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United States Solid Waste EPA530-R-97-011
Environmental Protection and Emergency Response September 1997
Agency (5306W) http://www.epa.gov
1EPA Measuring Recycling
A Guide for State and Local
Governments
2 Printed on paper that contains at least 20 percent postconsumer fiber.
Measuring Recycling
A Guide for State and Local
Governments
Contents
List of Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii
Section 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Section 2 Elements of Standardization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Standard elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Flexible elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Section 3 Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Define your program goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Determine if useful data are already being collected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Ascertain your authority to survey and collect data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Determine who will collect recycling measurement data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Decide on reporting requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Establish program staff and budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Establish a timeframe for system development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Section 4 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Learn about your terrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Solicit input into the design of your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Determine what type of information is needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Determine whom to survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Address confidentiality guarantees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Determine how to manage and analyze the information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Contents i
Section 5 Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Institute measures to increase your survey response rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Educate survey respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Distribute survey forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Maintain frequent communication with survey respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Compile data and calculate an MSW recycling rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Verify and double-check data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Share information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Section 6 Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Expand or change data collection efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Refine and modify the survey forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Consider measuring source reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Take advantage of electronic reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Appendices
Appendix A: Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Appendix B: Standard Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors . . . . . . .59
Appendix C: Survey Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Appendix D: Recycling Rate Worksheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Appendix E: Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Appendix F: Sample Language for Freedom of Information . . . . . . . .143
Act Exemption
Appendix G: Sample Cover Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Appendix H: Adjusting Waste Generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149
ii Contents
List of Tables
Table A. Scope of Materials Included in the Standard MSW Recycling Rate . . . . .11
Table B. Scope of Activities Included in the Standard MSW Recycling Rate . . . . .13
Table 1. Sources of MSW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Table 2. Survey Forms and Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Table 3. Recycling Rate Worksheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Table 4. Direct vs. Indirect Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Table 5. Reporting Options and Typical Cost and Response Implications . . . . . . .19
Table 6. Recycling Measurement Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Table 7. Identifying the Key Players in Waste Management in
Your State or Locality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Table 8. Data Needed to Calculate an Overall Recycling Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Table 9. Data Collection Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Table 10. Overview of Preferred Approaches for Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Table 11. Survey Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Table 12. Examples of Source Reduction Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Table 13. Survey Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
List of Tables iii
About This Guide
T
his guide is designed to help state and local
agencies measure municipal solid waste (MSW)
recycling. It contains instructions, definitions, case
studies, tips, forms, and worksheets to help calculate an
MSW recycling rate. Information is provided to help track
broad categories of recycled materials and commodity-
specific categories, if desired. All features of the guide,
including the survey forms and worksheets, can be used by
both state and local governments that measure recycling.
For more information, or to order documents on
issues related to recycling measurement, call the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s RCRA/Superfund
Hotline at 800 424-9346.
About This Guide v
Acknowledgments
M
any state and local officials, solid waste profes-
sionals, and recycling experts with extensive expe-
rience in the recycling measurement field
contributed to the development of this guide. The guide
also builds upon work initiated by the State Data Collection
Project, conducted from 1992 through 1994 by the
Council of State Governments under a grant from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EPA would like to thank the following individuals for their
assistance in developing this guide:
Council of State Governments Focus Group
Laura Kliewer Foster, Midwestern Office Harry Benson, Wellman, Inc.
Ellen Pratt, Northeast Recycling Council Tim Breneisen, Lancaster County Solid Waste
Management Authority, Pennsylvania
Peer Review Group Phil Carnevale, Schiavone-Bonomo
Kip Eagles, Washington Department of Pablo Collins, The Davidson Colling Group
Ecology Robert Davis, Browning-Ferris Industries
Tony Hainault, Minnesota Office of Michael Poland, Environmental Recycling, Inc.
