CITY NEWS
THE CITY OF PHOENIX TO BEGIN TURNING PLASTICS INTO FUEL The need to find a way to re-use these THE CITY OF PHOENIX PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS EXCITED materials comes on the heels of China no longer accepting certain recycled TO ANNOUNCE A NEW PARTmaterials from the United States. This NERSHIP WITH RENEW PHOENIX forced city leadership to think creativeTHAT AIMS TO TURN PLASTICS ly to find new solutions for its recycled DESTINED FOR THE LANDFILL materials. Thanks to the foresight of the INTO FUEL. This innovative repurPhoenix City Council, this new project posing of what’s known as “Plastics is now ready to take shape. 3-7,” or low-value plastics, is the latest venture in the city’s “Reimagine Phoenix” initiative to increase its diversion rate Once at full production, to 40 percent by the end the project is expected to divert of 2020, and ultimately ten tons per day of mixed plastic reach zero waste by 2050. waste, which equates to 60
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“I believe in taking bold barrels chances to make big change. The idea of making fuel with the plastics we are throwing away is certainly an ‘out of the box’ idea that I am thrilled to say will also bring jobs and revenue to our city,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “During a time when cities are giving up on recycling, Phoenix is again leading the way in setting the gold standard for innovation and creativity.”
of liquid fuel.
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“The future is all about recycling, sustainability and doing our part to ensure future generations have a healthy planet,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who serves as the chair of the Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure and Sustainability (WWIS) Subcommittee. “I am certain that once others see what we are doing, they will want to be part
of this movement to prevent more materials being simply thrown away.”
The plan is for Renew Phoenix, a joint venture between Generated Materials Recovery and Renewlogy, to work together to build a facility to process the materials on the city’s Resource Innovation Campus. “I am excited for what this partnership brings to Phoenix,” said Councilman Michael Nowakowski, whose district is home to the city’s Resource Innovation Campus. “This new, innovative venture will encourage other businesses to bring-next generation technology to Phoenix to help us reach our diversion goal of 40 percent by 2020.” Renew Phoenix was selected through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Their plan is to use a proprietary chemical recycling process to reverse the plastic back into its basic molecular structure, which will allow them to convert the plastic waste into fuel. Renew Phoenix will also bring as many as 15 full-time jobs to the valley, after investing more than five million dollars in capital to the project.
“Renewlogy is excited about bringing our technology to Phoenix and creating a more circular economy around plastic waste locally,” said Priyanka Bakaya, Founder and CEO of Renewlogy. “Phoenix will serve as a model for cities around the country looking for local solutions for plastic waste.” Once at full production, the project is expected to divert ten tons per day of mixed plastic waste, which equates to 60 barrels of liquid fuel. This partnership will not only help Phoenix, but the Valley altogether. Renew Phoenix will be able to scale their production to allow regional remanufacturing of Plastics 3-7 to be processed as well.
“We are proud to continue bucking the trend and pushing forward with innovation, economic development and repurposing our waste,” said Ginger Spencer, city of Phoenix Public Works Director. “We are committed to building a circular economy and achieving our Reimagine Phoenix goals. This new venture to turn plastics into fuel is eyeopening and we hope it will serve as a model for other cities to reimagine their own recycling programs.”
LOCAL RESTAURANT HOSTS PAJAMA DRIVE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE U.S. EGG IS TEAMING UP WITH ARIZONA HELPING HANDS (AHH) TO HOST A NEW TOY AND PAJAMA DRIVE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN FOSTER CARE. AHH is the largest organization in Arizona that provides beds, cribs, clothing, toiletries, birthday gifts, holiday toys, backpacks with school supplies, licensing safety items, and more to more than 14,000 children in foster care. “It may come as a surprise to many, but many children in foster care have never had their birthday celebrated and often do not have any personal belongings when they go into a foster home,” said Sherie Siegel, Vice President of Arizona Helping Hands. “Providing a new pair of pajamas or piece of clothing that is theirs makes a huge impact. Every child should feel special for their birthday. Providing new birthday gifts shows them that people truly care and take the time to think about them. We are thankful for the community’s support with this drive.” For the entire month of May, all six Valley U.S. Egg locations will be collecting new toys and pajamas that will be donated to Arizona Helping Hands. The 4 • May 2019 • THE SCOTTSDALE STANDARD
greatest need are new toys for boys and girls ages 6-12 to support the Birthday Dreams program, where every child in foster care receives new gifts and a new book. “As a family-oriented business, we prioritize giving back and supporting our community, especially those in need,” said George Gebran owner of U.S. Egg. “Partnering with AHH and hosting this pajama drives is one of the most important things we do all year.” Another family operated company, Hickman’s Family Farms is also supporting the drive this year as one of the primary sponsors. The restaurant will host foster families throughout the month of May so they can enjoy a complimentary breakfast or lunch on U.S. Egg. NEARBY U.S. EGG LOCATIONS: 7119 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale 3238 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale 402 E. Greenway Parkway in Phoenix 2957 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix thescottsdalestandard.com
