More than 10 years after the first investigation documenting waste-to-energy's compatibility with recycling, a new comprehensive survey definitively demonstrates that the two waste management options work well together.

By Jonathan V.L. Kiser

Communities with waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities across the country responded enthusiastically in favor of combining recycling with WTE for the management of household trash. The 2002 survey not only confirmed that recycling and WTE are compatible but also provided solid reasons why the two technologies perform better together than separately. (The compatibility survey, conducted as part of the investigation to compile The 2002 ISWA [Integrated Waste Services Association] Directory of Waste-to-Energy Plants, was conducted between April and September 2002. For a copy of the directory, contact IWSA at 202/467-6240 or e-mail Zanneswte@aol.com.) Key findings include the following:

• Fifty-seven percent of the responding WTE communities have recycling rates greater than the national average of 28%. The average recycling rate for WTE communities across the United States is 33%.
• Onsite WTE recycling, in the form of ferrous and nonferrous metals recovery, ash reuse, and other materials recovery, is occurring at 82% of US facilities.
• All WTE plants in the US are linked to offsite recycling programs.
• All recycling coordinators, municipal officials, and waste management professionals responding to the compatibility portion of the investigation provided evidence regarding why they believe recycling and WTE are compatible.

Survey Methodology

WTE communities were contacted by e-mail and telephone to discuss the compatibility issue. Data pertaining to onsite recovery of materials for recycling were collected for all 105 US facilities, including refuse-derived fuel (RDF) processing operations that do not combust trash but generate only RDF fuel. Offsite recycling data pertaining to WTE community recycling rates were obtained for 98 operating facilities (not including RDF processing operations). More detailed data relating to the type of offsite recycling materials and programs, as well as the compatibility question, were obtained for 64 WTE operations. More detailed interviews were conducted with public officials in seven communities.

Onsite Recycling

Among operating US WTE plants, 77% have onsite ferrous metal recovery programs. These facilities recover more than 773,000 tons of ferrous annually. Most of these metals are recovered at mass-burn WTE plants, postcombustion. In addition, 43% of the operating facilities recover other materials on-site for recycling (e.g., nonferrous metals, plastics, glass, white goods, and combustion ash). More than 853,800 tons of these recyclables are recovered annually. Combining all onsite WTE recycling, 82% of the US facilities recycle nearly 1,627,000 tons.

Offsite Recycling

All 98 communities with operating WTE plants are linked to offsite recycling programs. The recycling operations associated with these programs may be public or private, residential or commercial. The programs may also operate outside of the community in which the plant is specifically located. The types of recycling programs noted by the 64 WTE communities who provided actual details are shown in Table 1. The types of materials linked to these programs also are provided. Other programs and related materials include compost and mulch operations, artificial reef construction, household hazardous waste management, mercury reduction efforts, battery recycling, used oil management, public and school outreach programs, computers and other electronics deconstruction, Christmas tree collection, aseptic packaging programs, and management of such materials as chipboard, sheetrock, pallets, bulky waste, telephone books, latex paint, tires, and plastic film. A combination of programs is typically found in the same community.

High Recycling Rates

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the current municipal recycling rate in the US is 28%. By comparison, 57% of the 98 WTE communities contacted for this investigation have a higher recycling rate. Further, the average recycling rate for all US WTE communities is 33%. Ten years ago, WTE communities had an average recycling rate of 21% versus the national rate of 17%. This trend is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. WTE Community Recycling Average Vs. National Rate

Note: Based on responses from 66 WTE communities during 1992, 98 WTE communities during 2002, and national rates determined by EPA.

Sources: J.V.L. Kiser and M. Zannes, Integrated Waste Services Association; and EPA

"Waste-to-energy communities tend to be knowledgeable and proactive about managing their municipal waste and therefore have more aggressive recycling programs," notes John Austin, plant manager of the Hampton/NASA Steam Plant in Virginia, as explanation for the ongoing recycling excellence in WTE communities. Other reasons are discussed in the following section.

Recycling-WTE Compatibility

The waste management professionals also were asked to comment on the compatibility of materials recycling and WTE. They cited many specific reasons why recycling and WTE are compatible. These are summarized in Table 2.

Some of the other compatibility examples noted for recycling and WTE include the following:

• There is little need to collect ferrous metals as part of the curbside program since they are efficiently captured at the WTE plant.
• In accordance with the EPA waste management hierarchy, recycling and WTE work in partnership to significantly reduce landfilling.
• The more materials recycled locally, the more a WTE plant can tap the commercial and spot waste markets, resulting in higher disposal rates and improved plant economics.
• With aggressive local recycling, the WTE plant can serve a larger surrounding area and meet the needs of a fast-growing location for a longer period of time.
• Recycling higher Btu materials, such as paper and plastic, lowers the overall waste higher-heating value. This results in more efficient plant operations and greater waste processing capabilities.
• By recycling glass, metals, and other nonburnable recyclables, the municipal waste fuel characteristics at WTE operations are improved.
• Resource recovery is a pure form of recycling since it converts waste into energy and has a steady supply market in the form of municipal waste.
• WTE ash can be reused and recycled and does not create methane gas or groundwater contamination.