Environmental Assistance
Bob Reichard, Laidlaw Waste Systems
Carl Hursh, Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection Carlos Rovelo, Rock-Tenn Company
Mark Lennon, New Hampshire Department Nathan Tyler, Glass Packaging Institute
of Environmental Services
Edgar Miller, National Recycling Coalition
Seth Phillips and Sharon Edgar, Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality
Woody Raine and Bill Carter, Texas Natural
Resources Conservation Commission
Joan Rohlfs, Metropolitan Washington
Council of Governments
Acknowledgments vii
National Recycling Coalition Karen Harrington, Minnesota Office of
Environmental Assistance
Workshop
Nancy Carr, California Integrated Waste Ed Harris, Fairfax County, Virginia,
Management Board Department of Public Works
Ron Henricks, Florida Department of Judy Henderson, Oregon Department of
Environmental Protection Environmental Quality
Mitra Khazi, Indiana Department of Suzanne Laland, Onondaga County, New
Environmental Management York, Resource Recovery Agency
Peter Spendaloe, Oregon Department of Virginia Lipscomb, Maryland Department of
Environmental Quality the Environment
Vicki Viens, Vermont Department of Jacquie Moon, Oregon Department of
Environmental Conservation
Environmental Quality
Raymond Moreau, Florida Department of
Other State and Local Government Environmental Protection
Representatives Who Assisted Scott Mouw, North Carolina Office of Waste
Dave Benke, Minnesota Office of Reduction
Environmental Assistance
Kerry Overlee, Mecklenberg County, North
Ann Bernstein, Minnesota Office of Carolina, Department of Engineering and
Environmental Assistance
Building Standards
Esther Bowring, Montgomery County,
Lynn Schramel, Monroe County, New York,
Maryland, Department of Environmental
Department of Environmental Services
Protection
William Colden, New York Department of Caroline Smith, Anoka County, Minnesota,
Environmental Conservation Integrated Waste Management Unit
Gerry Geiger, Indiana Department of Phil Spranger, Wisconsin Department of
Environmental Management Natural Resources
Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County, Maryland, David White, Ohio Environmental Protection
Office of Solid Waste and Recycling Agency
viii Acknowledgments
1
SECTION
Introduction
R
ecycling is an important part of integrated solid
waste management (ISWM)—the complementary
use of source reduction, recycling, combustion,
and landfilling to manage municipal solid waste (MSW). In
the ISWM hierarchy, recycling (including composting) is the
preferred waste management option, after source reduc-
tion, to reduce potential risks to human health and the
environment, divert wastes from landfills and combustors,
conserve energy, and slow the depletion of nonrenewable
natural resources. This guide can help you measure your
progress in recycling and promote consistency among
states and localities.
In recent years, many state and s Tonnages of specific categories the effectiveness of recycling pro-
local governments have set recy- of materials, such as newsprint, grams from one region to another.
cling goals and implemented recycled.
From 1992 to 1994, the Council
systems for determining their
Recycling measurement is dif- of State Governments conducted
progress in meeting those goals. As
ferent from the measurement of the State Data Collection project
of 1993, approximately 40 states
waste diversion in that data are col- under a U.S. Environmental
were collecting and maintaining
lected on the amount of materials Protection Agency (EPA) grant.
data on recycling; 26 of these calcu-
recycled or composted rather than The project identified current and
lated an actual recycling rate.1
on the amount of disposed solid future state plans for data collec-
“Measuring recycling” typically
waste. tion and opportunities for consis-
entails surveying generators,
Currently, not everyone defines tency in recycling measurement.
collectors, processors, and end
recycling or the processes that con- The project concluded that a
users of MSW and recyclables to
stitute recycling in the same way. uniform, national method for
collect data on one or more of the
Definitions of MSW also vary. measuring recycling rates be devel-
following:
There is no standard approach for oped. Subsequent interviews with
s Overall tonnages of municipal state officials indicated states are
how or where to collect the needed
waste discarded and materials open to switching to a standard
data. The methods used to calcu-
recycled.
