Page 136 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

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Municipal Solid Waste Collection 107

FIGURE 5.1 Bags and stick-
ers may be used in a “pay as
you throw” waste collection
program.

levels over a 2- and 3-year period, respectively. Communities in Illinois experienced recycling rate
increases between 41 and 64% over 5 years. Pasadena and Santa Monica, California, experienced
recycling rate increases of approximately 70 and 30%, respectively.
Many communities have chosen to combine elements of the above funding methods to form a
“hybrid system” which is best suited to their community.

5.2.5 LABOR CONTRACTS
Any conditions in existing contracts with labor unions that would affect the types of collection
equipment or operations must be evaluated. The degree of any such constraints must be assessed
early (U.S. EPA, 2003).

5.3 LOGISTICS OF THE COLLECTION PROGRAM

5.3.1 STORAGE CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS
Specific solid waste storage containers are often required for a particular collection program.
Containers should be appropriate for the collection vehicles used. For example, a community may
decide to use self-loading compactor trucks in certain neighborhoods. Residents will therefore have
to place wastes in containers that fit the container-lifting devices of the trucks. Containers should also
be easy to handle, durable, resistant to corrosion, weather, and animals. In areas where waste is col-
lected manually, standard-sized metal, plastic containers or plastic bags are usually specified for
waste storage. Many municipalities limit the size of cans to 30 to 35 gal or to a maximum total
weight. If plastic bags are used, a minimum thickness may be required. Some programs require the
use of bags because they do not have to be emptied and returned to the curb and are therefore quicker
to collect than cans. Many cities prohibit the use of other containers because they may be difficult to
handle and increase the risk of worker injury. Some municipalities also limit the total number of con-
tainers collected at a single residence. Additional fees may be charged for additional containers.

5.3.2 SET-OUT REQUIREMENTS
To establish uniform collection, communities usually formulate guidelines and enact ordinances that
specify how residents are to prepare solid waste and recyclables for collection. Set-out requirements