Author: Bonnie Betts

Using Pyrolysis to Convert Plastic Waste Into Fuel, 1/23

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This month we talk with NorCal local, Brian Bauer CEO of Resynergi, and the technology he designed that uses an advanced pyrolytic method in order to efficiently convert 1 kilogram of plastic waste into 1 liter of fuel.

Resynergi has yet to undergo strict environmental review per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in order to determine if outputs release significant toxic particulates into the environment. In the meantime, Brian shares with us his current happenings and future plans for the technology and why his method sets the bar higher compared to companies undergoing conventional pyrolysis.

We look forward to following back with the data. Listen for yourself. Is this greenwashing? Does this promote the continued use of single-use plastics? If CEQA determined no significant environmental impact could this be a solution that has a place to restore and protect the Earth?

This month’s Recycling Archive segment features recycling pioneer, Dr. Paul Connett, Executive Director at Fluoride Action Network.

Contact NCRA to learn more about ZWAC and get involved https://ncrarecycles.org/about/contact/

Hello Mushroom™ Packaging, Goodbye Plastic Waste, 12/22

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This month’s ZWAC Show is about the need for enlightened architecture to promote Zero Waste. We will feature an interview with James Ferrier, CEO of New Zealand-based BioFab which aspires to create compostable products from mycelium to replace plastic.

Our Recycling Archives will feature the late Mark Gorrell, architect of multiple resource recovery parks.

Contact NCRA to learn more about ZWAC and get involved https://ncrarecycles.org/about/contact/

Next Steps in the Fight Against Plastic, 11/22

 

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This show we are featuring one of the true leaders of Zero Waste Advocacy, TED-talk veteran, Captain Charles Moore. Capt. Moore is one of the earliest enviro-warriors against ocean plastic litter. We will discuss with him the current state of the fight, changes since he began calling attention to it, promising solutions, if any, and what the future holds for him.

Our show will begin with Susan Kinsella and a curated selection of what some of recycling’s pioneers inspired them to enter the field.

Contact NCRA to learn more about ZWAC and get involved https://ncrarecycles.org/about/contact/

Scavenging From Trash To Treasure, 7/22

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The ancestors of today’s recyclers were called scavengers. In this show the committee interviews Ricky Ramos, Senior Project Manager of the Downtown Streets Team of Oakland describing a grant program where DST will assist unhoused people to recover illegally dumped material. 

If there was a hall of fame for scavengers, a member must be Jay Weschler of Philadelphia who is featured by the Recycling Archives.

Contact NCRA to learn more about ZWAC and get involved https://ncrarecycles.org/about/contact/

What’s New in 2022 for the CA Bottle Bill, 6/22

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This month will feature Susan Collins, President of the Container Recycling Institute, and Jeff Donlevy of Ming’s Recycling. Together they will give updates happening in their world and speak on the updates for the CA Bottle Bill.

Updates to discuss:

  • The effort to include wine and spirits containers
  • CalRecycle announcement last week about more money for redemption centers
  • The political interplay and competition between a flawed EPR bill, SB 54, and a ballot initiative pushed by Recology

The Recycling Archives will present readings from one of the pioneers of resource recovery. This month, Susan Kinsella, director of the Recycling Archives, will revisit Chicago’s Ken Dunn, an early adopter of community buyback centers who has reported recent and disturbing disruptions to his business.

Contact NCRA to learn more about ZWAC and get involved https://ncrarecycles.org/about/contact/