REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE RESEARCH STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF FLORIDA 

 HINKLEY CENTER FOR SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT 

 

 The William W. “Bill” Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management is responsible for coordinating the State of Florida’s solid and hazardous waste research program. The Center sponsors research projects at accredited public and private universities in Florida that address Florida’s critical solid and hazardous waste management issues. The Florida Legislature created the Center in 1988 as a statewide research center. The host institution for the Hinkley Center is the University of Florida, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.     The core mission of the Hinkley Center is to sponsor, conduct, and coordinate research that is pragmatic, applied, and timely.  The sponsored research projects that the Hinkley Center sponsors should focus on important issues and problems related to Florida’s solid and hazardous waste management. The sponsored research should provide important information and assistance to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), local governments, and the private sector.  Important components of the Hinkley Center’s mission are:  

To establish research priorities that are important to the FDEP, local governments, and the private sector; 

To conduct and coordinate a fair, open, and transparent research selection process using input from staff from state and local government and members of the waste management community;   

To conduct a selection process where faculty from public and private universities in Florida can compete on an equal basis for research funding; 

To coordinate, sponsor, and conduct practical and meaningful research that has a timely and beneficial impact to the waste management community including the FDEP, county solid waste regulatory staff, county solid waste directors, county solid waste recycling directors, landfill operators, waste haulers, private waste management companies, the USEPA and consulting engineers and scientists; 

To provide information that supports sound waste management decision‐making 

ISSUED: Friday, November 18, 2016  

DUE DATE:  Wednesday, December 21, 2016 by 12:00PM   

processes; 

To distribute research results to a wide variety of stakeholders;  

To provide a forum for the free and open exchange of information and ideas;  

To respond to requests for information and technical assistance;   

To develop, through research and demonstration projects, innovative, cost effective, and environmentally sound methods and strategies for the management of solid and hazardous wastes; 

To facilitate technology transfer and information dissemination efforts regarding information generated by the faculty at the academic institutions to members of the solid waste community; 

To train solid and hazardous waste management personnel;  

To identify and pursue sources of support for research and other programs;  

To provide research opportunities on “real‐world problems” for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees related to waste management; 

To provide funding to faculty for graduate assistantships and tuition waivers as part of the sponsored research project. 

To provide the opportunity for faculty to publish their research in peer‐reviewed journals.  

The Center sponsors research at public and private universities and colleges in Florida accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Center has provided funding for more than two hundred research projects at Florida’s private and public universities since 1988.    Faculty members from 10 universities in Florida have received funding for research projects.  These universities include the University of West Florida (UWF), Florida State University (FSU), Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), the University of Florida (UF), the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF), the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Florida International University (FIU), and the University of Miami (UM).   The Hinkley Center encourages all faculty from accredited public and private universities and colleges in Florida to participate in the Center’s research program by responding to this Annual Request for Proposals and to seek funding from the Hinkley Center. Large numbers of graduate students have received their master’s or doctorate degrees while conducting research that was sponsored by the Hinkley Center. Many of these graduate students have found employment in Florida in the private sector in consulting firms, government, industry, and manufacturing.  Hinkley Center graduate students have also found employment in local, state and federal regulatory agencies.  Several Hinkley Center graduate students currently hold faculty positions at distinguished universities in the United States and abroad.  This announcement solicits brief research pre‐proposals (a maximum of five pages) from faculty currently employed at Florida’s private and public colleges and universities who wish to apply their expertise to innovate and to develop solutions for Florida's solid and hazardous waste management issues. The Center anticipates having approximately $470,000 available for 

