The first of two new advanced waste sorting systems in Portsmouth, Virginia, has been inaugurated. The facility, owned by AMP, will be used to separate 100,000 tons of trash each year. The company recently signed a 20-year contract with the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) for diverting 50% of residential waste that is currently going to the landfill. The new system diverts 20% of what comes in as "trash" and recycles an additional 30% of it, which can be converted into a stable form of carbon. The rate cities and counties will pay is expected to increase by $15 per ton of trash hauled to offset the costs of the new service.