RecyCOOL: Reduce Methane Landfill Emissions Through Citizen Science & Community Outreach

Research Team

Lead Researchers:

• Dr. Eugene Tseng, Autonomy for Sustainability Lead
• Dr. Amanda Baugh, Director of MA in Sustainability
• Dr. Nhut Ho, Professor in Mechanical Engineering
• Dr. Bingbing Li, Professor in Manufacturing Systems Engineering & Management

Collaborators:

• WM (Waste Management)
  • Mike Hammer (President – Southern California Area, Waste Management of California, Inc.)
  • Kimberly Ohrt (Government Affairs)
  • Mark Grady (Regional Recycling Manager)
  • Kevin Vaughn (Operations Manager)
  • Saul Avila (Operations Manager)
  • Jose Figuera (Process Engineer)
• Park Parthenia Apartments
  • Jose Portillo (Park Parthenia Business Manager)
• Police Academy Leagues
  • Mike Lehron (Executive Director at Police Academy Leagues PALS)
  • Jose Portillo (Board Member)
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
  • Maria Sison-Roces (Utility Service Manager)

Student Team:

• Garret Eiferman, BA Student in Psychology
• Andrew Garcia Leopold, BS Student in Computer Science
• David Gukasyan, BS Student in Business Analytics
• Lucia Miguel, BA Student in Sociology
• Arpitha Pradeep, MS Student in Engineering Management
• Crystal Valdez, BA Student in Psychology
• Pam Porcaro, MA Student in Sustainability
• Jen-yu Li, MA Student in Sustainability
• Julius Maxwell, BS Student in Food Science
• Stanislav Alexander Kazhar, BS Student in Computer Science & Data Science
• Monish Ramesh, MS Student in Industrial Engineering
• Anthony Derderian, BA Student in Political Science
• Sky Lane, BS Student in Environmental Science
• Shreyas William, MS Student in Engineering Management
• Miller Alas, BS Mechanical Engineering

Funding

• Funding Organization: Waste Management Inc.
• Funding Program:

SYNOPSIS

• Co-create awareness, education, and motivation within communities to increase participation in proper waste management.
• Implement citizen and community science projects in local communities.
• Increase recycling and decrease landfill use.
• Reduce food waste and hunger in communities.
• Decrease methane emissions from landfills.

Abstract

Effective waste management is a pressing issue in urban settings, particularly in high-density areas such as apartment complexes and businesses. Our Waste Management Citizen/Community Science Project aims to address this challenge by enhancing recycling participation, reducing landfill waste, and promoting lasting behavioral change through a comprehensive program tailored to Los Angeles communities.

Using a data-driven methodology, we will implement targeted interventions informed by performance metrics and community involvement. Our approach includes user-friendly recycling systems, educational initiatives, and ongoing performance assessments to monitor and improve recycling habits. The project seeks to foster long-term environmental responsibility and sustainable practices among residents, with the potential to serve as a scalable model for other urban areas.

We strive to create a more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable waste reduction system that not only addresses current needs but also anticipates future challenges in urban waste management.

Motivation/Research Problem

Current recycling programs in urban areas such as apartment complexes and businesses often face low participation rates due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness, and behavioral barriers. Despite the availability of recycling facilities, a significant proportion of recyclable materials still ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion. By identifying specific pain points and implementing targeted interventions, we strive to increase recycling participation and decrease landfill contributions, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and long-term behavioral change. The successful implementation of this program could serve as a scalable model for other urban areas facing similar challenges, contributing to more sustainable cities and communities.