|
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
STEPHEN JOHNSON, GENERAL MANAGER
SALINAS VALLEY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY
755-1300
THE SALINAS VALLEY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY
IMPLEMENTS ORGANIC WASTE PROCESSING PROGRAM
June 13, 2005
The Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA) and NorCal Waste Solutions,
Inc. have initiated an organics waste processing program at Johnson Canyon
Road Landfill in Gonzales.
The processing activities will include the handling and special processing
of source separated organic material, which is limited to green waste
and wood less than four inches in diameter.
All organic material will be processed through the use of grinding and
screening technologies to produce fuel for biomass plants, feedstock for
third-party compost operations and landfill Alternative Daily Cover (ADC).
Pulling this organic material from the waste that goes directly into the
landfill will help save resources, reduce costs and minimize our footprint
on the environment.
NorCal’s Chris Choate says, “NorCal is proud to partner with
the SVSWA in this endeavor and remains committed to implementing recycling
solutions like organic waste processing to help cities achieve their particular
recycling goals.”
Waste composition studies have found that 25 percent of the total waste
sent to the landfill is compostable organic material, which is by far
the biggest single component of the waste stream. Consequently, diverting
compostable organics is the next logical step in waste diversion programs.
According to Stephen Johnson, general manager for the SVSWA, “ The
program is designed specifically to help our member cities achieve higher
recycling rates, state mandates and environmental objectives. The Authority
has established itself as a leader in providing innovative recycling programs
and we anticipate this organic waste processing program will bring our
cities closer to realizing their waste reduction goals.”
The Authority, formed in 1997, is a joint powers agency made up of
the cities of Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Salinas, Soledad as well
as the eastern half of unincorporated Monterey County. They promote the
environmental health of the Salinas Valley through planning, public education
and management of an innovative solid waste system. The Authority can
be reached at 755-1300 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday or
on the web at www.svswa.org.
<---
BACK TO PRESS RELEASES