From mtheroux@JDMT.NET Sun Feb  6 12:47:14 2005
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 17:23:51 -0800
From: Michael Theroux 
To: ET-W1@SEGATE.SUNET.SE
Subject: [IOBB-IBS] ESR Waste Separation technology

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Dr. Olivier,

I am deeply involved in conversion technology regulation,
commercialization and application for various MSW, ASR, food
and ag waste feedstocks in the western states. I was pleased
to review ESRs presentation on state-of-the-art waste
separation (http://www.esrla.com/separation/frame.htm). I
have a few question, comments, concerns that I'd like to
direct to you, that might also be of interest to our IOBB
colleagues.

(1) In separation of Auto Shredder Residue (ASR) and to a
lesser degree for mixed municipal solid waste (MSW), what is
the fate of chlorinated high volatiles and oils? You suggest
high-Btu value feedstock for thermal conversion, but air
agency concerns over potential production of dioxins and
furans will need direct answers and data. You note that
ASR-sourced foam rubber can be rebonded or depolymerized; do
you have specific examples?

(2) Demand for conversion of post-recycling MSW residuals is
high among many municipalities, and the California
Integrated Waste Management Board has dramatically shifted
their stance to a solid position in favor of conversion.
Highly integrated industrial facilities whose
multi-technologic core provides conversion of waste to heat,
fuel, power and other products

(3) You note, "Since the ESR processing of MSW demands the
source separation of food waste..." Why must food waste be
removed prior to entry into separators, and to what degree?
Yes, various forms of bioconversion and/or composting
certainly are appropriate for such organic wastes, yet the
extremely high MSW volumes allow only a fraction to be
processed for recoverable materials and household hazardous
wastes, even when delivered to our best materials recovery
facilities (MRFs).

Michael Theroux
Theroux Environmental
PO Box 7838
Auburn, CA  95604-7838
(530) 823-7300 ext. 203; cell: (530) 613-1712; fax: -7290
mtheroux@jdmt.net
 US Combined Heat & Power Association (www.uschpa.org)