Environmental Studies Seminar Series | Exit Talk: Geospatial Optimization of California’s Organic Waste Diversion System: Transportation, Compliance, and Infrastructure Planning

In person and via Zoom (Meeting ID: 978 5545 8946, Passcode: 454736). 

If you are unable to stream the talk live and need to access a recorded version, please contact Stacy Philpott at sphilpot@ucsc.edu. A UC Santa Cruz email address is required to access the recording.

Host: Elliott Campbell

Speaker: Siyu Luo, UC Santa Cruz, ENVS

Title: Exit Talk: Geospatial Optimization of California’s Organic Waste Diversion System: Transportation, Compliance, and Infrastructure Planning

Abstract: Organic waste decomposition in landfills is a major source of anthropogenic methane, a greenhouse gas with approximately 86 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide over 20 years. California’s Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) requires a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal relative to 2014 levels, creating substantial infrastructure and logistical challenges. This dissertation develops statewide geospatial optimization frameworks linking 447 waste generating jurisdictions, approximately 200 composting facilities, agricultural working lands, and transportation networks. I examine the spatial alignment of waste generation, processing capacity, and cropland demand; the effects of alternative compliance structures on costs and greenhouse gas emissions; and the siting of additional composting infrastructure under economic, logistical, and regulatory constraints. Results show that strong spatial differences in waste generation, processing capacity, transportation, and compost end use shape system performance and regional burdens. Statewide coordination can reduce costs and emissions by shifting diversion toward lower cost locations, while jurisdiction level compliance promotes broader participation. Substantial additional processing capacity is still required, and siting is constrained by transportation, water and air quality regulation, and limited VOC Emission Reduction Credit availability. Overall, effective diversion requires coordinated planning of infrastructure, compliance, end use markets, and environmental regulation.