Mr. Riel Johnson
VP of Resource Recovery
Athens Services
In only 11 years, Riel Johnson has developed several innovative recycling technology “firsts”:
- Artificial intelligence and optical sorters at materials recovery facilities;
-Auger screening equipment to filter green waste for composting;
-Organic separation presses to squeeze liquids from waste for processing into fuel.
Each system has advanced the state of the art of recovering recyclable material, and more are on the way.
“Technology is the key to improving recovery of recyclables,” Riel said. “It helps to make us more efficient, improves operations, and improves safety. And it makes things easier for the customer.” Riel is Director of Resource Recovery for Athens. His job is to recover as much recyclable material from waste as possible.
Riel holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in environmental science, both from California State University in Northridge. He started as an environmental technician analyzing data on greenhouse-gas emissions from landfills.
In 2010, Riel joined Athens as manager of a construction and debris facility. He oversaw the construction of the Sun Valley Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and the new American Organics composting facility in Victorville.
- Artificial intelligence and optical sorters at materials recovery facilities;
-Auger screening equipment to filter green waste for composting;
-Organic separation presses to squeeze liquids from waste for processing into fuel.
Each system has advanced the state of the art of recovering recyclable material, and more are on the way.
“Technology is the key to improving recovery of recyclables,” Riel said. “It helps to make us more efficient, improves operations, and improves safety. And it makes things easier for the customer.” Riel is Director of Resource Recovery for Athens. His job is to recover as much recyclable material from waste as possible.
Riel holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in environmental science, both from California State University in Northridge. He started as an environmental technician analyzing data on greenhouse-gas emissions from landfills.
In 2010, Riel joined Athens as manager of a construction and debris facility. He oversaw the construction of the Sun Valley Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and the new American Organics composting facility in Victorville.