sponsored research as an appropriation from the 2017 Legislature Session for FY 2017‐2018. The availability of this funding is contingent upon an appropriation by the Florida Legislature. These funds will be available for initiating new research projects and possible continuation of existing research projects.   Review Process     In response to this RFP, interested researchers are invited to submit a pre‐proposal to the Hinkley Center. Researchers may contact the Hinkley Center Staff to discuss their ideas for pre‐proposals. The Hinkley Center Staff may be able to provide the researcher with additional background information and expert contacts in the regulatory community and waste management industry regarding the research topic being considering. The Hinkley Center Staff may also be able to provide the researcher with ideas for seeking additional sources of funding for their proposal. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your proposal with the Hinkley Center Staff, you can call the Center at 352‐392‐6264 or email center@hinkleycenter.org.  John Schert is the Executive Director and Wester Henderson is the Research Coordinator.  After an evaluation of all of the submitted pre‐proposals by the Hinkley Center’s Research Selection Committee (RSC), selected researchers will be invited to submit full proposals for funding consideration. The RSC will review all of the full proposals and select researchers to make presentations to the RSC. Finally, after hearing presentations from the invited researchers, the RSC will develop recommendations for funding selected research projects. After being reviewed by the Center’s Advisory Board, the Executive Director of the Hinkley Center will make a final decision regarding funding. Researchers who do not submit a pre‐proposal adhering to the guidelines included in this RFP will not be eligible to participate in the full proposal selection process.    Researchers who submit pre‐proposals or subsequent full proposals are responsible for making sure that their submissions are received by the Hinkley Center. If you submit a pre‐proposal or full proposal and you do not receive an email acknowledging receipt of your submission within 24 hours, it is your responsibility to follow up with the Hinkley Center staff to advise them that a pre‐proposal or full proposal was submitted by the deadline date.    Schedule    The important dates for the Center's current selection cycle for funding of projects in Fiscal Year 2016‐2017 are as follows:  

Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 – Release of this RFP Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 – Deadline for receipt of pre‐proposals, noon 12:00 PM Wednesday, Feb. 08, 2017 – Notification of selected researchers who are invited to submit a full proposal Wednesday, April 19, 2017 – Deadline for receipt of full proposals noon 12:00 PM Wednesday and Thursday, May 31, 2017‐ June 02, 2017 – Proposal presentation to the RSC (tentative)  Friday, June 23, 2017 – Notification of awards (June 23 is tentative date) 

 Awards for projects selected for funding will be made after the Center receives its appropriation from the 2017 Legislative Session for FY 2017‐2018. The start date of the research projects will be tailored to meet the researcher’s academic schedule and state funding guidelines, typically August or September 2017.      Eligibility   Faculty at private and public universities and colleges located in the State of Florida that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools may submit pre‐proposals.   The current Research Agenda (as part of this RFP) provides a list of research ideas for faculty to consider in submitting pre‐proposals to the Hinkley Center. The list is organized under broad topic headings. Researchers are encouraged to view the Center’s web site, (www.hinkleycenter.org) to become familiar with research ideas on Research Agendas from previous years, and to also become familiar with the research projects that have been previously funded and the research projects that are currently being funded by the Hinkley Center. 

The Center also considers research proposals on topics that are not on this list. Please note that the Hinkley Center will not fund a proposed research project simply because the pre‐proposal focuses on a research topic that was included on the Research Agenda.  

The Hinkley Center evaluates the proposals received each year and then determines whether, and the extent to which, funds will be provided for proposed projects. The decision to approve or reject a proposal depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: (a) the practical relevance, timeliness, and scientific merits of the proposed research; (b) the amount of funds available for funding new and continuing projects; (c) the number and cost of the research projects that have been proposed; (d) the research projects that already are underway or have been completed; and (e) whether the research project will help the Hinkley Center advance its overall mission. The Hinkley Center has the exclusive authority and sole discretion to evaluate and weigh each of these factors in light of the facts known at the time when the proposals are evaluated and funding decisions are made.  The Executive Director has the exclusive authority to make funding decisions.    Consequently, the Hinkley Center may provide funds for research topics that are not included in this Research Agenda and may reject proposals that are based on one or more of the Research Agenda topics.  

 The Hinkley Center awards funds appropriated by the Florida Legislature for research projects. The projects are to be conducted by faculty members of the state’s public and private universities through the use of University resources including students and laboratories. The state funds distributed by the Hinkley Center typically will not be awarded for projects primarily conducted by out‐of‐state faculty, consultants, or other private entities. Pursuant to the policies 

