Session 6: Current and Proposed Solid Waste Management Practices

Transcription

1 Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Tribal Solid Waste Education and Assistance Program (TSWEAP) Developing and Implementing a Tribal Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan Session 6: Current and Proposed Solid Waste Management Practices

2 SESSION OVERVIEW CURRENT WASTE PRACTICES: What or who are the waste generators? What is in the waste stream? Uncontrolled or unmanaged waste sites Waste reduction practices Waste facilities and infrastructure Current partnerships PROPOSED WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: What are your current limitations? Where would you like to go in the future? How do you get there? 2

3 WASTE STREAM CHARACTERIZATION Through a waste characterization process, solid waste staff can quantify the amount and types of waste being generated by an organization. What are the goals of the waste characterization? to determine composition and quantities of waste being generated to measure effectiveness of existing waste management systems to identify opportunities for improving waste management systems and strategies to collect baseline data for measuring the effectiveness of waste minimization strategies The following elements need to be determined: - Generators (residential and non-residential) - Weight/Volume - Composition/Categories - Future trends in generation 3

4 WASTE STREAM CHARACTERIZATION: GENERATORS Source Waste Generator Type of solid waste RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL GOVERNMENT AND INSTITUTIONS INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE Single and multi-family homes or dwellings, apartments, dormitories Stores, super markets, restaurants, hotels, casinos, gas stations, flea markets, tourism Government centers, schools, health care, jails and detention centers Light and heavy manufacturing, construction sites, power plants, refineries, processing sites Farms, ranches, feedlots, dairy farms, vineyards, landscaper Food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, textiles, old clothing, craft materials, yard waste, glass, metals, ashes, used cooking oil, special waste (bulky items, electronics, appliances, batteries, oil, tires) and HHW Food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, textiles, leather, yard waste, wool, glass, metals, ashes, special waste, and hazardous waste Food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, special waste, medical waste, and hazardous waste Packaging, food waste, C&D, hazardous waste, ashes, special waste, scrap metal, wood, steel, concrete, dirt, and tailings Spoiled food (crop) waste, ag waste, hazardous waste (i.e. pesticides)

5 WASTE STREAM CHARACTERIZATION: Categories: Paper Plastic Glass Other Metal Organic Durables CATEGORIES AND WEIGHT Are the Waste Stream Components: Recyclable, Compostable, and Reusable Materials? Electronics? Household Hazardous Wastes? Medical Wastes/Red Wastes? Construction and Demolition Debris Hazardous Waste Weighing waste in tared containers. Collect and calculate the data. 5

6 WASTE STREAM CHARACTERIZATION: MANAGEMENT Who will be managing the waste stream? And how? Solid waste staff, other tribal workers Contractors, service providers - Practices, facilities, equipment, vehicles Prepare a list of facilities, contractors, waste operators, and other service providers, obtain the following: Contact information Location, distance, hours of operation Include this information in an Appendix 6

7 WASTE STREAM CHARACTERIZATION: FUTURE GENERATION Develop projections for future solid waste generation by all identified sources - Residential - Non Residential (Commercial, businesses, etc.) - See calculation sheets with course documents Population and economic projections done earlier can be combined with weight/volume data to make per capita projections of future waste generation Projections should match the lifespan of the ISWMP if the plan covers the next 20 years, the projections should also cover 20 years 7

8 DUMP SITES AND UNCONTROLLED WASTES EPA defines an open dump as a multi-family dumpsite of any size or content. RCRA, Subtitle D, prohibits open dumping of solid waste. Dump sites can be open or closed, legal or illegal. For dumpsites posing an imminent and substantial endangerment, EPA can enforce closure under RCRA Section 7003 or RCRA Section 4005(c)(2). Citizens can bring federal civil suits under RCRA Section 7002 for potential or actual violations of RCRA. 8

9 DUMP SITES AND UNCONTROLLED WASTES Location/inventory: Where are the dumps? What types of wastes are being delivered? Describe the environmental conditions linked to wastes (if applicable) - Soil and water contamination - Air quality issues - Human health impacts - Wildlife and habitat impairments - Odor, vectors How do these conditions impact public and environmental health, sacred and traditional use sites, recreational areas, tourism? 9

10 DUMP SITES AND UNCONTROLLED WASTES Enforcement: Actions should be tied to codes, compliance and enforcement plans Education plan to increase awareness of illegal dumping 10

