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MAGS Now USDA Approved By APHIS As A New Technology For Handling Regulated Garbage

MAGS Now USDA Approved by APHIS as a New Technology for Handling Regulated Garbage

MAGSTM: An Ideal Technology for the Treatment of Regulated Garbage

Terragon’s Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) is now USDA approved as a new technology for handling regulated garbage. The commonly employed technologies including USDA/APHIS approved incinerators, sterilizers and grinders only offer sterilization and volume reduction benefits. Aside from the benefits of sterilization and volume reduction, MAGS also offers the following:

  • 120 kW onsite energy generation;
  • 24-hour operation;
  • Full automation with remote monitoring option ;
  • Carbon sequestration resulting in fewer CO2 emissions;
  • RG treatment onsite:
    • eliminates the need for expensive third-party waste haulers;
    • prevents GHG emissions from transportation of RG; and
    • reduces spill and contamination liability.
  • Compliant with the European Union’s Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), United States EPA, Canadian and other land-based emission requirements.

 

What is Regulated Garbage?

According to Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations 330.400 -330.403, Regulated Garbage (RG) is “garbage on or removed from a means of conveyance […], if the means of conveyance has been in any port outside the United States and Canada within the previous 2-year period”. According to 9 CFR 94.5, RG is defined as “All waste materials that is derived in whole or in part from fruits, vegetables, meats or other plant or animal (including poultry) material, any other character of refuse whatsoever that has been associated with any such material.” Additionally, any waste or product that is or has been “commingled” with RG is then also considered to by RG and subject to the same rules and regulations. In sum, RG is organic waste material discharged from various modes of transportation, such as ships and airplanes, arriving from any location outside of United States and Canadian borders or any other waste or product that has come into contact with RG.

Examples of non-regulated garbage arriving from an international location include items such as batteries, light bulbs, scrap metals and used cooking oil unless these items have been contaminated by RG. These items are consequently not subject to the same requirements as RG.

 

Regulatory Framework and Authority

RG is managed in accordance with Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations 330.400 -330.403 (regulates transport of foreign waste) and Title 9 Code of Federal Regulations 94.5 (regulates garbage from foreign countries) under the authority of the United State’s Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

 

Why does Regulated Garbage matter?

RG is not harmless waste; it can potentially carry a vast array of plant and animal pests and diseases which can then take root and proliferate in North America. As an agency of the USDA, APHIS actively regulates and monitors imports (including waste) for 80 different non-native plants, animals, insects and diseases, safeguarding American agricultural interests, food supplies and human health. Some commonly known diseases include African swine fever, avian influenza and bovine spongiform encephalopathy or “mad cow disease”. Effectively sterilizing these waste streams ensures that contamination does not occur.

 

MAGS for the Maritime and Airline Industry

MAGS is the preferred choice for the sterilization and energetic reuse of RG. Terragon can offer a cost effective, safe and truly sustainable solution for airlines, airports, cruise lines, cargo lines, tankers, ports of entry and other entities burdened with RG. A compact and reconfigurable footprint of 2.4m x 3.5m x 2.1m (8.2 ft x 11.4 ft x 6.9 ft) allows for easy installation in small interior spaces such as maintenance rooms. Although MAGS can accept a variety of waste mixtures, it is ideally suited for the treatment of combustible wastes such as regulated garbage which is heavy in paper, plastic and food content. With MAGS, your RG is a valuable resource. Make the most of your RG and find out more about MAGS and USDA approval here.

 

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