adopted by the Hinkley Center, “private sector subcontracting of any portion of a contract supported by state funds should be kept to a minimum, be justified, and be approved by the Executive Director of the Center.” An example of a possible exception includes payment for the use of specialized equipment or testing which is not available at the funded university, but is accessible through a consultant or subcontractor. Even for such cases, the Executive Director of the Center should be contacted for approval prior to submission of a pre‐proposal or a full proposal.   Direct and Indirect Costs     The Center provides support for “direct” research costs. Direct research costs include, but are not limited to salaries of faculty conducting the research, requisite fringe benefits, student support, tuition waivers, supplies, travel, communications, and equipment essential to conduct the proposed scope of work. Center funds may not be used to pay “indirect” costs.    Leveraging Other Funds   Researchers are encouraged to leverage the Center's funds by obtaining supplemental funding from external sources and real‐dollar contributions from public and private sources. Researchers should specify potential sources of funds and identify how they will seek external funding.  Researchers should indicate, if applicable, how they have used previous funding from the Hinkley Center to leverage other sources of funding for their research.   Contents of Pre‐Proposal and Full Proposal   The Hinkley Center requires that the pre‐proposal be submitted electronically to center@hinkleycenter.org as an email attachment (written in Microsoft Word), by noon 12:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 21, 2016. The body of the pre‐proposal should contain no more than five (5) numbered pages in a 12‐point font and at a minimum contain the following:    Abstract   Project title   Name(s) and contact information of the Principal Investigator(s)   Methodology/scientific approach with a timeline   Practical, specific benefits for end users   Deliverables   Budget outline  Identification of Pertinent Literature   A plan for seeking funding from other sources  A one‐page curriculum vita for each investigator on the proposed project (CVs are not 

included as part of the 5‐page limit)     

Invited Full Proposals  The Center requires that the invited full proposal, due at noon 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, be no more than twenty (20) pages in length and, in addition to information listed above, it must include the following:    A detailed budget, justification and scope of work approved by their institution  A list of individuals knowledgeable in the specific subject of the research who are willing to 

serve as advisors or peer reviewers to the researcher(s) to ensure project success (Technical Awareness Group ‐ TAG). The TAG list should include contact information for these individuals.  

TAG MEMBERS SHOULD NOT BE EMPLOYEES, STAFF, ASDMINISTRATORS, COLLEAGUES, OR FELLO FACULTY MEMBERS WHO ARE EMPLOYED BY THE PROJECT DIRECTOR’S INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION. TAG MEMBERS SHOULD BE FROM A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ENTITY WHICH HAS AN INTREST IN THE TOPIC OF RESEARCH.  

A project timeline with milestones  A plan that describes how the information obtained from this project will be communicated 

to others, i.e. the waste management sector, regulators, waste haulers, and landfill owners/operators.  

 Duration of Project     Projects are funded for a one‐year period. Full proposals for projects that require multiple years to complete should include specified yearly completion goals with corresponding annual budgets. Funding for an additional year of a currently funded project is dependent on receipt of a Year 2 pre‐proposal, an invitation to submit a full proposal, relevancy of the project to the current Hinkley Center Research Agenda, a positive recommendation by the RSC and the Advisory Board, and approval for funding by the Center's Executive Director.    Deliverables     The Hinkley Center sponsors research that provides practical solutions and answers to current solid waste management problems. Information and data are needed for waste management issues that can be applied immediately. Center‐funded researchers are required to submit Metrics, Quarterly Progress Reports and Draft and Final Technical Reports. Researchers are also required to form a Technical Awareness Group (TAG) for their projects and to hold a minimum of two TAG meetings. TAG meetings are held to encourage information exchange between the investigators and interested parties in the public and private sectors. Each proposed research project should identify a minimum of five persons external to the project university who are willing to serve on the project TAG. TAG members should be persons in the public or private sector who are interested in the proposed research project, are willing to attend TAG meetings, give advice and suggestions to the Principal Investigator regarding the proposed research project, and are willing to lend their expertise to the research project by reviewing and providing comments and suggestions for the Draft Final Report.  

 Other contractual requirements include:     

Development and submittal of the following:  o Abstract (description of the project for the general public) o Quarterly Reports (work accomplished during the period, information 

dissemination activities, additional funding secured, etc.)  o Progress in meeting the Metrics that the Hinkley Center has adopted (routine 

updates of the project including publications, presentations, collaborations, etc.) An example of this is provided on Page 8.  

o Draft Final and a Final Report – The Draft Final Report must be reviewed by the project’s TAG members, edited to address their comments, and submitted as a Final Report to the Center. The Final Report is posted on the Center’s web site and is also distributed to solid and hazardous waste stakeholders. 

o Other periodic updates as requested   

Development and maintenance of a project website.  o The website is to include the project abstract, the Full Proposal (minus financial 

information regarding salaries, etc.), the names of TAG members and meeting information, digital photos of investigators and students associated with the project, and acknowledgment of sponsorship and funding from the Hinkley Center. 

o The website is to be updated regularly by posting Quarterly Reports as the project progresses, TAG meeting minutes, videos of TAG meetings, and digital photographs of investigators and students engaged in activities related to the research project throughout the course of the project.       

