Page 252 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

230 DATA COLLECTION

TABLE 14.1 ECML VOLUME TO WEIGHT CONVERSION FACTORS

CONDITION (LEVEL OF DENSITY CONVERSIONS
MATERIAL COMPACTION) FACTOR

Mixed office paper Loose in desk trash bin 55 lb/yd 3
Old corrugated Not broken down and 45 lb/yd 3
containers (cardboard) uncompacted
Food waste Loose in desk trash bin 68 lb/yd 3

Old news print Loose in desk trash bin 325 lb/yd 3

Paper towels Loose in restroom trash bin 20 lb/yd 3

14.5 Existing Data Collection

Existing raw data was identified for this research and provided valuable direction for
the additional data collection. The existing data was primarily utilized to validate the
integrated model. These existing raw data sources contained 1282 solid waste gener-
ation and recycling records of U.S. companies. These data sources were identified
from previous research conducted (Franchetti, 1999), professional waste management
contacts, information gathered during the literature review, and internet searches. The
existing records and studies are from the Waste Minimization Research Project (Lucas
County, Ohio) and similar research projects, manufacturing company records, and
data collected from the U.S. government. Much raw data existed on waste generation
quantities of individual companies, but little information. Many state and local envi-
ronmental agencies collected waste generation data to use for various aggregate
reports. These reports examined waste generation for entire geographical regions, not
individual companies. Limited research has been conducted to compile and analyze
waste generation for individual companies. No sources were found that archived and
consolidated this data from the various sources. Most government agencies collected
the individual company data and used it solely to establish aggregate waste rates for
reporting requirements. Few in-depth statistical analyses were conducted on the data
by the government agencies. The individual data was stored in files and rarely used for
other purposes. The existing data sources are listed below

■ Lucas County’s (Ohio) Waste Minimization Research Project solid waste assess-
ments records (24 companies in total).
■ Mahoning County’s (Ohio) Industrial Waste Minimization Project, which conducts
solid waste for manufacturers (46 companies in total).
■ U.S. governmental records and offices, specifically
■ Solid waste management district offices located across the United States (1,060
companies in total); many of the districts have conducted industrial waste assess-
ments throughout their respective areas.