Kern County, CA Public Works Launches Innovative Waste Management Initiative with $10 Million Grant

Kern County Public Works program aims to be a model for circular waste management by ensuring that materials sourced from the community are repurposed for local use.

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Kern County Public Works is set to transform its waste management practices by launching a groundbreaking composting initiative supported by a $10 million grant from CalRecycle. This ambitious project, driven by California’s SB1383 legislation, aims to divert 300,000 tons of waste from landfills annually and transform it into valuable resources for the community.

The initiative will establish a cutting-edge composting facility equipped with state-of-the-art Advanced Composting™ technology from Sustainable Generation®. The 32 SG Bunker® system will allow Kern County Public Works to convert 100,000 tons of organic material into 40,000 tons of high-quality compost yearly. Kern County Public Works’ compost will be used to meet the needs of the entire County, including local parks, golf courses, and other community spaces. The facility’s design will eventually include a bagging setup with bulk pickup services to streamline operations and reduce hauling costs. Walking floors will efficiently transport and return materials within jurisdictions, enhancing the overall waste management process.

Kern County Public Works program aims to be a model for circular waste management by ensuring that materials sourced from the community are repurposed for local use. This approach is expected to decrease water requirements and deliver significant cost savings to residents, all while contributing to environmental sustainability. By participating in this initiative, we can all take pride in our collective efforts to protect our environment.

In addition to the CalRecycle grant, Kern County Public Works will reallocate existing waste collection fees to fund this project, ensuring that residents will incur no additional charges. This strategic investment will shift resources from landfilling waste to composting, allowing residents to benefit directly from improved waste management practices. “This initiative represents a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability and community well-being,” said Chuck Magee, Kern County Public Works Manager. “By transforming waste into valuable compost and reinvesting in our local environment, we are not only enhancing our waste management system but also providing tangible benefits to our residents.”

Scott Woods, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Generation® said, “We’re excited to collaborate with Kern County Public Works in its efforts to achieve SB1383 goals. The SG Bunker® System offers an efficient composting solution without complex infrastructure like expensive buildings or biofilters. This approach ensures the county can maintain environmental compliance, including clean air and water standards, while minimizing longterm costs.”

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com

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