1. OMS of AlexandridArlington, Inc. 5301 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, Va. 22304 (703) 370-7722

2. OMS of Fairfax, Inc. 9898 Furnace Road. Lorton, VA. 22079 (703) 690-0373

Question Is there fuel potential available in the solid waste? If the answer to the question is YES, proceed to I. 'wource Recovery or Incineration."

Ifthe answer to the question is NO, proceed to J. "Residue Processing and Storage."

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I. Resource Recovery and Incineration

Challenge

During the 1970s energy costs soared and many governments found an opportunity to use solid waste as a fuel to generate steam or electricity. Other communities found that by just burning the waste, significant volume reduction was achieved, and thus landfill space was saved. According to the US. EPA, in 1987 there were 113 municipal waste combustion facilitiesin the United States with another209 planned. InVirginia, there are 10 municipal waste combustion facilities operating accounting for about 2000 tons, or 10 per cent of the total waste stream.

During the mid 1980s concern was raised about the effectiveness of the combustion processes. Issues were raised in terms of the contribution to air pollution and the possibility of heavy metals, lead and cadmium, concentrating in the ash residue. While much of the debate continues, newer combustion units provide better levels of emission control and standards are being developed for landfills to assure proper manage- ment of ash residues from combustion units.

Combustion processes can be compatible with a recycling program, particularly when high volumes of waste are required to be disposed. Obviously a decision will need to be made with respect to the size of the combustion unit relative to goals for recycling.

Opportunities

The development of an integrated waste management plan requires that each compo- nent be examined for potential use given resources available and the goals of the commu- nity. The size of a proposed unit should be determined &r developing options for each of the steps of integrated waste management, prior to the step of incineration or resource recovery. This step wise plan will allow each local government to assess the potential for each component of the hierarchy and maximize environmental benefits.

Resources Local governments which are operating combustion facilities include: Mass burn energy production

Harrisonburg (steam) Salem (steam) Galax (steam) Hampton (steam) AlexandridArlington County (electricity)

Incinerator (Volume Reduction) Hercules Corp., Southampton County

Infectious Waste F’iedmond State Hospital, Burkeville Incindere Corp., Norfolk

Veterinary Related Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University, Blacksburg

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Refuse Derived Fuel Production (RDF) Southeastern Public Service Authority, Chesapeake (fluff, Virginia Recycling Corporation, New Kent County (tires)

L

Question Will there be residue l& over f" the combustion procese? If the m w r is YES, your waste is used in a combustion p~ocess, whether waste to energy or incineration for volume reduction, proceed to J. "Residue Procedng and Storage."

Virginia is too good to waste

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J. Residue Processing and Storage

Challenge

Residue processing and storage deals with a variety of activities which provide potential opportunities to store any separated waste for distribution to the market. Also, combustion ash residues may also be processed into products such as brick which can be returned as a product in the the market distribution phase of the management system.

Opportunities

If your recyclables are unable to make it into the market, you will then have the option of storing the materials until markets are available, or, if space becomes a problem, you may need to landlill what has been collected. The same is true for any process residues whether ash or metal recycling residues (fluff). This material must be used or moved to a permitted landfill for disposal.

Resources

1. Virginia Department of Waste Management Michael Murphy, Recycling Coordinator (804)786-8679

2. National Solid Waste Management Association 1730 Rhode Island Ave., NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 659-4613

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K. Permitted Disposal Facilities

Challenge

Once you have determined that there are no other feasible opportunities for reuse, recycling or fuel potential for solid waste, the last step in the integrated waste manage- ment system is landfilling. Landfills are regulated by the Department of Waste Manage- ment through a series of strict regulatory requirements for siting, design, construction, operation, inspection, closure and post closure monitoring.

It does not appear that we will be able to do without landlills for the foreseeable future. For the landfills that we do need, planning should take place at least 5 years in advance of the need for a facility. Planning efforts should involve citizens in the formu- lation of alternatives and development of criteria for site selection.

Landfills can be owned and operated by local government, or operated as part of a regional waste management program. Programs can be designed for government owner- ship with private operation, or with ownership and operation by the private sector.

The physical design requirements for landfills are substantial and costly. Each permitted landfill requires a design which includes a double clay or synthetic liner, a leak detection zone between the liners, a leachate collection system at the bottom of the landfill to collect liquids generated within the landfill, and a groundwater monitoring system.

Opportunities

The development of an integrated waste management system will require a landfill to account for the many wastes which cannot be reduced, reused, recycled or used as a fuel in a combustion process. Even with a combustion component, alandfill will still be needed to dispose of the residues which cannot be recycled. Adjacent to a landfill complex, a re- cycling or waste processing facility may be constructed and operated to meet the other needs of an integrated waste management program.

Resources

1. Virginia Department of Waste Management Solid Waste Management Regulations William Gilley, Director, Division of Regulation 1-800-552-2075 or (804) 225-2667

2. Consulting Engineers Council of Virginia 611 Research Road Richmond, Va. 23236 (804) 794-6822

3. Waste Age 1989 Industry Yellow Pages Suite 1000 1730 Rhode Island Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20036 1-800-424-2869 or (202) 861-0708

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Don’t allow someone else’s greed or stupidity ruin the beauty of your community or

contaminate your water resources; you and your children may live to regret the consequences.

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