late a recycling rate also differ from
s Tonnages of broad categories one area to another. All of these fac- 1Council of State Governments. 1993. Data
of materials, such as paper, tors can make it difficult to collect Collection for Recyclable Materials Collection and
Marketing: Interim Report.
recycled. and analyze data and to compare
Introduction 1
national system if the new scope is wholly consistent with the For this reason, EPA allows for the
approach gives them flexibility and definitions and distinctions made estimation of data in certain
guidance on important data collec- in this report. instances, providing that estimates
tion and measurement issues. are based on good, solid knowl-
Not all types of solid waste are
Moreover, state officials bound to edge of the sources and flow of
included in the scope. Various
their existing data collection sys- MSW within a region.
items, including construction and
tems, generally due to legislated The methodology and recom-
demolition debris, manufacturing
requirements, indicated they were mendations presented in this guide
waste, and overissue newspapers
willing to recalculate their recy- represent the practical experience
to name a few, are excluded from
cling rate using a standard of many states and localities cur-
the standard scope. Although
methodology if one were devel- rently measuring recycling. Aside
recovery of these materials is not
oped. Officials in states that do not from establishing a voluntary, uni-
factored into the standard calcula-
currently collect data indicated that form method for calculating recy-
tion used to determine a recycling
the development of standard recy- cling rates, this guide offers state
rate, EPA encourages state and
cling measurement techniques and local governments a number of
local governments to continue their
could assist in convincing decision- benefits, including advice and rec-
efforts to promote the recycling of
makers to support future data col- ommendations for:
these items. In addition, space for
lection efforts and would provide
collecting these data is provided on s Obtaining accurate data.
an off-the-shelf tool for creating a
the survey forms included with
recycling measurement program. s Minimizing double counting.
this guide, which are designed to
As a result of these conclusions,
help obtain data on MSW disposal s Identifying possible errors or
EPA worked with state and local
and recycling. omissions in data.
officials to develop this recycling
measurement guide. For those agencies desiring to s Establishing relationships with
perform recycling measurement the private sector to obtain com-
This guide is designed to help
for the first time, this guide pro- mercial recycling information.
promote consistency in the way
vides a straightforward, cost-effec-
recycling data are collected, mea- s Ensuring the private sector’s
tive, and standardized system for
sured, and reported by state and confidentiality when reporting
compiling and calculating the nec-
local governments. In order to data.
essary data. A step-by-step process
achieve uniformity and address
for developing a recycling mea- s Using national waste characteri-
wide variations in what is counted
surement program is outlined, zation data to estimate waste
as MSW and recycling from one
complete with tips and case stud- generation when disposal data
area to another, a standard scope of are not available.
ies. This guide also provides infor-
materials to be measured is need-
mation for those agencies with a s Accounting for imports and
ed. EPA reviewed a wide range of
measurement program already in exports of MSW and recyclable
scopes when developing the stan-
place but interested in switching to materials.
dard measurement methodology
the standardized approach. In
presented in this guide. The select- s Streamlining and improving
addition, agencies interested in
ed scope relies on EPA’s historical data collection.
simply recalculating an overall
definition of MSW as contained in
recycling rate to be consistent with s Reducing recycling measure-
the EPA report, Characterization of
the standardized methodology will ment costs.
Municipal Solid Waste in the United
find this guide helpful.
