Page 162 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

140 THE GENERAL APPROACH FOR A SOLID WASTE ASSESSMENT

receive the same training as the core team. An approach that seems to work well is to
assign one temporary team member from each work unit within the facility. For exam-
ple, assign a supervisor or shop floor worker from each production work area such as
the metal stamping unit, the paint shop, and the accounting offices (work units will differ
by business type). The advantages of assigning temporary team members within each
work unit include faster and more accurate data collection. As a member of the work
unit in which data are being collected, the temporary team member will possess spe-
cialized knowledge on the waste generation types and amounts.
The data collection form is the most important document of the waste sort. The data
collected with the form will be used to extrapolate the annual generation for the facility
so care should be taken when collecting the data to ensure accuracy. At a minimum,
the required information on the data collection form is

■ The date the data were collected
■ The team members collecting the data (this is very useful if follow-up or clarifica-
tion is needed)
■ Work unit and location of the waste receptacle
■ Source of the waste (previous operation or supplier)
■ Disposal method (baler, compactor, recycler, uncompacted dumpster)
■ Size of the container in cubic feet (can be derived from length, width, and height
measurements)
■ The container type (desk side, recycling bin, dumpster)
■ Percent full
■ Times emptied (per day, week, or month)
■ Container contents and percent of each component
■ Condition of material (loose, compacted, baled)
■ Notes and comments that may be useful when analyzing the data (including names
and contact information for work units members with specialized knowledge of the
waste or generation levels)

Figure 8.17 shows a template of the data collection form.
A meeting should be held with the maintenance/custodial supervisor and custodial
team to clarify the scope and support required for the waste sort. On the day of the
waste sort, the custodial staff should be instructed not to empty any waste containers
so that a full day’s data can be collected. Notes and messages should be placed in the
custodian’s work and break areas the day before and the day of the waste sort to ensure
that all waste is accounted and measured. During the meeting, the custodial team
should be made aware of the goal of the project and the purpose of the waste sort.
Oftentimes, the custodial team has value-added suggestions and comments that will
improve the study, such as the areas to target and high-volume waste streams.
Finally, several days before the waste sort, messaging in the form of e-mails, service
talks, and postings in common areas should be disseminated to all facility employees
discussing the details of the waste sort. The messaging should include the date, the
purpose, and the process of the waste sort.