11 DUMP SITES AND UNCONTROLLED WASTES Include inventory and assessments for all dump sites (if available) Report dumps to EPA and add to IHS database; Sanitation Deficiency System (SDS) - IHS wstars; - For Alaska Native Villages, SDS is managed by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Open Dump Inventory Survey Form 11

12 DUMP SITES AND UNCONTROLLED WASTES For additional assistance: USEPA Technical Assistance ian.htm Open Burning Littering Road side dumping 12

13 CONTROLLED WASTE: COLLECTION, TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL Outline current practices and discuss potential methods for the future Inventory current facilities and discuss current site designs - Discuss future facilities (e.g. transfer stations, landfills, re-use centers, etc.) - May include potential site design modifications Discuss current contingency plans - How may future developments affect these plans? What source reduction strategies are currently in place? What strategies may be used in the future? 13

14 WASTE REDUCTION PRACTICES Source Reduction Waste Reduction (to prevent or reduce waste generation) Compost Recycle 14

15 WASTE REDUCTION PRACTICES Source Reduction and Reuse prevent the waste material from entering the waste stream. Green purchasing is an examination of the goods and services that we buy and use, and is often an overlooked SR strategy. Recycling is the process of recovering and reprocessing usable products that might otherwise become waste. Composting involves the aerobic and controlled biological decomposition of organic materials by the action of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms (i.e. worms-vermiculture) to produce a stable humus-like product. Source reduction options should be a central part of your ISWMP Creativity is the key always be on the lookout for ways to reduce the waste you have to contend with Determine what your most pressing issue is there is nothing wrong with starting small, for example: Office level composting programs Battery collection sites 15

16 WASTE REDUCTION PRACTICES Tribal Example: Source Reduction Mohegan Tribe - Connecticut 1997 Solid Waste Management Plan emphasized waste reduction activities, such as green buying, reuse, and recycling practices, over waste disposal options. Plan included: water-conserving irrigation methods compost as a substitute for peat moss mulch use of native versus thirsty ornamental plants in landscaping re-use of old buildings for new facilities integrated pest management practices Green Building design for their casino Review news article on tribe s waste reduction activities: 16

17 WASTE REDUCTION PRACTICES Choctaw Nation Oklahoma Tribal Example: Recycling Landfill Diversion, over 4,000 tons Green Jobs Created: 13 Reduction in waste tipping fees Hub and Spoke Practice for a solid waste management system, a centralized processing facility (hub) provides services to several regionally appropriate collection programs (spokes) Hub recycling center in Durant, OK Hub recycling center in Poteau, OK Recycling Centers: Warehouse size locations to sort and store recyclables; drop off material; baler onsite Spoke locations in Tribal Facilities (156 locations) Inside buildings: bins in offices, hall ways, break areas Outside buildings: trailers, roll offs and designated areas Spoke locations in External Areas (157 locations) Businesses banks, florists, real estate, fast food, retail stores, furniture stores etc. Local and regional governments and schools 17

18 WASTE REDUCTION PRACTICES Tribal Examples: Composting Various tribes and tribal communities have developed composting programs for waste reduction purposes and food generation. In 2005, the Ho-Chunk Nation in Black River Falls, Wisconsin started a food waste composting program. The impetus for starting the program was to address diabetes, using the compost in community gardens to provide better food choices to tribal families. Food scraps were collected several times a week from the casino and mixed with wood chips and leaves. A tractor with a bucket turned the piles several times during the summer. The Susanville Indian Rancheria in northern California received funding from USEPA in 2006 to design and develop a composting program. The objective of acquiring these funds was to address the composting need at the casino kitchen. Vermiculture approach was added later. Compost was used to start up community gardens. For a number of years, the Fond du Lac Tribe in Wisconsin has been involved in source reduction, recycling, and composting. Food waste is separated at its casino and diverted to composting off-site. Another initiative is vermicomposting in the school. The tribe has sold worm tea which is derived from the school projects and community windrows system. 18

19 CURRENT COSTS AND REVENUE Facilities, equipment, vehicles, and supplies Personnel costs: - Wages - Benefits - training Identify/describe tribal revenue: - Taxes or fees collected for services provided - Fees or penalties for compliance/violations Sources of financial information: - Bills, receipts, budgets, financial statements/reports, grant applications, fee schedules, waste/generation rates Show monthly or annual financials over the past few years Consider current bookkeeping practices 19

