CRRA2021

Civil Engineer

Charles Darensbourg is a Civil Engineer in the Planning and Policy Development Section of Environmental Programs Division at Los Angeles County Public Works. His assignments include working on environmental policy and legislation associated with solid waste, organic waste, source reduction, processing infrastructure, and renewable energy and fuels. In addition, he is involved in planning for the County of Los Angeles to comply with California Senate Bill 1383. Mr. Darensbourg is registered as a Professional Civil Engineer in California and received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University and a MPA from California State University Dominguez Hills. 

Leadership in Organic Waste Management

With the final version of the Senate Bill 1383 organics recycling regulations on the books, Los Angeles County is working to expand its award-winning edible food recovery and organic waste recycling programs.  Hundreds of new facilities are needed throughout the State of California to achieve the SB 1383 targets of reducing landfill disposal of organic waste and emissions of methane, a powerful short-lived climate pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of near-term atmospheric warming.  Counties and cities are responsible for planning to ensure adequate infrastructure capacity to process their food waste, green waste, and other organic waste.  Through InfrastructureLA and the Southern California Conversion Technology Project, Los Angeles County has been engaging local Cities, facility developers, waste haulers, and other stakeholders to prepare for SB 1383 compliance.  This presentation will provide an overview of planning efforts that led the County to new insights and the development of new programs. The presenter will also share lessons learned to help other jurisdictions implement similar strategies.