County of Northumberland Waste Diversion Maximization Project

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the options for sustainable management of the entire waste stream of the County of Northumberland, including an assessment of the environmental risks associated with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the waste management facilities and landfill leachate. Phase I will utilize the Integrated Waste Management Model, which looks at economic, social and environmental factors, to determine and analyze the most efficient and effective collection and processing method for the recyclables. The current processing equipment utilized at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) will also be analyzed to determine if it requires upgrades and improvements. Phase II will identify the environmental impacts and determine the economic feasibility of converting the Brighton Landfill into a fully engineered site by removing the existing waste and screening it to separate the “fines” (decomposed waste and cover materials) from the “overs” (non-decomposed garbage), then compacting the “overs” into a new phase of the landfill that will have a liner and leachate collection system, using the “fines” for cover material. The costs and benefits of alternative waste management technologies, such as gasification, plasma technology, and pyrolysis, will be identified in comparison with the existing system. Phase III will test options for treating the sludge, septage and the residential organic waste generated from County households.