As more attention focuses on the proliferation of single-use plastics and discarded plastics in oceans and waterways, solid waste managers are under increasing pressure to implement solutions that not only properly manage these discards, but also recover their energy value during the process.
The Solid Waste Association of North America's (SWANA) Applied Research Foundation (ARF) recently conducted important research on energy recovery options for non-marketable plastic recyclables, as well as plastics that are not typically targeted for recycling. The resulting report, Energy Recovery Options for Non-Recycled Plastic Discards, reviews three system options that are available to solid waste managers for the recovery of energy from non-recycled waste plastics, including Plastics-to-Fuels (PTF) Systems, Non-Waste Fuel (NWF) Systems, and Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Systems.
"SWANA continues to be at the forefront of identifying solutions to challenging solid waste issues, and this important new report provides useful information and data to solid waste managers and their communities," stated David Biderman, SWANA Executive Director and CEO. "We need to develop new markets for discarded plastics, as new restrictions on the trans-boundary movement of these materials take effect in January 2021."
The PTF option targets non-recycled plastics in discarded containers and packaging. This portion of the recycling stream represents 29 percent of the plastics in MSW and 4 percent of MSW generated. The WTE and NWF options target plastics in durable and non-durable goods discarded as municipal solid waste (MSW). These plastics constitute 47 percent of the plastics in MSW and represent about 6 percent of MSW generated.
"We appreciate the support and involvement of our Waste Conversion and Energy Recovery Group subscribers who submitted and voted for this important research topic and provided funding support for the research effort," said Jeremy O'Brien, SWANA's Director of Applied Research.
More from Industry News
Sponsored
Brought to you by:
Discover the main features of a reliable & efficient baler
Single-Ram and II-Ram High-Capacity Balers
At Machinex, we've been designing sorting systems for over 35 years, so we know how essential it is for MRF operators to have a baler they can trust and not worry about its operational reliability. This is why we design and manufacture reliable single-ram and II-ram high-capacity balers to specifically help optimize their operations.
Watch the video of our expert who presents the main features of Machinex balers delivering these important benefits:
- Easy & accessible maintenance
- Reduced maintenance & bale handling costs
- Energy savings
- Optimal bale density
Sponsored
Brought to you by:
How to streamline C&D waste processing to increase profitability
For C&D recyclers, waste haulers, demolition contractors and landfills, there is a growing opportunity to profit from rethinking processes. Although every operation is different, by streamlining the front end of the C&D operation processes with purpose-built technologies, recyclers can tap into new end markets, accommodate higher material volumes, stay ahead of regulatory restrictions, increase recovery rates and add commodity revenue, while decreasing labor and other costs.
Download the new eBook to learn about:
- Finding opportunities in the alternative to landfilling C&D
- How facilities can increase their profits from C&D
- Using the right C&D processing technology in the right locations