 

Coordination of at least two Technical Awareness Group (TAG) Meetings o Remote participation in the TAG Meeting must be made available via 

videoconferencing on the Web using software such as “Go To Meeting”. o A video recording and typed meeting minutes of all TAG Meetings are required.  

Investigators are responsible for the video recording of their TAG Meetings. These video links and meeting minutes are to be posted on the project website so interested persons can watch the TAG meeting at a later point in time.  

In‐state travel availability as needed or requested by the Center Staff   o This includes possible project meetings with the Center staff, FDEP or other solid 

waste stakeholders. This may also include presentation of the Hinkley Center sponsored research at relevant conferences or seminars.  

 Evaluation Criteria   The following criteria serve as guidelines to the Research Selection Committee for evaluating and ranking pre‐proposals and full proposals.   

Practical relevance of the proposed research project to the Hinkley Center’s Research Agenda.  

Scientific merit of the research approach. 

Expectation of end user benefit.  

Experience and resources of the applicant.   

Appropriateness of the proposed budget to the research objectives and the availability of external funds to help support the project.  

Timeliness of the submission of deliverables from previous projects sponsored by the Hinkley Center (if applicable).  

 Student Tracking  The Hinkley Center maintains a web page called “Student Tracker” recognizing current and past students supported by or involved in Center‐funded research projects. In your proposal, please identify former students who have worked on previous Center‐funded projects. Also, please identify where the students are currently employed with their contact information.    Please note that if you have received funding previously from the Hinkley Center, please be sure that the information posted by the Hinkley Center staff on the Hinkley Center “Student Tracker” is up to date and complete by the time of submission of your pre‐proposal.  Full Proposal Submission    The electronic copy of the full proposal must be received by the Hinkley Center (center@hinkleycenter.org ) by 12:00 PM. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. Please send the full proposal as an email attachment.   An original, signed copy of the institutionally endorsed full proposal should be sent to:   John D. Schert, Executive Director Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management P. O. Box 11601, Gainesville, FL 32611 (Physical Address: 1929 Stadium Road, Nuclear Science Bld 634, Rm 528, Gainesville, FL 32611)   The hard copy and electronic copy of the proposal must arrive by noon 12:00PM on Wednesday, April 19, 2017,   Researchers who submit proposals are responsible for making sure that their submissions are received by the Hinkley Center. If you submit a pre‐proposal or full proposal and you do not receive an email acknowledging receipt of your pre‐proposal or full proposal within 24 hours of the time that you emailed it to the Hinkley Center, it is your responsibility to follow up with the Hinkley Center staff to advise them of your submission by the deadline date.    

The Center Staff will be pleased to answer any questions applicants have about the Research Agenda or the Center's research selection process.  Phone: 352‐392‐6264 www.hinkleycenter.org  

 

                                  

Metrics Guideline  

1.  List graduate student or postdoctoral researchers funded by this Hinkley Center project 

Name  

Rank (grad or postdoc) 

Department 

Professor 

Institution 

 

2.  List undergraduate student researchers working on this Hinkley Center project 

 

Name 

Department 

Professor 

Institution 

 

3.  List research publications resulting from this Hinkley Center project (use format for 

publications as outlined in this Report Guide) 

 

4. List research presentations resulting from this Hinkley Center project (use format for 

presentations as outlined in this Report Guide) 

 

5. List who has referenced or cited your publications from this project. 

 

6. Provide an explanation of how the research results from this Hinkley Center project and 

previous projects have been leveraged to secure additional research funding. 

 

7. List new collaborations that were initiated based on this Hinkley Center project. 

 

8. Provide an explanation of how have the results from this Hinkley Center funded project 

have been used (not will be used) by the FDEP or other stakeholders? (1 paragraph 

maximum) 

  

Research Agenda for 2016-2017 Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management

Note: Unless indicated otherwise, no research sponsored by the Hinkley Center is underway on the topic of the agenda item.

