Waste Analysis in Action

Waste Analysis in Action

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Sample Selection

Waste analysis data needs to be representative of its sample area - different types of households will produce different types of waste. Sarah Knapp brings seven years of practical experience of finding the best sampling techniques to suit the required outcomes of a waste analysis project. She has created practical and rational sampling frames for counties, districts, collection rounds and trial areas. The methods that WastesWork uses are defined by the information that is required.

Fieldwork Barrie Knapp is responsible for all fieldwork from organising analysts and team leaders to mapping out collection routes. We collect the waste ourselves on the householders normal collection day. All staff are trained in waste specific H&S. Particular emphasis is placed on manual handling and the danger caused by sharp objects.

Hand sorting samples

Once the sample has been collected, it is brought back to the assigned sort site. The samples, both waste and recycling are weighed as a bulk on electronic, platform scales and then hand sorted into the defined categories; we use categories that are compatible with the defra and SEPA specifications but also fit for client needs. The teams normally sort to 13 first stage categories and then up to 50 second stage categories. The chosen categories will determine which elements are potentially reusable or recyclable; weights and types of WEEE and HHW; contamination levels in the recycling etc.

Weighing recording and disposal

Once had sorting is complete each category of waste is weighed and recorded on data sheets. The residual waste is then disposed of into skips or bins and any recycable materials stored for recycling. The data is then entered into MS Excel spreadsheets and analysed.

Results from a waste analysis will show:

overall weight of waste and recycling per household
weights and concentration % for each material category
potentially recyclable materials in the waste
contaminants in each recycling containers
material capture and recognition rates
recycling diversion rates
biodegradable diversion rate
set out rates
space used in each container
sizing and density of materials