States. This scope was chosen Although state and local gov-
because it is broadly accepted and Although numerous tips are ernments can benefit from the
understood, the data are familiar offered in the guide for obtaining information contained in this guide
and accessible throughout the 50 accurate data, EPA recognizes the without adopting the standard
states, and default values can be need to balance the resources spent recycling measurement methodol-
extracted from the report if mea- on recycling measurement against ogy, doing so has many advan-
surers have incomplete data. For the larger goal of advancing inte- tages. Standard data collection and
practical purposes, the standard grated solid waste management. calculation methods (including the
2 Section 1
use of the survey forms included s Enhanced ability to improve
with this guide) can help achieve: waste handling and recycling
programs, since standard recy-
s Greater cooperation from infor-
cling rates are produced that
mation sources supplying data,
can be tracked against other
who appreciate efforts to stream-
programs.
line and standardize reporting
requirements. In addition, standardization ben-
efits the businesses and industry
s More opportunities to exchange
representatives that supply recy-
information and advance recy-
cling and waste disposal data to
cling measurement techniques,
state and local agencies. A recycling
since similar methods are
measurement system that involves
employed nationwide.
standard definitions, survey forms,
s Fewer opportunities for manipu- and reporting requirements simpli-
lation of recycling data in order to fies and streamlines the reporting
meet recycling goals. process for these data sources and
reduces the amount of time and
s Time and cost savings for every-
resources they must expend.
one involved in data collection
and analysis.
Introduction 3
Elements of
2
SECTION
Standardization
I
n order to produce comparable recycling rates, certain elements of
recycling measurement must be consistent from one jurisdiction to another.
These required elements of standardization are as follows:
s Include only the standard scope of MSW.
s Include only standard recycling activities.
s Use the standard equation for calculating a recycling rate.
s Account for imports and exports of materials.
s Obtain data on a calendar year basis.
s Report data in tons.
Even though the standardized recycling measurement system presented in this
guide is voluntary, if you choose to implement this system in your state or locality,
these components must be included in order for standardization to occur.
Other aspects of recycling measurement are flexible. These include:
s WHY to measure recycling.
s WHEN to collect the necessary data.
s WHO should collect and compile the information.
s WHERE to collect the information.
s HOW to collect, organize, and maintain the data.
This guide suggests preferred strategies for handling these flexible aspects of
measurement, but since every jurisdiction is different, techniques that work effectively
in one region may require modification in another.
Equation for Calculating the Standard Recycling Rate
Total MSW Recycled
MSW Recycling Rate (%) = x 100
Total MSW Generated*
*Total MSW Generated = Total MSW Recycled + Total MSW Disposed of
Elements of Standardization 5
Standard defined and characterized MSW in
a consistent way for over a decade.
study also provides a source of
default values that can be utilized
Elements The scope of MSW employed in the
standard methodology is consis-
in calculating a recycling rate if
necessary. Finally, use of the
The six elements detailed below tent with EPA’s Characterization of study’s definition of MSW pro-
comprise the standard methodolo- Municipal Solid Waste in the United motes consistency by establishing a
gy for measuring recycling. As States, a study based on data col- common language for recycling
such, they are required for states lected since 1960. The definition of
and localities that choose to imple- discussions.
MSW contained in this report is
ment the methodology. based on the historical manage-
ment of municipal solid waste. 2. Include only
1. Include only the Although it is common practice to
standard recycling
landfill materials such as munici-
standard scope of pal sludge, nonhazardous industri- activities.
MSW. al process wastes, and construction
and demolition (C&D) debris Recycling of MSW is defined as
Only MSW as defined in Table A along with MSW, these materials the series of activities by which dis-
(page 11) is included when calcu- are not included in the standard carded postconsumer materials are
lating a recycling rate using the scope of MSW or in calculating a collected, sorted, processed, con-
standard methodology presented standard recycling rate. Such verted into raw materials, and
in this guide. MSW is generated wastes are referred to as Other used in the production of new
from residential, commercial, insti- Solid Waste in this guide. (Refer to products. Some examples of recy-
tutional, and industrial sources. the Glossary in Appendix A for cling activities included are recy-
Examples of waste from these complete definitions.) cling old newspaper into new
sources are provided in Table 1, paper, recycling discarded alu-
Defining the scope of MSW in
and a detailed description of the minum cans into new ones, offsite
the same way it is defined in EPA’s
standard scope of MSW is provid- composting of leaves, and mulching
characterization study ensures that
ed in Table A. old pallets into wood chips. (Refer
recycling rates are comparable
While definitions of MSW differ from year to year since they are to the Glossary in Appendix A for a
from region to region, EPA has based on historical continuity. This complete definition.)