Compatibility Case Studies

The following case studies reinforce that, working together, recycling and WTE play a critical role in solving community waste management problems across the US.

Onondaga County, NY

Andy Brigham, public information officer with the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency, will tell you that the county always has been interested in managing its own waste in an environmentally sound manner. Recycling and WTE enables the county to be self-sufficient. When planning the county's recycling program, public officials kept two goals in mind: capture the largest portion of the wastestream that is recyclable and make sure there is a market for the recyclables. The plan worked.

The current county recycling diversion rate is 66%, 40% of which results from mandatory recycling programs and 26% being contributed through voluntary efforts. When the 990-tpd WTE plant became operational in 1995, the county's recycling rate was 50%. One of the reasons for the increase in recycling since the startup of WTE was the establishment of an aggressive and mandatory curbside collection program. Citizens are required to commingle glass, plastics, and metals in one blue bin, and a promotion is now underway to encourage them to obtain a second bin for fiber materials.

Onondaga County has a number of other recycling programs and systems, including a materials recovery facility (MRF), household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events, monthly computer recycling collection, a latex paint recycling program that donates reclaimed paint to charitable organizations, two compost sites (yardwaste is banned from the WTE plant), a household battery recycling program in conjunction with a local supermarket chain, and school and public education outreach programs. In addition to the large amount of recyclable materials collected by these programs, during 2001, 10,042 tons of ferrous metals were recovered postcombustion from the WTE plant.

"We have a very aggressive recycling program that produces twice as [many] recyclable materials than the nonrecyclable stream that is sent to the waste-to-energy plant," reports Brigham. During 2001, residents, commercial operations, and institutions recycled 749,000 tons of materials. This compared with 344,592 tons of MSW being processed at the WTE plant (the plant's permit capacity is 361,350 tons).

Spokane, WA

E-cycling

Jessie Lang, recycling coordinator with the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, says that during 15 years on the job, no one has ever told her that a material could not be recycled because it needed to be burned at the 800-tpd WTE plant.

"We are recycling all we can of the materials for which there are markets. There hasn't been any conflict between recycling and waste-to-energy," maintains Lang. "The combustion facility is basically processing at full capacity and our recycling program prevents the need for additional waste disposal capacity. Also, our recycling rate has climbed over the years."

Similar to Onondaga County, recycling increased with continued WTE operations. When the WTE plant started commercial operations in 1991, Spokane's recycling rate was 31%. By 1993, the community's recycling rate jumped to 39%. The most current available rate, for 2001, reveals a recycling rate of 41%. According to Lang, this rate has remained relatively constant due to Spokane's distance from recycling markets and a population that has not dramatically changed over the past decade.

Spokane won an award from Washington State in 2000 for the best large government recycling program. It's no wonder. Spokane's curbside recycling program, started in late 1991, provides weekly service to city residents. Acceptable items include fiber products, glass, plastics, metals, and batteries. Three-compartment trucks are used to collect these recyclables, and the drivers sort the commingled materials into the appropriate bins. Other recycling programs in the Spokane metropolitan area include buy-back centers, drop-off centers, HHW management, a yardwaste compost program, a thermometer exchange program, education programs, and private recycling centers.

"A lot of materials we are recovering don't burn well. We can therefore afford to subsidize the recycling of a material like glass since it tends to beat up the furnace and serves no other benefit at the waste-to-energy operation," Lang explains, noting that the current WTE tip fee of $98/ton covers not only the cost of plant operations but also the expense associated with various recycling programs. These include citizen drop off of recyclables and HHW at designated locations and the subsidized rates associated with Spokane's "Clean Green" yardwaste compost program.

Yardwaste does not burn very well either and is not accepted at the combustion plant. Lang reports that by pulling these types of recyclables from the wastestream, the remaining material has a higher Btu-per-pound value for generating energy.

"Our waste-to-energy plant also provides a very easy way to recycle 100% of the ferrous metals remaining in the waste delivered to the plant." During 2001, 10,227 tons of this material were magnetically recovered postcombustion and sold. This type of metal tends to be otherwise difficult to recycle and includes shock absorbers, metal rims from oil filters, nails, bicycle spokes, cans with dog food residue, and other contaminated materials.

