new installment

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, has released a new installment of its “Five to Stay Alive” series that features safety tips for composting operations employees.

Like many aspects of solid waste management, SWANA says composting operations involve physical labor, the use of heavy machinery and a dynamic work environment. These factors offer the potential for serious injury or fatality if proper safety precautions are not followed. The five tips are:

1. Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and respiratory protection.
2. Maintain situational awareness.
3. Stay out of the danger zones in front of and behind windrow turners.
4. Good housekeeping prevents accidents and nuisance conditions.
5. Follow lock out/tag out always.

Eye contact

Lewell Troast Jr. of Empire Safety Training & Consulting Inc., Chittenango, New York, gave a landfill safety presentation during a New York State Association of Solid Waste Management Landfill Operator Training Course. Troast cautioned those working around heavy equipment, “If you cannot see the operator’s eyes of the heavy equipment/vehicle, he/she cannot see you. If you cannot see into their eyes, and they cannot see into your eyes, move away to a safe area.” The full presentation is available at https://nysaswm.org/news/proceedings.

Setting a standard

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), headquartered in Washington, approved the revision of the mobile equipment standard Z245.1-2017 earlier this year. This revision replaces the Provisional Amendment from 2014 and the standard from 2012.

This standard identifies requirements for refuse collecting and compacting equipment mounted on refuse truck chassis: rear-loading, front-loading and side-loading compacting equipment; roll-off and hoist-type equipment; grapple vehicles; satellite vehicles; waste transfer trailers; recycling collection vehicles; and mobile equipment with container and cart lifting equipment.

The revised standard Z245.1-2017 includes:

• removal of specific fall protection sections while acknowledging the need for each firm to conduct a hazard assessment for its specific equipment;
• clarification of collection operation, transit and use of the restraining device; and
• implementation of new signage.

Did you Know?

About 3 billion batteries are purchased per year in the U.S. alone, and about 10 billion are purchased worldwide. When put in the trash and landfilled instead of recycled, they can release toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment. (Source: Earth911.com)

1. Genesis GHG handling grapple. Genesis Attachments, headquartered in Superior, Wisconsin, has released its handling grapple, the GHG, designed with streamlined features that require less maintenance, the company says. Features include:

• a single, oversized cylinder with dual drag links
• grease fittings in the streamlined tine, frame and linkage design made to decrease downtime
• designed for waste handling and recycling, construction and demolition (C&D) material handling and sorting and primary demolition applications
• available with perforated or heavy-duty ribbed tines that, Genesis says, assist in compacting material

Visit www.genesisattachments.com to learn more.

2. Q.E.D. Environmental Power Pro ESP electric sampling pump. Q.E.D. Environmental Systems Inc., headquartered in Dexter, Michigan, has announced the release of its Power Pro ESP electric sampling pump. Features of the sampling pump include:

• combines features of two common types of electric groundwater sampling pumps, the high-powered pump and the disposable pump, into one unit
• designed for low-flow sampling with low power consumption and smart sensor capabilities
• an in-water sensor made to indicate when the pump has hit water and numbered hash marks on the cable designed to measure past the water line
• the sensor stops the pump when it no longer detects water and automatically restarts it when the water level recovers

Visit www.qedenv.com for more information.

3. Wheel-Check the loose wheel-nut indicator. The Wheel-Check, made in Toronto, can aid in identifying a loose wheel nut with a simple visual inspection. When the wheel nuts are properly torqued to specs, the Wheel-Checks are then placed on the wheel nuts in a uniform pattern. Features include:

• becomes out of sequence once a wheel-nut has loosened
• 17-plus sizes available with custom sizes and colors
• heat sensitive

Visit www.wheel-check.com for more information.

4. CleanRiver Flex E recycled content collection bins. CleanRiver Recycling Solutions, based in Aurora, Ontario, has introduced the Flex E bin, a recycling bin it says is ideal for classrooms, recreational facilities, cafeterias, manufacturing facilities, offices, parking garages and other public spaces. Features of the Flex E bin include:

• collecting up to three streams in one 50-gallon bin
• allows programs to change streams and adjust volume requirements per container in less than five minutes
• the bag tie feature, hinged lid and handles are designed for easy and efficient service
• handles are designed to make them easy to move
• its vented design allows for easy bag removal

Visit www.cleanriver.com for more information.