TABLE 1. SOURCES OF MSW
SOURCES TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF MSW
Residential Old newspapers, clothing, packaging, cans and bottles, food scraps, and
(single- and multi-family homes). yard trimmings.
Commercial Old corrugated containers (OCC), office papers, yard trimmings, food scraps,
(office buildings, retail and disposable tableware, paper napkins, and cans and bottles.
wholesale establishments, and
restaurants).
Institutional Office papers, books, yard trimmings, and cafeteria wastes (food scraps,
(schools, libraries, hospitals, and disposable tableware, paper napkins, and cans and bottles).
prisons).
Industrial OCC, plastic film, wood pallets, office papers, and cafeteria wastes (food
(packaging and administrative, but scraps, disposable tableware, paper napkins, and cans and bottles).
not process wastes).
6 Section 2
Preconsumer recycling, such as are described in Section 4. Also, other systems employ fiscal year
recycling trimmings from paper methods for using waste character- data. An important aspect of stan-
converting operations, is not ization data to estimate MSW gen- dardization, therefore, is setting a
included in calculating a standard eration (when disposal data are not uniform measurement year.
recycling rate. Also omitted is the available or reliable) are provided Private recyclers and disposal facil-
recycling of all non-MSW materi- in Section 5. ities supplying more than one
als, such as C&D debris and used jurisdiction with data will appreci-
oil. Source reduction activities,
including reuse practices and back-
4. Account for ate such uniformity. To be consis-
tent, the standard methodology
yard composting, also are excluded imports and requires collection of data for the
from the standard recycling rate.
Combustion for energy recovery,
exports of MSW previous calendar year (January to
December).
like other types of MSW disposal, is and recyclables.
excluded. The scope of MSW recy-
cling is described in detail in Table B
MSW and recyclables often 6. Report data in tons.
move across jurisdictional lines for
(page 13). Another important aspect of
economic and practical reasons.
The definition of recycling standardization is a uniform unit
Current recycling measurement
employed by the standard method- of measurement. Data sources are
systems do not always account for
ology is consistent with the defini- asked to report quantities in tons
the exporting and importing of
tion used in EPA’s Characterization and to use conversion factors if the
materials resulting from the free
of Municipal Solid Waste in the movement of waste and recy- tonnage is not available. Volume-
United States. The use of the same clables between states or localities. to-weight conversion factors are
definition over time promotes con- provided to allow for standard
The standard methodology conversions (see Appendix B).
sistency and comparability among
requires that your recycling rate Alternatively, respondents can use
recycling rates.
include only materials generated in their own conversion factors pro-
your state or locality. This allows vided they are based on actual data
3. Use the standard for a more accurate account of and not estimates.
waste generated and materials
equation for recycled within your jurisdiction.
calculating a For this reason, when calculating Flexible Elements
the amount of MSW recycled, be
recycling rate. sure to add to the total any recy- Below are the elements of recy-
The standard methodology uses clable materials that were exported cling measurement that will differ
the equation shown on page 5 for from your state or locality, and sub- among jurisdictions. Although the
calculating a recycling rate. tract any recyclables that were standard methodology does not
imported into your state or locality. prescribe a single method for
The MSW recycling rate is calcu-
Likewise, when calculating the addressing these elements, this
lated by dividing the total amount
amount of MSW disposed of, any guide does provide preferred
of MSW recycled (including offsite
MSW that was exported from your approaches based on the experi-
composting) in the measurement
jurisdiction should be added to the ence of many state and local
year (the previous calendar year)
total, and any MSW imported governments.
by the total amount of MSW gener-
should be subtracted. Section 4 of
ated. MSW generation is equal to
the total amount of MSW recycled
this guide provides suggestions for
how to track exports and imports.
