Tajiguas Resource Recovery Project – MRF, ADF & CMU
Santa Barbara County, California
Client: County of Santa Barbara
Diani Building Corp. played a key role in the Tajiguas Resource Recovery Project (TRRP), a cutting-edge waste diversion facility located along the Pacific Ocean coastal bluff. The project supports Santa Barbara County’s sustainability goals by significantly reducing landfill use through advanced recycling and organic processing systems.
Diani’s scope included construction of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), Anaerobic Digestion Facility (ADF), and Compost Management Unit (CMU)—each requiring highly coordinated construction and integration with complex processing equipment.
The MRF presented a unique challenge, housing over $30 million in specialized recycling equipment. Due to equipment size and configuration, major system components were installed prior to full building enclosure, requiring Diani to construct the facility around the equipment. This demanded precise sequencing, tight tolerances, and close coordination with multiple vendors to ensure proper system alignment and performance.
The ADF involved construction of process-intensive infrastructure, including below-grade containment systems, tanks, and mechanical/process piping for organic waste digestion and renewable energy production. The CMU included large concrete processing pads, aeration systems, and leachate management infrastructure, designed for durability in a heavy-use, corrosive environment.
Located in a highly sensitive coastal environment, the project required strict compliance with environmental regulations. Diani implemented comprehensive erosion control, stormwater management, and material durability strategies to address ocean-adjacent conditions while working alongside an active landfill operation.
In addition to the technical complexity, the project required extensive coordination between structural, mechanical, and process trades, ensuring that all systems were seamlessly integrated into a fully operational facility. Construction sequencing was critical, as multiple scopes were installed concurrently within tight tolerances and an active construction footprint.
Diani also managed logistical challenges unique to the site, including limited access, material staging constraints, and coordination of large equipment deliveries. Careful planning and phased execution allowed the team to maintain productivity while minimizing disruption to ongoing landfill operations.
The coastal location introduced additional considerations, including corrosion-resistant material selection and detailing, as well as construction methods designed to withstand long-term exposure to marine conditions. These measures were essential to ensuring the durability and longevity of the facility.
The Tajiguas Resource Recovery Project stands as a model for innovative, environmentally responsible infrastructure, and highlights Diani Building Corp.’s ability to successfully deliver complex, process-driven construction projects in highly regulated and technically demanding environments.
