Kawsar Vazifdar, P.E., M.S., ENVSP

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Los Angeles County’s SB 1383 Infrastructure and Procurement Strategy

Kawsar Vazifdar, P.E., M.S., ENVSP, Civil Engineer, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

This presentation will outline Los Angeles County Public Works’ approach to complying with California’s SB 1383 requirements to divert organic waste from landfill disposal.  The presenter will highlight challenges, such as developing anaerobic digestion infrastructure in densely populated urban areas, and an ongoing analysis to identify suitable sites in the County.  Procurement of products created from recovered organic waste, including renewable natural gas and compost, is not only a requirement of SB 1383, but it also creates demand for end products which will in turn support the anaerobic digestion marketplace.  Increasing the availability of recovered organic waste products requires more anaerobic digestion infrastructure – highlighting the need for a circular organic waste economy to embed SB 1383 compliance into Southern California’s waste management landscape.  

Kawsar Vazifdar works at Los Angeles County Public Works in the Environmental Programs Division.  She manages a team that develops, analyzes, and implements environmental policies.  Ms. Vazifdar leads The Southern California Conversion Technology Project, which promotes the development of infrastructure creating renewable energy and fuels from municipal solid waste.  In addition, she is responsible for implementing single-use plastics policies in unincorporated County and implementing sustainable waste management programs at County facilities. Last, Ms. Vazifdar tracks sustainability metrics and coordinates sustainability reporting on behalf of Public Works’ Environmental Services branch.