OCWR recognized by CSAC for organic waste management solutions

OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) has been recognized by the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) for its municipal organic waste management solutions. According to a news release, OCWR received the Merit Award, which honors the organization’s “World-Class Organic Waste Management Infrastructure" in the category of Environment and Natural Resources.

This award was presented to OCWR for its work toward the development of three commercial-scale composting facilities to address the lack of organics infrastructure needed to comply with environmental legislation.

The first two facilities, Bee Canyon Greenery at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine, and Capistrano Greenery at Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano are both operational. The third will launch in 2022 at Olinda Alpha Landfill in Brea. Collectively, the sites contribute to the necessary infrastructure to support the state’s goal of recycling organic materials that can be repurposed for beneficial reuse.

OCWR says these composting operations address mandates set by AB 1594 and SB 1383. AB 1594 prohibits the use of green waste as an alternative daily cover (ADC) at landfills. SB 1383, California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction law, establishes methane reduction targets for California and sets goals to reduce the disposal of organic waste in landfills, including edible food.

“We are honored to be recognized by CSAC. The lack of infrastructure in our region gives us the opportunity to create the future of waste and recycling management,” says Tom Koutroulis, director of OC Waste & Recycling. “The County is committed to providing waste management solutions that will make a difference for our environment.”

CSAC received 433 entries this year in its annual statewide program honoring innovation and best practices in county government. An independent panel of judges with expertise in county programs selected the award recipients.

OCWR has also received previous awards for its commitment to safety at landfills. In 2020, the organization was awarded Best Safety Innovation from the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) for the use of a safety management enterprise tool.

The tool, called OC Safety, brought all safety-related administration together in a single automated system for training, safety inspections, near misses, incidents and injuries.