Page 161 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

STEP 4: SOLID WASTE SORTS 139

8.5 Step 4: Solid Waste Sorts

Solid waste sorts provide detailed data regarding the composition of an organization’s
waste stream. Via the data collected from the solid waste sorts, the organization’s
waste stream can be characterized into the various materials that comprise the entire
stream, including the annual amounts generated and the percentage that each compo-
nent contributes to the entire waste stream. These data are invaluable when evaluating
cost-effective methods or process changes to divert these components from landfills.
The waste sort itself is affectionately referred to as dumpster diving, since the team
will physically collect, sort, and weigh a representative sample of the organization’s
waste. The remainder of this section discusses the process to conduct a waste sort,
including the required preparation, tools required, a step-by-step guide, and also pro-
vides data collection forms.

8.5.1 PREPARATION
Before scheduling the actual waste sort, some preparation work is required, including
a team meeting to discuss several items to ensure a smooth project. Specifically, the
following items should be addressed and finalized prior to the sort:

■ Hold a team meeting
■ Create a waste assessment plan and assign roles and facility areas of responsibility
■ Conduct waste sort training
■ Review a layout of the facility
■ Gather the needed tools and equipment
■ Assign data collection roles to temporary team members
■ Prepare the data collection forms
■ Hold a custodial staff meeting
■ Disseminate employee messaging regarding the sort and what to expect

The team meeting prior to the waste sort should be held to get the team on the same
page. The primary outcomes from this meeting are training and creating a waste sort
plan. The training should be conducted by the technical expert and focus on the use of
tools and data collection form. The waste sort plan should assign team members to the
various areas of the facility to conduct data collection effectively and efficiently. The
equipment required for the waste sort includes

■ Gloves
■ Yard sticks
■ Plastic bags
■ Scales
■ Clipboards (with the data collection form)

Based on the size of the facility, it may be necessary to recruit additional support to
collect data during the waste audit. If additional help is used, these individuals should