1. BIOSOLIDS: Develop through research viable uses and/or recommendations for management strategies, other than landfill disposal, for dewatered biosolids (formerly called “sludge”) from wastewater treatment plants. Biosolids material has been historically land applied in agricultural areas in Florida. Public sentiment in opposition to land application of biosolids has become acute. In the aftermath of a hurricane or tropical storm, many sites used for land application of biosolids are not allowed to operate due to flooding or a high surficial water table. The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County processes biosolids from the City of West Palm Beach wastewater treatment facilities into a dry pellet about the size of a BB, which is sold for use in the manufacture of fertilizer, potting soil and other various agricultural products. Biosolids generated in Broward County are mostly landfilled in Class I landfills in South Florida. Biosolids generated in Miami-Dade County are mostly land applied in the citrus groves in Central Florida. Many publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities in Florida are moving away from land application of biosolids. This research should identify and evaluate other viable options for disposal of biosolids in Florida, and provide recommendations for management strategies.

Dr. Reinhart, University of Central Florida (UCF), has conducted three Hinkley Center-sponsored research projects during the period 2003-07 on developing safe methods for disposal of biosolids in landfills. Applicable links to her research are as follows:

http://www.hinkleycenter.org/pubs/549-design-and-operational-issues-related-to-the-co-disposal-of-sludges-and-biosolids-in-class-i-landfills.html

http://www.hinkleycenter.org/pubs/550-design-and-operational-issues-related-to-the-co-disposal-of-sludges-and-biosolids-in-class-i-landfills-phase-ii.html

http://www.hinkleycenter.org/pubs/551-design-and-operational-issues-related-to-the-co-disposal-of-sludges-and-biosolids-in-class-i-landfills-phase-iii.html

2. SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING: Evaluate the impacts of increased contamination (non-recyclables and broken glass) on single stream recycling processes and costs. This research project should include an evaluation of the practices that have been effective in minimizing contamination. The project also should identify the stakeholders (e.g., counties, cities, collection companies, processors, manufacturers, consumers, etc.) that should be responsible for solving this problem. The project should also evaluate the economics, feasibility and value of collecting glass containers.

Research is underway on this topic. There is a Hinkley Center sponsored project by Dr. Celik at University of Miami (UM.) The Hinkley Center Research Selection Committee (RSC) and the Advisory Board have recommended funding for a second year of this project. The RSC recommended that the Principal Investigator be required to complete the first year of this research project and submit a draft

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Final Report before funding for the second year is released by the Center. The authorization for the second year of this project has not been issued.

3. WASTE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: Perform long-term economic comparisons of (a) landfilling versus (b) single stream recycling versus (c) waste to energy. Elements of the research should include: up-front costs; land acquisition costs; capital costs; permitting costs; operations and maintenance costs; leachate and gas management costs; long term care costs (bond and/or escrow account costs); emissions criteria and emissions control costs for each technology; the cost of transporting solid waste and/or recyclable materials to and from each type of facility; and potential revenues generated from the sale of energy, recyclables, or other materials for each technology.

4. MANAGING HYDROGEN SULFIDE EMISSIONS AND LANDFILL ODORS: While Federal and State regulators have focused much attention on controlling the emission of explosive gases from landfills, the control of odorous emissions of hydrogen sulfide from landfills is receiving increasing attention within Florida, because of quality of life impacts and possible health impacts. Landfill sites accepting significant quantities of construction and demolition debris (C&D) seem to be most prone to hydrogen sulfide emissions. Many Florida communities may benefit from research into operational methods or engineering controls for reducing the generation and/or release of hydrogen sulfide from landfills accepting appreciable quantities of C&D (including Class I, Class III, and C&D Landfills). Operational methods and/or engineering controls that could be investigated may include but are not limited to: identifying and excluding certain specific odor-causing materials from the C&D waste disposal stream; evaluating the different chemical reactions between various waste materials that promote odor generation and/or assist in odor release from the landfill; evaluating the effect of moisture in odor generation; and research in engineering solutions, such as the installation or use of innovative cover systems, including high pH materials, mulch/recycled material blankets, and the cost-effective collection and treatment/neutralization of hydrogen sulfide emissions.

Dr. David Mazyck at the University of Florida (UF) is currently conducting a Hinkley Center-sponsored research project entitled “Novel Geotextile Mat Tailored to Reduce Odor Emissions (H2S) from Landfills.” Center-sponsored research on landfill odors is also being conducted by Dr. Dan Meeroff at the Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

5. FOOD WASTE RECYCLING: What portion of the waste stream constitutes food waste and is potentially available for food waste recycling? What collection options are available for food waste recycling, without adding a separate route? For example, can a portion of the food waste be collected with a dual-load recycling truck, or as part of a yard waste collection program, or at a community collection point? Can food waste be collected cost-effectively directly from restaurants and other commercial food establishments? If the collection of food waste can be implemented, what are the economically viable options for the treatment and recycling of food waste?