5. Navistar OnCommand Connection telematics. Navistar, headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, has announced that its integrated OnCommand Connection Telematics solution, launched in March 2017, is available for purchase. Features include:

• designed to handle federal and state compliance
• a combined hardware and software solution designed to provide real-time vehicle data, linked to GPS and other data sources
• a new version of the OnCommand Connection Advanced Remote Diagnostics system
• OnCommand Connection Electronic Driver Log (EDL), which automates federal hours of service compliance requirements that are mandated for all heavy-duty trucks by Dec. 18, 2017

Visit www.navistar.com for more information.

6. Owens Corning GeoLap adhesive tape. Toledo, Ohio-based Owens Corning has introduced GeoLap adhesive tape, a taping solution designed specifically for its RhinoMat and RhinoSkin geomembrane applications. Features of the GeoLap include:

• incorporates high-strength adhesive, extra width and thickness
• designed for geomembrane patching, repair and protection
• stable from -70 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and is volatile-organic-compound free
• standard 100-foot length rolls with a 4-inch width

Visit www.owenscorning.com for more information.

7. Strautmann LiquiDrainer compact container recycling system. Glandorf, Germany-based Strautmann Umwelttechnik, a maker of balers and briquetters, is now offering the LiquiDrainer for material recovery facilities. Features of the LiquiDrainer include:

• drains and compacts beverage containers, such as TetraPak cartons and aluminum beverage cans
• containers are first punctured so the liquids flow out
• empty containers are compressed into bales and briquettes
• residual liquids pass through a coarse filter and can be diverted toward anaerobic digestion or biogas plants
• has been used to handle polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cardboard and plastic film

Visit www.strautmann-umwelt.de for more information.

8. Eriez P-Rex rare earth scrap drums. Eriez, Erie, Pennsylvania, has introduced its P-Rex rare earth scrap drums, primarily targeting the scrap recycling sector. The company says these units now are operating across North America in a wide variety of recycling systems in addition to boosting ferrous recovery rates at waste-to-energy and slag recycling facilities. Eriez says its features include:

• up to 40 percent stronger permanent magnetic circuit than standard electromagnets
• moves large spherical objects
• designed to pull more ferrous objects and to facilitate more agitation to remove residual waste

Visit www.eriez.com for more information.

Mother nature wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast in late August and again in early September, first with Hurricane Harvey and then with Irma. Those in the affected areas will have months of cleanup ahead, and of course our hearts go out to these communities dealing with unimaginable widespread flooding, wind damage and debris.

It was frightening to watch Hurricane Irma make its way up the west coast of Florida. Like many of you, I was glued to my television and texting and calling friends and family in the area regularly for updates and to make sure they were safe. Buildings and belongings can be replaced; the most important area of concern as the storm was coming through was safety.

After the storms passed, it was obvious major cleanup would be necessary to get roads passable, homes inhabitable and life back to normal again. That’s where you come in.

You play an integral role in the cleanup and rebuilding process. Without you, no one would take all of that debris and garbage away, and it would have no place to go. ”

Times like this can bring out the best in people who want to help lend a hand to those in need. For the waste industry, it is a stark reminder of just how important your jobs are in helping to rebuild a community. You play an integral role in the cleanup and rebuilding process. Without you, no one would take all of that debris and garbage away, and it would have no place to go.

Eliminating storm debris will fall to many waste hauling companies over the coming weeks. From downed trees to building debris, furniture, carpet and spoiled food, these haulers will be doing a world of good for these ravaged communities that want desperately to return to their normal, prehurricane lives.

I imagine that much of the material will find its way to one of nearly a dozen waste-to-energy facilities around Florida. This is another important part of the cleanup, as combusting it will prevent the wet and decomposing debris from becoming a biohazard.

Rebuilding won’t be easy or fast, but without waste companies to take away the remnants of the storm and process the material, it could not be done. It will be a daunting task, and communities in the affected area will be grateful for your assistance. It’s times like these when it becomes very clear what an important service the waste and recycling industry provides. It’s not just about getting ugly debris out of the way, it is also about recognizing that without you and the services you provide, the health, safety and environment of millions of people would be at risk.

