Fighting MRF Contamination. March 29, 2017 Conor McNeill WMRA

Transcription

1 Fighting MRF Contamination March 29, 2017 Conor McNeill WMRA

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3 Recycling Services 88% Increase in amount of recyclables managed since M Tons of recyclables extracted from the waste stream since Materials recovery facilities owned/ operated by Waste Management (2016) WM has invested over $1 billion in recycling infrastructure 2016 Waste Management

4 MRFs in 2015 MRFs are not well matched to current materials/flows. Singles stream MRFs were built to process the mix of recyclables processed in the 1990s. Inbound material at MRFs is now around 60% paper and 40% containers The volume in a ton has increased as packaging has become lighter Glass and residue is a greater percentage of our recycling mix than other commodities with value These all have implications on the design of MRFs, and increase the cost of recycling. If we design new MRF s for today s waste stream where will we be in 2020 as the waste stream changes?

5 The evolving package Glass jars, metal cap to PET jar, PP cap Light-weighting Flexible packaging expected to grow 4-6.5% annually in the next few years HDPE Bottle, PP Cap to multilayer, flexible film pouch From steel can, paper label adhesive to multilayer, foil-lined flexible film pouch

6 Increasing contamination 800,000 Contamina=on Percent 700, , , , , , , % 18.0% 16.0% 14.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% Inbound Tons Residue % Contamination of loads is an average of 16% of inbound tons. Contamination can be up to 50% of incoming loads Contamination cost an average of over $125 per ton Processing costs continue to increase as markets demand reduced contamination. This drives up cost to customers Waste Management Page 6

7 Impact of Contamination Increasing Demands on MRF Labor Think of the impact of Contamination on Labor More contamination = More Labor Labor pulling out garbage can t pull out good stuff Page 7

8 Impact of Contamination Increasing Demands on MRF Technology Equipment-Design vs. Processing/Separation State ü How Stars are Designed to Function ü Containers/Smaller Items Drop through Openings ü Shortly After Processing ü Pre-Sort Can t Remove Everything ü Heavy objects can damage (concrete, metal, etc.) ü Contamination Wraps around Stars, openings blocked ü Containers Can t Fall Down >Flows into Fiber ü Lost Value (Containers at Paper prices) ü Downtime to clean screens, dangerous

9 Impact of Contamination Increased Outbound Contamination Outbound Products Quality Jeopardizing Viability of Recycling Long-Term and Reducing Opportuni=es for Greater Market Penetra=on Page 9

10 Common Contaminants What? Black Bags w/food waste, trash, recyclables White Bags w/ food & bathroom waste, recyclables Clear bags w/ food & bathroom waste, recyclables Tarps, kiddie pools, large plasoc sheets Flexible film packaging, plasoc bags Wood, green waste, dirt, concrete, floor board Electronics, small appliances, car parts, propane tanks TexOles, bed spreads, sheets, shoes Hoses, wires, hangers, holiday lights, extension cords Carpet Paper plates, cups, Ossue, paper towels, Food and Liquids Diapers and Animal Waste Foam Cups, Containers, Packaging, etc. Why? Can t tell what s in them have to discard Can t tell what s in them have to discard Takes Ome on line to open, miss other hazards, discard When remove from line, sweep all other recyclables Wrap around stars and contaminate paper Can t remove from line, contaminates other products Heavy, damage screens, explosions, fires Wrap around screens and/or get into paper Wrap around screens, sweep all other recyclables Heavy, when remove sweep all other recyclables Contaminate paper Contaminate products Contaminate products; health hazard Breaks apart and/or is Bulky and not captured Page 10

11 What Does Belong in the Recycling Bin? Cardboard & Paperboard (e.g. cereal boxes) Paper (e.g. printed, writing paper, mail) Plastic Bottles & Containers (Empty & Dry) All Metal Bottles & Cans (Steel & Aluminum) Glass Bottles & Containers (dependent on area) Page 11

12 Simple Messages Simplifying the Message Focus on 3 simple behaviors that could greatly impact recycling Tested and proven approach Accompanying myth busters/faqs for those who want to dig deeper Waste Management Page 12

13 QUESTIONS? March 29, 2017 Conor McNeill - WMRA