6. SMALL SCALE, LOCAL RECYCLING OF GLASS: Consider the possible uses of glass from MRFs and the potential for processing the glass into marketable products. Consider potential products made from glass nationwide, even internationally. What are the energy requirements for such activities? What is

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the potential value of the product? What impact will such activities have on the creation of jobs? What are the facility requirements for such activities? What is the demand for the potential products? What policies (at the federal, state, or local level) would encourage the use of recycled glass in manufacturing new glass and construction materials?

7. UPDATE THE “COMPOST USE IN FLORIDA” PUBLICATION PRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HINKLEY CENTER IN DECEMBER 1998: The current version should be updated with the inclusion of the additional relevant research that was conducted after the report was published in 1998. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/quick_topics/publications/documents/compost.pdf

8. PERCHED WATER ZONES IN LANDFILLS: Some Class I landfill cells have “perched water zones,” in which liquids do not drain to the leachate collection system at the bottom of the cell. Determine how and why this could happen. Identify ways to prevent this problem and ways to manage it. Develop recommendations for preventing such occurrences.

9. ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF RECYCLING C&D IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF FLORIDA: Florida Statutes require the recycling of C&D debris, to the extent it is “economically feasible.” Research is needed to evaluate the economic feasibility of recycling C&D in different areas of Florida. For example, what is economically feasible in a large, high-density, urban county (e.g., Miami-Dade County)? What is feasible in a rural county (e.g., Baker County)? The research project should evaluate the types of recycling activities that can be cost-effectively undertaken in both types of areas. Evaluate what can be done to enhance recycling opportunities in areas that might not otherwise be able to afford the type of recycling performed in the more affluent counties.

10. ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS AND BENEFITS OF USING SOLID WASTE MATERIALS IN CONCRETE AND HOT MIX ASPHALT: Glass containers have been collected in Florida’s curbside recycling collection programs from residents for many years. There is a need to isolate glass from the stream of other recyclables and find a beneficial use for the material. There is a need for the beneficial use to be able to consume a large portion of the available recycled glass.

One potential use for recycled glass is as a pozzolan in Portland cement concrete. The Florida DOT and other research organizations have conducted research on the technical feasibility of this concept and have concluded that glass powders having an average particle size of 10 micrometers, manufactured from recycled glass containers, can perform well as a pozzolan in concrete.

Research is needed to evaluate the use of superfine glass as a pozzolan in concrete, from a bench-top study to practical implementation. That is, the research should determine the means by which glass collected in municipal recycling programs can be processed on a commercial scale and economically brought to market as superfine glass powder. Examples of suggested research to process glass for reuse may include:

• Investigate scenarios where the use of superfine ground glass as a pozzolan in Portland cement concrete has successfully been undertaken on a commercial scale in other states and/or

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countries. Research and identify the manner in which the successful and sustainable commercialization of the recycling of this material has taken place, and develop a “roadmap” for doing the same thing in Florida. The research effort could include estimating the quantity of glass that can be collected with a separate residential curbside pickup, a commercial pickup, and a pickup from containers placed for neighborhood drop-off locations. The research also could determine the type and size of equipment that would be needed to process the collected waste glass, etc.

• Research effective and efficient means to economically process glass from recycling programs into a commercial quality glass powder for use as an additive in construction materials, including the development of innovative new equipment, processes or materials. Investigate potential commercial or industrial partnerships that could make the recycling of collected glass into superfine powder a reality, including engaging stakeholders in investigating the development of a regional pilot facility.

Researchers are encouraged to contact municipal solid waste programs, commercial and municipal recycling facility operators, manufacturers, construction materials industries, and Florida DOT for assistance in identifying practical research needs.

Dr. Ghahremaninezhad at UM conducted a research project that was completed in August 2015 on the use of finely ground glass in concrete as a partial replacement for Portland cement. The FDOT State Materials Office in Gainesville (Tim Ruelke, Director) and the FDOT Research Center in Tallahassee (Darryll Dockstader) funded this project through the Hinkley Center. The FDOT has also funded research conducted by Dr. Chris Ferraro at UF on this topic. http://www.hinkleycenter.org/pubs/788-ali-ghahremaninezhad-.html Researchers also should contact the Florida Concrete and Products Association (http://www.fcpa.org) to determine whether the FCPA or its affiliates have conducted research concerning these topics.

