CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/410,339, filed September 27, 2022, which is incorporated by reference as if disclosed herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates generally to the field of waste management, and more particularly, to systems for the management of and resource recovery from waste materials.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditional, responsible, waste management, recycling and landfill diversion is typically a capital- and land-intensive operation organized by municipalities and governments with the wherewithal, the capital, the desire, and the waste volume to support/justify the capital investment. Because of these barriers, the common outcome in areas that lack this public infrastructure is to dispose of all waste in an open dumpsite, creating environmental and ecological hazards and health and safety risks for local communities. This is untenable from an environmental, health and safety standpoint. Furthermore, open dumps remain a significant source of global greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions.

[0004] Typically, recycling centers rely on efficiencies of scale based on volume of input. Equipment and automation are expensive and investing in facilities where there is limited volume is too expensive. Further, many recycling activities are not profitable from remote locations with heavy shipping and logistical expenses. Thus, recycling from remote, small volume regions, especially islands, has been financially unviable.

[0005] What is needed, therefore, are improved waste management and resource recovery systems and methods that address at least the problems described above.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present technology, a system for managing and recovering resources from waste materials is provided. The system includes a waste material receiving and sorting area for receiving and sorting of waste materials. The waste materials include organic waste, recyclable waste, hazardous waste, non-toxic combustible waste, or combinations thereof. A composting area is included for processing a first portion of the organic waste into compost. A biodiesel processor is included for converting a second portion of the organic waste into biofuel. A material processing area is included for processing the recyclable waste into recycled materials. A material management area is included for storing the hazardous waste. An incinerator is included for incinerating the nontoxic combustible waste.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first portion of the organic waste includes kitchen food waste.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second portion of the organic waste includes waste kitchen oils and greases.

[0009] In some embodiments, a mulching area is included for processing a third portion of the organic waste into mulch. In some embodiments, the third portion of the organic waste includes landscaping debris.

[0010] In some embodiments, the recyclable waste includes glass materials, plastic materials, rubber materials, cardboard materials, construction debris, or combinations thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one cistern is included for recovering and storing rainwater.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one bioswale area is included and is configured to collect and filter polluted stormwater runoff.

[0013] In some embodiments, the material processing area includes at least one low- speed shredder that is configured to process the recyclable waste into the recycled materials.

[0014] In some embodiments, the low-speed shredder includes a frame, a shredding mechanism positioned in the frame, and a motor for driving the shredding mechanism positioned in the frame adjacent the shredding mechanism. A hopper is positioned above the shredding mechanism and at a top surface of the frame. The hopper is configured to receive and feed the recyclable waste to the shredding mechanism for processing. A bin is positioned under the shredding mechanism and is configured to receive the recycled materials. A ladder is positioned on an end of the frame adjacent to the hopper. The ladder permits climbing access to the hopper for loading the recyclable waste into the hopper. A ladder guard door is attached to the ladder and is configured to shield the ladder to prevent climbing access to the hopper during operation of the shredding mechanism. [0015] In some embodiments, at least one shipping container is included for storing and shipping the recycled materials.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one alternative energy utility unit is included and is configured to supply electrical power to the waste management and resource recovery system. In some embodiments, the alternative energy utility unit includes at least one solar panel array, at least one windmill, or combinations thereof.

[0017] In some embodiments, a perimeter fence is included that at least partially encloses the waste management and resource recovery system.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present technology, a method for managing and recovering resources from waste materials is provided. The method includes providing waste material to a waste management and resource recovery area, the waste material comprising organic waste, recyclable waste, hazardous waste, non-toxic combustible waste, or combinations thereof; sorting the waste material; processing a first portion of the organic waste into compost; converting a second portion of the organic waste into biofuel via a biodiesel processor; processing the recyclable waste into recycled materials via at least one low-speed shredder; storing the hazardous waste in a material management area; and incinerating the non-toxic combustible waste.

[0019] Further objects, aspects, features, and embodiments of the present technology will be apparent from the drawing Figures and below description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Some embodiments of the present technology are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

[0021] FIG. l is a perspective view of a waste material management and resource recovery system according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the waste material receiving and sorting area of the system of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a waste material management and resource recovery system according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 3. [0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of a low-speed shredder for processing recyclable waste according to some embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a system for managing waste and recovering resources from waste is generally designated by the numeral 100. The system 100 forms a waste management and resource recovery area, also referred to herein as a micro-ecology park (“MEP”). The system 100 includes a waste material receiving and sorting area 110 that is configured to receive and sort a waste material 120. In some embodiments, the waste material 120 includes organic waste, recyclable waste, hazardous waste, non -toxic combustible waste, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the waste material receiving and sorting area 110 includes a plurality of storage compartments 130, each of which is configured to store a different type of waste of the waste material 120. In some embodiments, the storage compartments 130 store respective recyclable wastes, including glass materials, plastic materials, rubber materials (e.g., tires), cardboard materials, construction debris, etc. In some embodiments, the storage compartments 130 are configured to store hazardous waste such that it does not contaminate the environment within and surrounding the system 100. In some embodiments, hazardous waste is stored separate from the storage compartments 130 in a material management area 140, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. The material management area 140 includes hazardous storage compartments 142 that are configured to store hazardous waste such that it does not contaminate the environment within and surrounding the system 100. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an incinerator 132 for incinerating, or disposing of, non-toxic combustible waste, as shown in FIGS. 3-4.

