recycling

Many of the pacemakers come from Implant Recycling, LLC, a Michigan environmental and recycling company that services the crematory and cemetery industries.

The rest of the tire, meanwhile, can be recycled using classic plastic recycling methods -- a plus, given there currently are no alternatives for tires in general.

"I think actual recycling of the tire itself is important, so there are truly circular solutions that are doing upcycling," he said.

Other supporters cited a recent cost-benefit analysis by the state Department of Water Resources, which concluded that building the tunnel would deliver water at lower cost than investments in seawater desalination, wastewater recycling or stormwater capture.

Reznik said Southern California has a great deal of untapped potential to boost supplies locally through investments such as recycling wastewater and capturing stormwater.