20 REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND PARTNERSHIPS What non-tribal facilities may affect your ISWMP and solid waste program? - Landfills, transfer stations, recycling stations, roads - Equipment repair facilities, power and fuel supplier - Distances that may need to be traveled - Responsible parties Are partnerships possible with non-tribal entities? - State, county or municipal governments - Private facilities and companies 20

21 SPECIAL WASTES Special wastes are defined by the USEPA as nonhazardous wastes that are usually not desired in a landfill: - Tires, white goods, construction/demolition debris Planning for construction/demolition debris can present serious challenges for tribal communities. Issue 5 of Tribal Solid Waste Journal focuses on this issue

22 Intent of RCRA Subtitle C: HAZARDOUS WASTES Cradle-To-Grave system for managing the solid waste (from the time it is created, while it is transported, treated, and stored, and until it is disposed). Focus on pollution prevention & waste minimization from generation to disposal. Source: 22

23 HAZARDOUS WASTES What Is Hazardous Waste? 40 CFR 261.3: definition of a hazardous waste: It meets any of the following criteria: - Characteristic Wastes: It exhibits any inherent characteristics of hazardous waste. - Listed Wastes: Defined as hazardous waste because is listed as such in the EPA regulations. - Mixture Rule: It is a mixture containing a listed hazardous waste and nonhazardous waste unless it is specifically excluded. - Derived-from Rule: It is a waste derived from the treatment, storage or disposal of a listed hazardous waste. Questions to ask before determining if the material is a hazardous waste: Is the waste material a solid waste? Is the waste specifically excluded from regulation as a solid or hazardous waste? Is the material a characteristic or listed waste? For more information, visit EPA Hazardous Waste site: 23

24 RCRA Hazardous Wastes Characteristic Waste Ignitable Waste EPA# D001 Flammable under certain conditions Corrosive Waste EPA# D002 ph < or = to 2 or > or = to 12.5; corrodes metals Reactive Waste EPA# D003 Water reactives, normally unstable materials; explodes Toxic Waste EPA# D004 Harmful or fatal Listed Waste F -List From non-specific sources; Ex. Solvents used in cleaning/degreasing operations K- List From specific sources; Ex. Certain sludges and wastewater from treatment processes U - List P List Are toxic wastes; Ex. Acetone Are acutely hazardous wastes; Ex. Nitric oxide Universal Waste Alternative Regulatory Program for Certain Hazardous Wastes Hazardous waste subject to an alternative regulatory program set forth in 40 CFR Part 273; Ex. Batteries; fluorescent lamps; used oil 24

25 HAZARDOUS WASTES Characteristic Hazardous Waste The Trick is to remember TRIC 1. Toxicity 2. Reactivity 3. Ignitability 4. Corrosivity 25

26 HAZARDOUS WASTES Hazardous wastes could make their into the waste stream, therefore it is important for tribes to be able to identify hazardous wastes and ensure they are handled properly and safely. Also, based on the innate danger to human health, the waste is often dictated by OSHA standards, i.e. HAZWOPER training. 26

27 CURRENT LIMITATIONS What are the areas you would like to improve in the current solid waste management program? What obstacles do you currently face in your planning? Prioritize the improvements you want to make - Critical areas for improvement should be noted - What types of equipment and facilities are needed? - What are the costs associated with these improvements? A community survey can be a useful tool to determine public perceptions of limitations 27

28 FUTURE GENERATORS, WASTE STREAMS, GENERATION RATES, AND PRACTICES How will waste generators change? How will the types of waste streams change? How will the rates of waste generation change? How can you project these changes? What are the long-term waste management goals and priorities? Goals identified by tribe/tribal community and leadership, environmental department, and stakeholders. 28

29 GOALS V. OBJECTIVES V. PRIORITIES Long-Term Goals v. Intermediate Objectives/Milestones Goals A significant Aim or Desired Result Doesn t have to be achievable within ISWMP timeframe. Ex. Achieve zero waste or operate a financial self-sufficient transfer station Objectives What Must Be Done To Achieve A Goal (progress) Major steps /activities (or sub goals). A series of small steps/activities/tasks may be required to achieve an objective, SMART Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Based Ex. Prepare a ISWMP; conduct feasibility study; clean up/close dumps. Priorities Objectives of greater importance. Due to impact, timing, need, goals, direction, etc. 29

