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Comprehensive Review of S olid W aste Collection and Disposal Options v2.1 62 10/22/12 In Sections 12 and 13, a discussion is provided regarding constructing a new regional anaerobic digestion organics processing facility. SCS estimates that tip fees for this type of facility could range between $45 to $100/ton depending on the assumed capacity of the facility, estimated capital and operation and maintenance costs, and offsetting energy revenues. The wide range of tip fees is due to the uncertainty in the documented facility construction and operation costs for such facilities, and the relatively small-scale of the conceptual facility evaluated. These types of facilities are much more capital intensive and complex than compost facilities; however, the amount of land required for anaerobic digestion facilities is generally much less than compost facilities. 4.3.2.4 Financial Analysis Applying the tip fee differential of $18.50 per ton between the Durham Transfer Station and the reported tip fee at the Dean Brooks Farm Facility (i.e., $42.50 to $24) to the estimated amount of residential organics that could be diverted from the landfill through a curbside collection program (1,200 tons/year), only a projected disposal savings of $22,000 (1,200 tons/year x $18.50/ton) is estimated. However, significant additional collection costs of over $850,000/year (11,500 x $6.00/month/HH) would be required to provide this service to the Town’s estimated 11,500 households. Some cost efficiencies could be realized by combining the yard waste and organics collection services; however, even if the costs are reduced by 75%, the projected cost savings would not offset the increased collection costs. 4.3.2.5 Conclusions and Recommendations The current management approach of disposing of the Town’s organic food waste in a Subtitle D landfill is a cost-effective and environmentally sound practice; therefore, implementing a curbside organics collection program is not recommended at this time. However, the Town should continue to evaluate this conclusion in light of future technology and regulatory changes (e.g., bans on disposal of organics in landfills). 4.3.3 Employing Radio Frequency Identification Device Technologies Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs) are being used by some municipalities to monitor waste pickup. Waste collection vehicles that are equipped with RFID readers pick up bins or carts marked with RFID tags. The readers then record the exact time and location of each waste collection event allowing a higher degree of monitoring and control of the waste collection process. More sophisticated systems can use RFID technology to relate the weight of the waste collection container with other data such as customer name and address to enhance customer billing and accountability functions. The cost for the RFID tags can vary depending on the quantity purchased, level of protective housing, and battery life. Waste collection carts can be purchased with an RFID tags embedded for just about $1.00 additional per cart. The cost of retrofitting existing carts without RFID tags is about $10 per cart. SCS understands the Town is currently systematically purchasing carts equipped with RFID tags. These carts are being distributed into the waste collections systems as existing residential carts are replaced due to damage, age, or new customers added to the system.