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SPSA SORT (Separating Organics, Recycling and Trash) initiative was undertaken to extend the life-span of the regional landfill and reduce the overall waste burden to the environment.  Implementing SORT extends the projected landfill lifetime from 2060 to 2095.

 

SPSA-published information is available at www.spsava.gov/sort.  The website provides details of the full cycle and a transparency dashboard to show progress towards full implementation.

 

Based on a waste-characterization study, approximately 70% of this region's waste does not need to be buried in a landfill.  About 20% is recyclable (plastics and metals) and 30 to 50% is able to be converted into bio-char or bio-charcoal.  The SORT waste stream will result in bio-char which captures the carbon in organics (primarily food, paper and yard wastes).  Bio-char can be used as an additive for concrete, making the concrete more environmentally friendly.  It can also be used as a soil additive or landfill topper (which captures/filters greenhouse gases).

 

Creation of bio-char requires no energy input after cycle initiation since gases produced are used to heat the incoming waste (bio-char is created through pyrolysis).

 

Overall, the expectation is that recycled materials will increase from an average of 7% (typical for curbside programs) to 20% and 30 to 50% of waste will be repurposed as bio-char.

 

Implementation is phased and required all localities to commit to using the process.  This commitment is why we stopped the separate curbside recycling program.

 

You can track implementation progress on the SPSA site above.  As of September 2026, 20% of the region's waste is being processed using SORT.  Full implementation is expected to complete by 2028/2029.  A private contractor is providing the service and the contract provides for approximately 20% capacity increase.

 

The SPSA management team invites groups who are interested in the project or want to learn more to reach out to them.  Small group tours of the facilities (located in Portsmouth) can be scheduled.