By Susan Jarvis
December 15, 2008

As cities continue to define the "right shade of green" for their community, some communities pursue a zero waste goal and others explore the idea of no wasted resources. Regardless of their expectations around waste and waste management, most communities are committed to an integrated waste management system. During the Fall Summit, three speakers presented their communities- solutions to integrated waste management.

Jonathan Bilmes, PE, QEP, Executive Director of the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility in Bristol, (CT) gave an overview of Bristol's integrated solid waste management system. Based on Connecticut's geography and natural resources, waste to energy was the only source of home grown energy available to them. Waste to Energy allowed Bristol and its' surrounding communities to reduce the volume of waste, save space and create renewable energy, or as Mr. Bilmes explained "home grown power". Mr. Bilmes went on to explain some of the circumstances which lead to the creation of the BRRF Operating committee, including Connecticut's strong home rule tradition, and the need for regionalization. Mr. Bilmes went on to discuss the "love affair" between recycling and waste to energy and the increased recycling rates in the participating communities. As BRFF begins to plan for life after 2014, Mr. Bilmes urges communities to "think big and think outside the box", when designing their integrated management systems.

Alex Helou, Assistant Director of Solid Resources Group, Bureau of Sanitation Services, City of Los Angeles discussed "Innovative Strategies for Greener Solid Waste Management", and updated attendees on LA's solid waste collection, recycling and XX systems. The city collects, curbside, 1700 tons of green waste, 3600 tons of garbage and 1000 tins of recyclables every day. The Mayor has set aggressive diversion goals for the city. Including:

· Establish permanent recycling program for multi-family and businesses by 2008

· Develop and implement aggressive outreach plan to residents about recycling

· Evaluate feasibility of organic waste recycling for Citywide implementation

· Establish an Alternative Technology facility to process MSW

· Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 35% below 1990 levels by 2030

· Convert trash collection vehicles to clean fuel by 2010

In order to meet these goals, the city developed a Solid Waste Integrated Resource Plan (SWIRP) which was designed to create a master plan for city to reach its ultimate "zero waste goals" by 2030. The SWIRP's guiding principles were adopted in May 2008 and challenges the city to be a leader in the zero waste movement, manufacturers to take greater responsibility for their products and increased education and consumer responsibility.

The city launched an extensive advertising campaign outlining the new recycling program, noting that clean plastics and Styrofoam can now be recycled. City sanitation employees became "ambassadors", sifting through resident's garbage outside their homes in order to educate residents on what could be recycled. The city also implemented both commercial and residential food scrap recycling programs, a multi- family bulky item pick-up program and is pursuing alternative technologies. The city is exploring thermal, biological and chemical and physical processing technologies. Currently, proposal for building alternative technology plants are under review. In conclusion of his talk, Mr. Helou touted the city's long term commitment to "greening" its environment.

Steve Johnson, former General Manager of the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (CA) discussed "Conversion Technology" Separating the Myth from Reality". After giving a brief overview of the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, which is made up of five cities and unincorporated Marin County, Mr. Johnson said the enthusiasm for conversion technology grew from a resistance to new landfill studies in 2004 and a 75% diversion rate by 2015.

While conversion technologies won't offer a "silver bullet" for cities and communities waste management challenges, they do often offer favorable environmental and economic benefits. The SVSWA chose to explore steam classification which converts MSE into organics and in-organics. The recyclables are sent to local and national markets and the organics are used in pulp production, composting or refuse derived fuel. Environmental concerns include air emissions and water pollution. The SVSWA designed a two year testing program, which looked at environmental impacts, technological issues, marketability of product and implementation strategies. Data around factual performance, emissions, and cost information is difficult to obtain, when proven feasible, conversion technology could be an important part of a more sustainable waste management plan. Wherever cities solid waste management plans fall o the "green scale", the solid waste, public works and recycling departments are on the front line of any city's "green print".

For more information about Integrated Waste Management, MWMA or the 2008 Fall Summit, please log on to usmayors.org/mwma.