Since these facilities could potentially be the first of their kind in California, a key objective for these projects is to demonstrate the technical, environmental and economic benefits of conversion technologies, while forging permitting and legislative pathways for future projects.

Each of the demonstration projects utilize a different technology; will be sited at three different material recovery facility (MRF) or transfer station (TS) in Southern California; and will process varying quantities of feedstock ranging from 150 to 360 tons per day (tpd). The feedstock utilized at all three facilities will be post-recycled residual MSW.

The projects are being developed as public-private partnerships between the technology provider, MRF/TS owner/operator, and the County of Los Angeles. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with each of the project development teams, the County will provide various support services to the projects such as assistance with permitting and grant and loan procurement.

 Prior to selecting these technologies and sites, Public Works conducted a rigorous evaluation process of over 100 different technologies from around the world. The evaluation criteria included a minimum waste diversion rate of at least 50 percent when processing residuals from a MRF/ TS, demonstrated processing experience of at least a pilot scale facility designed to process MSW or a similar feedstock, capability to convert waste into marketable products, ability to comply with all regulatory requirements in the state of California, willingness to create a partnership with a MRF/TS owner/operator, and capability to develop a facility with a minimum processing capability of 100 tpd.

Co-locating MRF/TS with conversion technology facilities have numerous benefits such as readily available feedstock, pre-processing capacity, appropriate zoning, land for development, and environmental benefits such as transportation avoidance.