Event Date
Presented by Dr. Ning Sun
Every year a huge amount of organic and plastic wastes such as food, paper, packaging materials, containers, etc. are generated and transported into landfills, which amounts approximately 102 million tons annually in the U.S. Based on the EPA report, organic wastes represent the highest proportion (30-50%) of landfill designated municipal solid waste (MSW) followed by plastics (20%). Organic waste takes up much of the limited space within landfills, reducing their lifespan. In addition, the high moisture content of organic waste encourages microbial infestation, generates foul-smelling toxic leachate, and increases emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Less than 20% of organic waste produced in the U.S. is valorized with composting or anaerobic digestion. Today’s plastics are predominantly single-use in nature with low recycling rates (less than 10%). Plastic waste is the cause of many environmental, economic, and societal problems, posing direct threats to global sustainability. In this presentation, I will discuss the conversion and upgrading of both organic and plastic waste streams and how we works with both national lab and industry partners towards a circular economy.