[0027] The system 100 includes a composting area 150 that is configured to process organic waste materials for reuse as compost 152. In some embodiments, the organic waste, or a first portion thereof, includes kitchen waste and other organic wastes, and the composting area 150 includes composters 154 for processing the first portion of the organic waste into compost 152, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Composters 154 include an airflow management system 156 that is configured to regulate airflow to maintain the organic waste at constant temperatures and moisture levels while balancing the nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen gas contents to efficiently process, or “cook,” the organic waste into the compost 152. The airflow management system 156 speeds up the composting process, reduces the odor output by the composting process, and results in an improved compost 152. [0028] The system 100 includes a biodiesel processor 160 that is configured to process and convert organic waste materials into biofuel that can be used to power diesel-powered equipment or blended with standard diesel to power diesel-powered equipment. In some embodiments, the organic waste, or a second portion thereof, includes waste kitchen oils and greases that the biodiesel processor 160 converts to biofuel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a mulching area 170 that is configured to process organic waste materials for reuse as mulch 172. In some embodiments, the organic waste, or a third portion thereof, includes landscaping debris and other organic debris, and the mulching area 170 includes a high-speed grinder 174 for processing the third portion of the organic waste into mulch 172, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. In some embodiments, the mulching area 170 includes a biochar retort that is configured to process the second portion of the organic waste into biochar.

[0030] The system 100 includes a material processing area 180 for processing the recyclable waste into recycled materials. In some embodiments, the recyclable waste includes glass materials, plastic materials, rubber materials (e.g., tires), cardboard materials, construction debris, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, the material processing area 180 includes at least one low-speed shredder 190. In some embodiments, the material processing area 180 includes a high-speed grinder, a low-speed shredder, a glass pulverizer, or combinations thereof.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a low-speed shredder 190 of the material processing area 180 according to some embodiments of the present technology. The shredder 190 includes a frame 191 and a shredding mechanism 192 housed within the frame 191. The shredding mechanism 192 is driven by a motor 193 that is housed within the frame 191 adjacent to the shredding mechanism 192. A hopper 194 is positioned immediately above the shredding mechanism 192 and is configured to receive and feed the recyclable waste to the shredding mechanism 192 for processing into the recycled materials. A bin 195 is removably positioned below the shredding mechanism 192 and is configured to receive the recycled materials. A top portion 194A of the hopper 194 is substantially flush with a top surface 191 A of the frame 191 such that the shredder 190 has an opening 196 for receiving the recyclable waste. In some embodiments, a ladder 197 is attached to an end of the frame adjacent to the hopper 194 to permit climbing access to the hopper 194 for loading the recyclable waste into the hopper 194. In some embodiments, the ladder 197 includes a guard door 198 that is configured to shield or block the rungs of the ladder to prevent climbing access to the hopper 194 during operation of the shredding mechanism 192.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one bioswale area 200 that is configured to collect and filter polluted stormwater runoff, as shown in FIG. 1. The bioswale area 200 utilizes natural filtration systems and is built from environmental sources such that the system 200 is self-sustainable, environmentally friendly, and chemi cal -free. The bioswale area 200 includes a plurality of gently sloped channels that are configured to collect, store, and filter stormwater or other wastewater. The bioswale area 200 reduces the flow of the collected water to trap and silt pollutants in the water before it is returned to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the bioswale area 200 is formed of the natural landscape, environment fabric, biochar, natural grasses planted in amended topsoil, a stone reservoir layer below the topsoil, a perforated drainpipe to transport the filtered water, or combinations thereof.

[0033] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one shipping container 210 (e.g., 20-feet ISO-complaint shipping container units) for storing and shipping the recycled materials that result from the material processing area 180 processing the recyclable waste. For example, in some embodiments, off-site recyclable waste such as plastics and aluminum are shredded, rather than baled, and placed in the shipping containers 210 for storing and shipping. In some embodiments, the shipping containers 210 are any standard shipping container units that are compatible with standardized international shipping systems and configurations (e.g., ISO-sized, LTL freight capable containers, such as gaylord boxes, etc.). In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a data tracking and labeling system for all waste materials processed, whether processed fully for on-site application (e.g., compost) or shipped (e.g., recyclable or hazardous wastes). The shipped materials receive a QR code label which includes ISO and DMS information. The inputs and outputs of the system 100 are tracked via a wireless network system (e.g., cloud-based, satellite link, cellular data, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) to analyze efficiencies, net costs, and environmental impacts (e.g., waste diverted from landfill and carbon reduction equivalents).