York County, PA

"Some people have said that you can't have a successful recycling program in a community with waste-to-energy. York County is living proof that the opposite is true," asserts Ellen O'Connor, manager of the Community Services Division for York County Solid Waste Authority. O'Connor estimates that the 1,344-tpd WTE plant not only allows recycling to flourish but also preserves 13 ac. of land 35 ft. deep annually and produces enough electricity to displace 550,000 barrels of oil. The county's recycling rate increase certainly supports this point.

In 1992, the county's recycling rate was 28%. By 1997 the rate jumped to 51% and included the recycling of WTE ash. The most current available rate is 83% for 2001. Recycled materials include all items collected curbside, commercial recycling, yardwaste, backyard composting, the land application of biosolids (dry tons), drop-off and special recycling programs, ferrous and nonferrous metals from the WTE plant, and the recycling of combustion ash into more than 145,000 tpy of aggregate.

"We are always looking for ways to expand our recycling program with new and innovative ideas, and last year we started an electronics recycling program," relates O'Connor. In addition, York County offers a public drop-off center, a compost site, two private MRFs, and curbside collection. Fifty of 72 county municipalities currently conduct curbside recycling programs, and more than 80% of the county's population participates. Residents place their commingled recyclables (newspaper, glass, metal, plastic) in a single bin for collection by contracted haulers. Christmas trees also are collected at curbside.

The $56/ton tipping fee at the WTE plant subsidizes the entire county recycling program. Residents are not charged any fee to drop their recyclables at any of the designated locations. The tip fee also covers administration of the recycling program and educational outreach efforts. The fee charged for county waste has remained constant over the last 10 years due to higher rates being charged for out-of-county materials. As York County grows, the quantity of waste accepted from outside (up to 30%) dwindles. This approach has allowed for maximum use of the plant and an ongoing flow of revenue.

According to O'Connor, WTE was developed in York County to ensure they could take care of their own waste, to stabilize the economics associated with waste management, and to be protective of human health and the environment. "We are doing the right thing for the environment by avoiding any potential of becoming a responsible party in a Superfund lawsuit," she points out. York County's WTE plant is also the only one in Pennsylvania designated as a source of clean power (i.e., as an alternative to fossil fuel). This is attractive to power purchasers.

Sumner County, TN

Bob Brown, general manager of the Resource Authority in Sumner County, TN, reports that the 200-tpd WTE plant in Sumner County has fewer operational problems as a result of glass recovery from the wastestream. Glass can cause problems in the boiler, leading to more maintenance and less availability of the plant to process MSW. "By getting recyclables out of the wastestream and properly maintaining the plant, our availability improved from less than 70% to greater than 95%. The plant is at full processing capacity," says Brown. Recycling efforts are in full force as well.

The county's 2002 recycling diversion rate is 60%, which includes construction and demolition materials. This compares with 52% in 2001, a 35% rate during 1995, and an estimated rate in the 10-15% range in 1992. According to Brown, several factors contributed to this trend. The first was the addition of a postcombustion ferrous recovery system at the WTE plant, which captured about 2,500 tons in 2001. The second was converting the MRF, located adjacent to the WTE plant, from a dirty to a clean operation. Materials from 34 drop-off locations throughout the county are brought to the MRF for processing. Commercial rolloff loads are sorted on the MRF tip floor, with wood being recovered for mulch and compost and corrugated cardboard also being separated.

In addition, the county has a school recycling program, aimed at collecting fiber materials. Any profits from this program are given back to the schools to help pay for computers and other equipment. Last year, about $20,000 was given back to county schools. "The $46-per-ton tip fee charged at the waste-to-energy plant includes the costs associated with all county recycling programs," explains Brown.

Palm Beach County, FL

Robin Ennis, director of recycling for the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (FL), notes that when you have an integrated waste management system such as the one in Palm Beach County, the components really work hand in hand. "There has never been a sense of competition for materials between the recycling programs and waste-to-energy. They compliment one another." She adds, "We have learned from a practical and economic perspective that all materials cannot be recycled, but it is still important to press the envelope as much as possible."

During the 2001 calendar year, 1,171,660 tons of materials were recycled in Palm Beach County. This was equal to a 51% recycling rate. Of this total, about 37,000 tons of ferrous metals were recovered both precombustion and postcombustion at the authority's 2,000-tpd WTE operation, plus nearly 3,400 tons of other onsite recycling. Ennis also reports that, during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, the county recycling rate increased to 54%. And the recycling program is expanding, with the promotion of commercial recycling being at the top of the authority's agenda. Efforts are also underway to increase resident participation in the countywide curbside collection program that has leveled off at about 65% primarily due to missing bins throughout the system.

