Waste Conversion and Diversion Technology

Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Organics, Biosolids, and Alternative Waste Streams

Public agencies and private operators are under pressure to reduce waste disposal volumes and increase diversion rates. Whether developing composting operations, biosolids facilities, or energy-from-waste systems, clients need clear technical guidance and practical permitting support, as well as a partner who understands facility integration challenges.

RESPEC supports planning, designing, and permitting for a range of conversion technologies, helping clients advance sustainability goals while maintaining timelines and costs.

Services

  • Feasibility and Co-Location Assessments
  • Capital and Operating Cost Development
  • Conceptual Planning and Process Engineering
  • Equipment Vendor Selection and Coordination
  • Combined Local and State Permitting Support
  • Bid Document Development and Procurement Support
  • Construction Quality Assurance
  • Regulatory Compliance Strategy

Project Highlights

Composting Facility Design and Permitting

McGill Environmental, Bucks County, PA

The team engineered and permitted a weather-independent, enclosed composting facility designed to process 130,000 tons per year of organics. Our services included land development permitting, erosion and sediment design, stormwater design, air emissions evaluations, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permit applications. The facility’s location on reclaimed mining land helped reduce capital costs and environmental impacts.

Biosolids Processing Facility Development

Confidential Client, PA

The team led the engineering and permitting of a facility recovering waste heat from a landfill gas‑to‑energy plant to dry biosolids, producing Class A material for land application and biofuel. The project involved detailed process flow development, emissions and stormwater permitting, and adjacent landfill operation integration.

Medical Waste Processing Facility Design and Permitting

Sharps Compliance Corp, Northeastern PA

The team provided site selection support, structural and mechanical design, and full permitting services for a 40,000-square-foot medical waste treatment and transfer facility. The design included autoclave systems, shredders, and wastewater controls, and permitting addressed solid waste, pharmaceutical waste, and chemotherapy waste streams.

Organics-Based Fertilizer and Conversion Facility

Espoma, Schuylkill County, PA

The team performed a site feasibility study and permitting for a 400-ton-per-day fertilizer production facility that uses poultry manure and organic waste and is powered by landfill gas. Our services included zoning, air quality planning, water and sewer assessments, structural design, and regulatory coordination. The project established the client’s first operational footprint in the state.