[0034] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one cistern 220 for recovering and storing rainwater. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one building structure 230 that can be used, for example, as an office for monitoring and/or managing the operations of the system 100. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one electric vehicle charging station 232 for charging an electric vehicle parked at the building structure 230, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a storm debris laydown and emergency surge area 240, as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a perimeter fence 250 that encloses the system 100. In some embodiments, the perimeter fence 250 partially encloses the system 100. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, the perimeter fence 250 encloses all components of the system 100 except for the storm debris laydown and emergency surge area 240 and the bioswale area 200. The perimeter fence 250 includes a gate or similar structure for accessing the system 100.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one alternative energy utility unit 260 that is configured to supply electrical power to the system 100. The at least one alternative energy utility unit 260 includes at least one solar panel array, at least one windmill, or any other alternative energy sources, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alternative energy utility unit 260 includes at least one solar panel array 262 installed on a canopy 264 that at least partially overhangs the waste material receiving and sorting area 110, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. In some embodiments, the alternative energy utility unit 260 includes at least one solar panel array 262 installed on the building structures 230, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. In some embodiments, the alternative energy utility unit 260 includes at least one solar panel array 262 installed on the ground adjacent, for example, the bioswale area 200, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the alternative energy utility unit 260 includes at least one windmill 266 installed on the building structure 230, as shown in FIGS. 2-3. In some embodiments, the alternative energy utility unit 260 is configured to supply electrical power to a power grid in the vicinity of the system 100.

[0036] Accordingly, embodiments of the present technology are directed to a waste management and resource recovery system 100 that configured for use by smaller, remote waste generators, and communities (e.g., manufacturing sites, resorts, private islands, military sites, national parks, etc.). The system 100 brings cost-effective, smaller-scale, environmentally sustainable, independent recycling, and landfill/dump diversion activities within reach of communities and generators that may not have access to a regulated, engineered landfill with methane capture and treatment systems and mitigations for groundwater intrusion of toxics. The system 100 includes a small and light footprint and may convert all or almost all a community ’s/generator’s waste into a value-added product for reuse locally, or a saleable product into existing recycling markets. Thus, the system 100 generates new assets from a community’s waste which further offsets the cost associated with the system 100. Any non-recovered residuals are responsibly processed and/or prepared for off-site treatment or disposal at a regulated facility.

[0037] Embodiment of the system 100 are configured to reduce waste material volume via the plurality of processing methods discussed herein, minimizing the volume of material that needs to ship, and making those materials that do need to ship small/light enough and packaged for shipment per ISO standardization. Thus, the system 100 gives users the independent ability to manage waste in a cost-effective, highly sustainable, and assetgenerating way without being reliant on local infrastructure, which may be lacking, unreliable, unsustainable, or not environmentally friendly. Preferably, the system 100 creates newly valuable materials for use onsite, or for sale. For example, waste materials coming into the system 100 are repurposed locally, processed into value-add organic materials for local use, recycled and sold into recycling markets where available, or disposed of in a response and environmentally friendly manner. In some embodiments, processed materials that leave the system 100 for offsite recycling are reduced significantly (e.g., by up to about 70%) via shredding rather than baling, and in ISO-compliant shipping containers that minimize the number of handlers and reduce overall costs. In some embodiments, the system uses about 0.5 acres to about 5 acres of cleared, flat land and the ability to import shipping containers and construction equipment.

[0038] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations, and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the technology claimed herein. The various features and elements of the technology described herein may be combined in a manner different than the specific examples described or claimed herein without departing from the scope of the technology. In other words, any element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility between the two, or it is specifically excluded.

[0039] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0040] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a plant" includes a plurality of such plants. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a "negative" limitation. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition, or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the technology. The term "and/or" means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

[0041] Each numerical or measured value in this specification is modified by the term “about.” The term "about" can refer to a variation of ± 5%, ± 10%, ± 20%, or ± 25% of the value specified. For example, "about 50" percent can in some embodiments carry a variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can include one or two integers greater than and/or less than a recited integer at each end of the range. Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term "about" is intended to include values and ranges proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the functionality of the composition, or the embodiment.

[0042] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges recited herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof, as well as the individual values making up the range, particularly integer values. A recited range (e.g., weight percents of carbon groups) includes each specific value, integer, decimal, or identity within the range. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, or tenths. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third, and upper third, etc.

[0043] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as "up to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," "more than," "or more," and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio. Accordingly, specific values recited for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for radicals and substituents.