11. ANALYSIS OF WASTE FACILITY TIPPING FLOOR WEAR SURFACE ALTERNATIVES: The replacement of the wear surface of floors in solid waste transfer stations and waste processing facilities is a significant cost and operational disruption for operators. Several alternatives in topping materials are available on the market. Techniques and tools are available for operators to extend the life of floor surfaces. Monitoring the wear of the floor surface allows operators to optimize waste handling practices, and assure the maximum practical life of floor wear surfaces.

An objective analysis of the alternative materials and the efficacy of operational practices will be of great value to facility operators. Factors such as abrasion, chemical reaction, impact resistance, and moisture infiltration can affect the durability of the tipping floor surface. The life-cycle costs of various topping materials, the useful life under various waste handling conditions, and the ease of replacement are important criteria that affect purchasing decisions. Comparisons of operational practices and their impact on floor life, and alternatives for monitoring floor wear, will allow operators to extend floor life to the maximum extent practicable. The research also could include an analysis of the original mix design used at existing facilities, as a basis for estimating when repairs and replacements will be needed.

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A document comparing the alternatives currently available for tipping floor wear surfaces will be a valuable tool for facility operators in Florida and across the country. Solid waste engineers and transfer station operators need good information to make sound decisions regarding materials for repairing and resurfacing tipping floors.

12. EFFECT OF COMPACTED LIME ROCK AS CAPPING MATERIAL FOR CLOSED LINED LANDFILLS ON LEACHATE QUALITY AND WASTE DECOMPOSITION: Several lined landfills were closed in South Florida using compacted lime rock caps. These landfills will be reaching the end of their “long-term care periods” in the near future. Lime rock caps allow for pH buffering of infiltrating rainwater. Research is needed to study the effect of buffered rainwater infiltrating into the waste. The research may help determine what the custodial requirements should be for these landfills.

13. ALTERNATIVE LANDFILL COVER MATERIALS: The FDEP has listed only a limited number of materials that may be used for landfill cover. As the push for recycling increases, more and more materials are being found effective for use as a cover. It would be helpful to develop a more extensive list of effective and permit-able cover materials.

14. REMEDIATION OF LANDFILL LEACHATE: Treatment of leachate is challenging and cannot be accomplished by patching together routine, off-the-shelf unit treatment processes. Leachates from different landfills are often different in their strength and chemical and biological composition. Treatment objectives vary, depending on what the ultimate disposal scenario will be (e.g., surface water discharge, deep well injection, send to a WWT, etc.). The research project should develop a “current” BMP for landfill leachate treatment and disposal options (e.g., based on the type and location of the ultimate disposal option). This research also should identify technology needs in order to achieve solutions for landfill leachate.

15. ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF SOLID WASTE AND GREEN WASTE: This technology is well established in Europe and has been gaining popularity in the US for recovering energy from food and yard waste and for producing a compost product. What are the barriers to implement this technology in Florida? How does the environmental and economic sustainability of this technology compare with other alternatives, such as landfill bioreactors or incineration?

Dr. Ergas at the University of South Florida (USF) has conducted year one of a research project on this topic. She has submitted a draft Final Report that has been accepted by the Center. UF is in the process of awarding funding to USF/Dr. Ergas for a 2nd year of research on this topic. Her 2nd year project is entitled “Phase II, Bioenergy Production from MSW by High Solids Anaerobic Digestion”.

16. ANALYSIS OF WASTE COLLECTION VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ALTERNATIVES: The collection of waste at its point of generation is one of the most expensive and environmentally significant activities in the waste management process. The decisions regarding collection vehicles were once relatively simple. Today, operators are faced with several technology alternatives when establishing the specifications for the collection vehicles that will be purchased by the operator or provided in response to a RFP/ITB for a franchise. Technologies are emerging that may add additional options. These decisions concern the

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base vehicle, regardless of the specific method of collection (i.e., manual vs. automated or single stream vs. dual stream).