1. When to collect
plus the total amount of MSW dis-
posed of, in tons. Both MSW gener-
data.
ation and recycling totals are 5. Obtain data on a Although the standard method-
adjusted to account for imports ology requires you to collect data
and exports of waste and recy-
calendar year basis. from the previous calendar year,
clables. Methods for obtaining Some existing measurement sys- exactly when you choose to collect
recycling and waste disposal data tems use calendar year data, while and compile these data is entirely
Elements of Standardization 7
up to you. Section 3 contains a rec- sured recycling as well as those
Benefits To Using ommended timeline that suggests already collecting data who want
The Survey Forms dates for distributing survey forms to either switch to the standard
and requesting responses. While methodology or recalculate their
you can adjust this schedule to recycling rate according to the
1. The survey forms meet your needs, keep in mind that standard method.
ensure you will get the companies serving more than one
data needed to calcu- state or locality will appreciate
having only one due date to
3. Who is responsible
late an MSW recycling
rate. remember. for collecting the
2. Survey respondents data.
serving more than one
2. How to obtain the
Any entity within a state or
state or locality will necessary data. locality can collect recycling and
appreciate receiving a Survey forms are typically used waste disposal information from
standard form. for obtaining the data needed to data sources. Typically, the depart-
calculate a recycling rate. Although ment in charge of recycling takes
3. The survey forms also on the data collection responsibili-
there are many benefits to all states
allow agencies to track and localities using the same ty. However, state or local recycling
recycling and disposal survey form, this is not always organizations, trade associations,
of other solid wastes practical. Some state and local gov- or other government agencies
(e.g., C&D debris). ernments have developed a form (such as permitting divisions that
over years of surveying that works are compiling data from annual
4. You will have enough well for them, while others have permit reports) also can collect the
data from the survey unique information needs that pre- necessary data. Alternatively, some
forms to calculate clude using a standard form. states enlist the help of their city or
other performance Therefore, the use of a standard form county governments, who survey
measures if you is not a required element of data sources and then report back.
choose, such as per standardization. Who is responsible for directly sur-
capita waste generation Appendix C contains six survey veying data sources will not affect
your ability to calculate a standard
and recycling rates, and forms (see Table 2 on page 9). You
can reproduce these forms directly, recycling rate for MSW.
to track reductions in
waste disposal (waste modify them to fit your needs, or
diversion rates). use your own forms. The first three 4. Where to survey
survey forms seek data from spe-
5. The survey forms cific points in the recycling chain— for the needed data.
are easy to read and collection, processing, and The recycling and waste dispos-
include clear, simple remanufacturing. The remaining al data needed to calculate a recy-
instructions. three survey forms seek waste dis- cling rate can be obtained from
posal information from waste numerous sources, including
6. The survey forms haulers, transfer stations, and dis- collectors, processors, recycling
have been tested and posal facility operators. In each set plants, and disposal facilities.
refined through a of three, one or more of the forms Section 4 explains the different
peer review process can be used depending on where options for surveying these
and demonstration you choose to get your data. sources. While there are advan-
projects. Appendix D contains four recy- tages and disadvantages to survey-
cling rate worksheets (see Table 3 ing each of the sources, where you
on page 9). The worksheets are choose to obtain your data is not a
designed for state and local gov- required element of the standard
ernments that have never mea- measurement methodology.
8 Section 2
TABLE 2. SURVEY FORMS AND RESPONDENTS
SURVEY FORM RESPONDENT TYPE
Form 1 Collectors of Recyclables
Form 2 Processors of Recyclables
Form 3 End Users of Recyclables
Form 4 Collectors of MSW
Form 5 Transfer Stations
Form 6 Waste Disposal Facilities
TABLE 3. RECYCLING RATE WORKSHEETS
WORKSHEET WHO SHOULD USE PURPOSE
A State and local governments that are To recalculate a recycling rate using the
Converting to the Standard already collecting data and have standard MSW recycling rate equation.
