Virginia First in the U.S. To Pilot Waste Conversion Solution

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) launched a partnership with UBQ Materials, a company that has developed a patented process to convert unsorted household waste into a plastic substitute that can be made into everyday goods. CVWMA is the first organization in the U.S. to leverage this solution.

As part of the pilot program, CVWMA is offering 2,000 recycling bins made with UBQ Material, a proprietary composite of unsorted organic, paper and plastic waste — everything from banana peels to dirty diapers to used yogurt containers and cardboard. The bins recently arrived in Central Virginia after being shipped from Israel.

According to Quantis, a leading provider of environmental impact assessments, every ton of UBQ Material produced, diverts up to 12 tons of CO2 equivalent, and has qualified it as the most climate positive thermoplastic material on the planet. CVWMA provides waste management and recycling services for thirteen local governments, including Richmond, Chesterfield, and Herico. “Virginia has long been proud to welcome some of the most innovative companies that provide new opportunities for our commonwealth,” said State Senator Tommy Norment. “UBQ is a world-changing technology that has the potential to change the face of so many industries. I’m proud to see Virginia at the forefront of this solution and cannot wait to see what comes next.”

“At CVWMA, we work every day to provide the best waste management and recycling programs for our 1.5 million customers in central Virginia,” said Kim Hynes, Executive Director of the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority. “Our partnership with UBQ is an extension of our efforts — finding a productive way to deal with waste and improve the community around us. Come pick up a bin before we run out!” Founded in 2012, by Rabbi Yehuda Pearl, founder of the popular hummus brand, Sabra, and renewable energy leader, Tato Bigio, UBQ Materials takes unsorted household waste – consisting of roughly 80% organic material and 20% plastic – and converts it into a bio-based thermoplastic that can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes.

The company breaks down this waste to a nearly molecular level, combining its most basic organic components (lignin, cellulose, sugar, fibers) together with plastic. The end result, called UBQ Material is a bio-based, climate positive composite material. UBQ has been granted worldwide patents for its material and process.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com

As part of the pilot program, CVWMA is offering 2,000 recycling bins made with UBQ Material, a proprietary composite of unsorted organic, paper and plastic waste — everything from banana peels to dirty diapers to used yogurt containers and cardboard. The bins recently arrived in Central Virginia after being shipped from Israel.