The curbside program provides residents with two 18-gal. bins: one for fiber materials and the other for commingled bottles and cans. These materials are collected weekly and transported to one of two MRFs located in the county. Given the effectiveness of ferrous recovery efforts at the WTE plant, authority officials are not concerned about whether the curbside program captures these metals. In addition, almost all yardwaste is composted since it is collected separately from the rest of the wastestream. Other recycling programs include five drop-off locations, computer teaching tools for schools, and an interactive Web site.

Ennis notes that all households are taxed $150 each year to help cover the cost of the integrated waste management system. She adds, "Even with population growth, we do not export any waste from the county. We are self-sufficient, and this was planned for when the waste-to-energy plant was implemented."

Springfield, MA

"There is plenty of rubbish to go around and only so much landfill space in the area. Recycling and waste-to-energy are compatible," maintains Greg Superneau, environmental director for the City of Springfield Department of Public Works. He believes recycling actually helps the Springfield WTE plant, permitted for 360 tpd, by removing glass and metals from the wastestream. These materials can be cumbersome to plant operations. Conversely, if certain recyclable materials are contaminated, they still could be burned at the plant and the energy value recovered.

Springfield's 2002 recycling diversion rate is 31%. This is down from 35% during 2001. Superneau attributes this drop to the implementation of an automated/semiautomated waste collection system that tempts residents to place recyclables in the new carts. In response, the city is engaged in a public awareness campaign regarding its mandatory recycling ordinance. Telephone interaction with the public, newspaper ads, and random spot checks throughout the community all are geared toward increasing residential participation in the curbside recycling program.

A waste-monitoring directive from the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) also helps, obligating the WTE operators to monitor incoming loads for recyclable materials. If recyclables are discovered, a written report is prepared for DEP review and the truck may be diverted to a recycling center. The WTE plant also serves as a drop-off location for fluorescent light tubes and batteries containing mercury.

The city's curbside program operates using a two-bin system (i.e., paper in one container, mixed bottles and cans in the other). These 18-gal. bins are picked up from residential neighborhoods every other week. Larger, multifamily accounts are provided with 96-gal. containers that also are collected every other week. Recyclables are taken to a MRF located in the city. The city also recycles yardwaste, televisions, and computer monitors. Further, Springfield has a designated HHW collection center, which is opened six times a year for hazardous waste collection events and weekly for used oil, car batteries, and mercury products.

"We have to deal with our own solid waste issues instead of shipping them out of state and forgetting about it. Our system heightens everyone's awareness in terms of properly managing our own waste materials," believes Superneau.

Fairfax County, VA

"Our recycling and waste-to-energy programs are mutually supporting. They provide consistent and reliable service to customers," remarks Pamela Gratton, manager of recycling for the Fairfax County (VA) Division of Solid Waste Collection and Recycling. "The county's recycling program collects the maximum amount of material that is actually being recycled, and the waste-to-energy plant processes materials that would otherwise be land disposed and converts it into power that can displace fossil fuels." She also believes that the county's decision to implement the 3,000-tpd WTE plant, as part of its integrated waste management system, allowed Fairfax to take a stand against reliance on out-of-county disposal destinations.

"We get very few comments about the waste-to-energy plant. There are no big traffic issues around the facility, and it operates in an environmentally sound manner, out of sight and out of mind," points out Gratton. County recycling efforts have been more visible.

The county's recycling rate has increased since 1990, when the WTE plant started operations. Twelve years ago, about 180,000 tons of county materials were recycled. By 1992, about 251,000 tons were recycled annually, which represented 24% of the total wastestream. The most recent statistics indicate that more than 401,300 tons of materials were recycled during 2001, a 34% diversion rate. "Since 1988, recycling in Fairfax County has basically quadrupled. We're pretty proud of that," says Gratton.

Curbside recycling is required throughout the county, with a two-bin system being used to collect fiber products in one and mixed plastic, metal, and glass in the other. County vehicles collect these recyclables from 40,000 residential customers in the eastern portion of the county, while the remaining citizens contract with private haulers primarily through their homeowner associations. Other recycling programs in the county include eight drop-off centers, two disposal facilities for private citizen use, three private MRFs, special collection events for electronics and other materials, public outreach activities, and a recent push to increase plastic and mixed-paper recycling across the county. In addition, the proceeds from one container designated for aluminum recycling, located at the Interstate 66 private drop-off facility, are donated to the Aluminum Cans For Burned Children Fund. This fund generates about $20,000 annually and pays summer camp expenses for burn victims.

"A portion of the waste-to-energy tip fee covers various elements of the county's recycling program," states Gratton, including the expense associated with public outreach efforts aimed at getting citizens to support recycling, as well as the eight recycling drop-off centers.

Jonathan V.L. Kiser is a Harrisonburg, VA - based environmental contractor specializing in recycling, waste management, and environmental assessments.

MSW - May/June 2003