Recycling Rate. previously calculated a recycling rate.
B1 To compile recycling data and calculate the
Determining the Amount of numerator of the equation, total MSW
MSW Recycled. recycled.
State and local governments that have
B2 not measured recycling previously. To compile disposal data and calculate the
Determining Waste denominator of the equation, total MSW
State and local governments already
Generation. generated.
measuring recycling that want to switch
B3 to the standard methodology. To calculate the standard recycling rate.
Calculating Your MSW
Recycling Rate.
Elements of Standardization 9
Using the Scope Tables
T
ables A and B should be used in conjunction with each other to help
you understand what is included in the standard municipal solid waste
(MSW) recycling rate and what is excluded. First, use Table A, Scope
of Materials Included in the Standard MSW Recycling Rate, to identify which
materials are defined as MSW (Column 2, What Is MSW) and which materials
are defined as Other Solid Waste (Column 3, What Is Not MSW). The materi-
als outlined in column 2, What Is MSW, are included in both the recycling and
waste generation totals of the standard recycling rate.
After you have determined which materials are included in the standard recy-
cling rate, use Table B, Scope of Activities Included in the Standard MSW
Recycling Rate, to further refine the scope based on whether the recycling of the
materials defined in Table A meets the standard definition of recycling outlined in
Table B. As an example, tires from automobiles are defined as MSW according to
Table A, so the disposal of such tires may be included in your waste generation
total. If these tires are retreaded, however, they may not be included in your
recycling total since retreading is considered reuse rather than recycling according
to Table B.
10 Section 2
TABLE A. SCOPE OF MATERIALS INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD MSW RECYCLING RATE
MATERIAL1 WHAT IS MSW WHAT IS NOT MSW2
Food Scraps Uneaten food and food preparation wastes from Food processing waste from agricultural and
residences and commercial establishments industrial operations.
(restaurants, supermarkets, and produce stands),
institutional sources (school cafeterias), and industrial
sources (employee lunchrooms).
Glass Containers Containers; packaging; and glass found in appliances, Glass from transportation equipment
furniture, and consumer electronics. (automobiles) and construction and
demolition (C&D) debris (windows).
Lead-Acid Batteries from automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. Batteries from aircraft, military vehicles,
Batteries boats, and heavy-duty trucks and tractors.
Tin/Steel Cans Tin-coated steel cans; strapping; and ferrous metals Ferrous metals from C&D debris and
and Other from appliances (refrigerators), consumer electronics, transportation equipment.
Ferrous Metals and furniture.
Aluminum Cans Aluminum cans; nonferrous metals from appliances, Nonferrous metals from industrial
and Other furniture, and consumer electronics; and other applications and C&D debris (aluminum
Nonferrous Metals aluminum items (foil and lids from bimetal cans). siding, wiring, and piping).
Paper Old corrugated containers; old magazines; old Paper manufacturing waste (mill broke) and
newspapers; office papers; telephone directories; and converting scrap not recovered for recycling.
other paper products including books, third-class
mail, commercial printing, paper towels, and paper
plates and cups.
Plastic Containers; packaging; bags and wraps; and plastics Plastics from transportation equipment.
found in appliances, furniture, and sporting and
recreational equipment.
Textiles Fiber from apparel, furniture, linens (sheets and Textile waste generated during manufacturing
towels), carpets3 and rugs, and footwear. processes (mill scrap) and C&D projects.
Tires Tires from automobiles and trucks. Tires from motorcycles4, buses, and heavy
farm and construction equipment.
Wood Pallets; crates; barrels; and wood found in furniture Wood from C&D debris (lumber and tree
and consumer electronics. stumps5) and industrial process waste
(shavings and sawdust).
Yard Trimmings Grass, leaves, brush and branches, and tree stumps.5 Yard trimmings from C&D debris.