30 SAMPLE LONG-TERM GOALS Effectively address waste management gaps; Evaluate, optimize, and maintain waste management systems; Maintain financial stability and maximize cost-effectiveness; Protect human health and environment; Maximize materials reduction, recovery, and diversion; Maintain and Increase Employment of Qualified Personnel; Maximize community awareness, involvement, and positive behavior; Eliminate/prevent illegal dumping throughout and near tribal lands; Operate financially self-sufficient waste collection and/or disposal services; Strengthen tribal sovereignty and self-governance; Effectively regulate solid waste management and issues 30

31 LONG-TERM GOALS AND PRIORITIES Goals inform waste management priorities. Use goals to prioritize which objectives to pursue and when. Identify and describe long-term waste management goals. Include as a separate ISWMP section. 31

32 FUTURE GENERATORS AND WASTE STREAMS Review existing generators and waste streams. Will any cease to exist? Are facilities, buildings, operations, or activities going to shut down? Will there be any new generators or waste streams? - For example: Are there new businesses, developments, or construction projects planned? Ask tribal leaders; planning, business, and project management personnel. Review strategic plans, land use plans, and other planning documents. 32

33 FUTURE GENERATION RATES Will the quantities of waste generated change? What should you consider? Population growth (or shrinkage) New businesses, construction, development (and/or closure) New residential development (or abandonment) Employer or customer growth (or decline) 33

34 FUTURE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: OPTIONS For each and every waste stream (and generator, if same waste streams are managed differently). Identify/describe feasible options for managing the existing and new waste stream. Feasible means that it can be done and is an option worth considering. Be sure to include and consider current practices as options. Address full life cycle of waste stream for each option. Source reduction, generation, storage, transportation, processing, conversion, reuse, recycling, disposal, etc. 34

35 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Detailing a series of alternative approaches to solid waste management can provide useful guidance in planning for the future. Each alternative should utilize the data collected earlier in the process. Each alternative should consider how to address critical areas of concern. 35

36 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Areas to consider in each alternative: - Operational and maintenance costs - Closure costs and maintenance - In-kind and off-the-book contributions - Cost-effective analysis - Feasibility of the alternative Finally, select the alternative you wish to pursue. 36

37 OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE COSTS Outline all costs associated with the infrastructure necessary for the alternative: - Investment in buildings, equipment, design of facilities, etc. Outline all operational costs associated with the alternative: - Salaries, fuel, equipment repair, etc. USEPA has a page detailing Full Cost Accounting for solid waste program

38 CLOSURE COSTS AND MAINTENANCE Any alternative which entails the closure of facilities (such as a dump or an antiquated recycling center) should consider: Cost of the closure itself (such as a cap for landfills) Any costs associated with monitoring the closed facility Salvage values of any equipment Cost of replacing the closed facility (if applicable) Costs of any new equipment necessary to perform the closure or for the replacement facility 38

39 IN-KIND AND OFF-THE-BOOK CONTRIBUTIONS These are services you may be able to access free of charge that aid your solid waste program. By detailing these services that you have access to you can provide more accurate cost estimates for your program. An example might be training opportunities that are free of charge or done on a cost share basis. 39

40 COST-EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS Each alternative should include an evaluation of its cost-effectiveness. This will be based on all the figures you compiled in the earlier steps of developing the alternatives. While everyone likes to be cost-effective, please remember that cost is not necessarily your only, or most important, consideration in determining the best alternative: Public health and environmental protection Principles of sustainability Traditional and cultural values and needs 40

41 FEASIBILITY OF THE ALTERNATIVE Factors to consider include Total cost and administrative requirements Environmental impact Technical considerations Public opinion How it relates to other tribal priorities Cultural values Overall effectiveness in addressing the needs specified in the ISWMP 41

42 FEASIBILITY OF THE ALTERNATIVE Developing a matrix or some type of system that helps you weigh each aspect of the overall feasibility of each alternative is helpful. By weighting these criteria you can more effectively address your specific, local needs and values. Explain your methodology of weighing any criteria in your plan. 42

43 QUESTIONS? 43