The purpose of this research is to establish the current state of technology for collection vehicles. Decision-makers would be assisted by research that compares costs and fuel efficiency for current technology options (e.g., natural gas compared to current clean diesel technology). They also would be assisted by comparisons of other factors, such as vehicle weights, safety, maintenance costs, availability of fueling facilities, and vehicle emissions. Life-cycle cost analyses under current conditions and under changed conditions (e.g., if fuel prices rise or fall) will be valuable for making procurement decisions that have impacts for a number of years. Cost impacts associated with a change from one fuel to another for an entire fleet can also be a significant consideration. An objective analysis of collection vehicle technology options and costs has great value for waste system operators.

In addition, there are developing technologies that have the potential to dramatically impact collection vehicles. Regenerative braking systems, either electric or hydraulic, and hybrid vehicles among other options hold the potential to greatly improve collection vehicles. Improving fuel efficiency and reducing the emissions impacts of collection vehicles could provide significant environmental improvement. Solid waste system operators strive to stay abreast of emerging trends and alternatives in technology, but sorting through the information to determine the current state of research and development can be challenging. This research should include a forward-looking review of developing technologies. Forecasting the status of developing engine technologies for collection vehicles will assist operators who may be facing procurement decisions in the next five to ten years.

17. LANDFILL LEACHATE AND WWTP EFFLUENT QUALITY: The development of the Numeric Nutrient Criteria for Florida’s waters is aimed at lowering the total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus limits (Chapter 62-650, F.A.C.). These regulations will affect the effluent limits for Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) if there is reasonable potential for these sites to discharge nitrogen and phosphorus in concentrations that can cause or contribute to nutrient impairment of the water body. Research is needed to quantify the bioavailable dissolved organic nitrogen (bDON) and the recalcitrant DON (rDON) in landfill leachate. The potential impacts of landfill leachate on WWTP effluent quality are not well understood. Numerous pre-treatment processes have been shown to reduce leachate TN but the removal of bDON and rDON has not been demonstrated.

Dr. Danley-Thomson at FGCU is conducting a Center-sponsored research project related to this topic, entitled “Determining effects of leachate-associated toxicity and dissolved organic nitrogen on biological wastewater treatment and effluent-receiving waters”. Dr. Debbie Reinhart at UCF, Dr. Gang Chen at FSU, and Dr. Walter Tang at FIU have all previously conducted research under funding from the Center on landfill leachate.

18. TREATMENT OF LANDFILL LEACHATE FOR METALS: Biosolids produced from wastewater treatment plants can contain relatively high concentrations of heavy metals, which make the biosolids undesirable for land application. Disposal of biosolids into landfills is thought to produce landfill leachate that is rich in heavy metals. Most leachates are discharged to wastewater treatment plants. This

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disposal/treatment of leachate at wastewater treatment plants may significantly affect the wastewater treatment plant’s performance due to the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes in the activated sludge; this potential for the leachate to disrupt the wastewater treatment plant is one of the main reasons why wastewater treatment plant managers are reluctant or are becoming reluctant to accept landfill leachate for treatment at their wastewater treatment plant. Most heavy metals in the wastewater treatment plant process accumulate back into the biosolids. This cycle ends up with an accumulation of heavy metals in the landfill leachate. Research on easily implemented and sustainable treatment methods are needed to break this cycle, by separating and recovering heavy metals from one link of the cycle.

19. USE OF COMPOST AND OTHER PRODUCTS DERIVED FROM ORGANIC WASTES: Organic materials in solid waste (including yard waste and food waste) comprise a significant portion of the solid waste stream. Increasing demand for products derived from organic wastes, such as compost, could support increased diversion of organic materials from the solid waste stream in Florida. Research could explore the benefits of compost use in agricultural products and activities, other uses of organic waste derived products, methods for promoting the use of these products, and the identification of factors that may limit or inhibit the widespread use of compost in Florida. For example, there is anecdotal information that microorganisms in compost and organic matter can increase resistance in citrus greening. The effects of compost on citrus could be researched, including examining disease resistance, water conservation, and fertilizer efficiencies due to compost application. Research need not be limited to this example.

20. MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL DEVICES: Processing of reusable medical devices that have been discarded is an emerging field. Processing reusable medical devices involves a variety of tasks, including collection, sorting, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, testing, sterilization, packaging, and distribution. Research should be focused on developing low-energy cleaning processes that minimize quality variation, overall cost, and infection risk. The expected outcomes of this type of research could lead to a reduction in the disposal of some medical devices, as well as a reduction of the energy and chemical usage needed for cleaning medical devices.