I commend all waste industry workers in the affected areas for the job you are doing and wish you success in the months ahead.

The Lebanon, Tennessee, Gasification Initiative is operating the world’s only and the largest downdraft gasifier, the city says. It made the decision to be a part of the future by reaping the benefits of renewable energy while conserving the environment through landfill diversion.

Lebanon’s efforts with the Gasification Initiative began with former Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead and Director of Public Works Jeff Baines actively seeking solutions to the waste disposal problem in the region. The regional landfill was nearing capacity with the exploding growth in population and industry in Murfreesboro, Lebanon and Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Many solutions to eliminate waste were presented but the financial burden for the city and residents was large.

FINDING AN ALTERNATIVE

The decision to go with the gasification process was based on the ability to use sludge from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) along with other waste streams to create clean, renewable energy. The scrap wood pallets used today were being taken to the landfill, and biosolids from the plant were being land applied.

Not only would this solution reduce the burden on the regional landfill, but the costs would be offset by the production of energy. In fact, at full capacity, the plant can make enough electricity to cover half of the energy costs at the WWTP.

Since the groundbreaking ceremony at the WWTP Nov. 12, 2015, the treatment plant has evolved into a renewable energy model for Tennessee and the rest of the world, the city says. From the gasification tower to the newly installed solar panels, renewable energy is visible everywhere at the treatment facility.

This was accomplished in large part by public-private partnerships between the city of Lebanon and Aries Clean Energy (formerly PHG Energy), Nashville, Tennessee, with the help of the Clean Tennessee Energy Grant. Rockwood Construction Recycling LLC, Lebanon, is another partner, supplying wood and end-of-life tires using the Tire Environmental Act Program. The program funds projects that reuse scrap tires beneficially.

LEARNING FROM THE PAST

Aries had a previous gasification project and was upfront about its operational issues. It identified the problems with the previous facility as political changes and the lack of a long-term commitment to the project. Knowing this, the firm hired a project manager, Scott McRae, to manage the installation, operations and logistics for the city of Lebanon.

“It was exciting to be presenting the first update to the city council on the same day that the new landfill contract was up for approval,” McRae says. “This contract was only going to be for five years, with one-year renewals, meaning we were on the right side of getting ahead of the waste elimination curve because the landfill will be closed in the near future,” he says.

Lincoln Young, director of recycling and sustainability at Rockwood, was operating a shingle recycling facility near the WWTP and was constantly asked about other material streams.

The gasification project presented an opportunity to address some of the material streams. “When you take shingles for a beneficial use, the word spreads, and you are constantly asked if you can take different types of waste,” he says. “Scrap tires are disposed of by almost every family in the county, and this is a great way to solve that problem.”

With plenty of pallets from the auto industry in the area and plenty of end-of-life tires available from Wilson County, a fuel source was established.

PROCESSING FOR POWER

The gasification process consists of collecting and delivering material made up of chipped wood, treatment plant sludge and shredded tires to the gasifier. The material is placed into the gasifier and molecularly broken down at temperatures in excess of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit with little oxygen present. This allows syngas to be created and collected for use as fuel to power generators and for the heating process. A byproduct of the process, biochar, is all that remains.

The treatment plant services approximately 30,000 residents and visitors to the area by currently using up to 32 tons of material per day. This process creates 6 tons of biochar per day that can be used in agriculture and to filter wastewater.

Beyond the gasification, 3,192 solar panels have been added to the treatment plant footprint to produce an additional gigawatt of electricity to help power the plant. Another 3,192 panels are being added to the WWTP.

Since gasification began in October 2016, the initiative has been recognized for its forward-thinking efforts to reduce landfill disposal.

In June 2017 Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam recognized the project with the 2016 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Energy and Renewable Resources. This award is given to projects each year for exemplifying strong leadership and action for environmental awareness in renewable energy in Tennessee. In June 2017, the initiative was awarded the “Top Project of 2017” from the Environmental Leader Product and Project Awards.

Current Lebanon Mayor Bernie Ash sums it up best, saying, “We’re reducing landfill use, creating clean energy and keeping thousands of tons of carbon out of the air each year … all with a positive cash flow. This is a win.”

Tom McGill is an environmental specialist for the Tennessee Department of Environmental Quality (TDEC) Office of Sustainable Practices.