Other Household hazardous waste (HHW)6, oil filters, Abatement debris, agricultural waste,
fluorescent tubes7, mattresses, and consumer combustion ash, C&D debris, industrial
electronics. process waste, medical waste, mining waste,
municipal sewage and industrial sludges,
natural disaster debris8, used motor oil, oil
and gas waste, and preconsumer waste.
Elements of Standardization 11
TABLE A. NOTES
1 Composite materials are categorized according to their main constituent;
however, they can be designated as a separate category under Other
MSW if they cannot be otherwise categorized.
2 These wastes are not considered MSW due to one or more of the follow-
ing reasons: (1) they are not defined as MSW in EPA’s Characterization of
Municipal Solid Waste in the United States, (2) they have not been historical-
ly handled and disposed of as MSW, (3) they are regulated as hazardous
waste, and/or (4) they were generated by a preconsumer source. These
non-MSW wastes are referred to as Other Solid Waste in this guide and
on the survey forms and worksheets.
3 Carpets are categorized as Textiles when discarded in MSW and are
included in the rate calculation. When carpets are discarded in C&D
debris, they are not considered MSW and are excluded from the rate
calculation.
4 Tires from motorcycles are not defined as MSW because they historically
have not been characterized as MSW in EPA’s Characterization of
Municipal Solid Waste in the United States.
5 Tree stumps are categorized as Yard Trimmings when discarded in MSW
and are included in the rate calculation. When tree stumps are discarded
in C&D debris, they are not considered MSW and are excluded from the
rate calculation.
6 HHW includes paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, pesticides, and other
materials or products containing volatile chemicals that catch fire, react,
explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic.
Specific examples include oil-based paint, antifreeze, household cleansers,
and bug sprays. Used motor oil is excluded.
7 Fluorescent tubes are categorized as Other MSW when found in MSW
and are included in the rate calculation. When fluorescent tubes are dis-
carded in C&D debris, they are not considered MSW and are excluded
from the rate calculation.
8 Natural disasters include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tornados.
Heavy storms are not considered natural disasters.
12 Section 2
TABLE B. SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD MSW RECYCLING RATE
RECYCLABLE WHAT COUNTS WHAT DOES NOT COUNT
MATERIAL AS RECYCLING AS RECYCLING1
Food Scraps Composting of food scraps from grocery stores, restaurants, Backyard (onsite) composting of food scraps, and the use of
cafeterias, lunchrooms, and private residences, and the use of food items for human consumption (food banks).
food scraps to feed farm animals.
Glass Recycling of container and packaging glass (beverage and food Recycling of glass found in transportation equipment and
containers), and recycling of glass found in furniture, construction and demolition (C&D) debris, recycling of
appliances, and consumer electronics into new glass products preconsumer glass or glass from industrial processes, and
such as containers, packaging, construction materials reuse of refillable glass bottles.
(aggregate), or fiberglass (insulation).
Lead-Acid Recycling of lead-acid batteries found in cars, trucks, or Recycling of lead-acid batteries used in large equipment,
Batteries motorcycles into new plastic and lead products. aircraft, military vehicles, boats, heavy-duty trucks and
tractors, and industrial applications.
Metals Recycling of aluminum and tin/steel cans, and recycling of Reuse of metal containers, packaging, furniture, or consumer
metals found in appliances and packaging into new metal electronics, and recycling of metals found in transportation
products. equipment (autobodies) and C&D debris.
Paper Recycling of paper products (old newspapers and office Reuse of paper products, recycling of preconsumer or
papers) into new paper products (tissue, paperboard, manufacturing waste (trimmings, mill broke, print overruns,
hydromulch, animal bedding, or insulation materials). and overissue publications), and combustion of paper for
energy recovery.
Plastic Recycling of plastic products (containers, bags, and wraps), and Reuse of plastic products (storage containers and sporting
recycling of plastic from furniture and consumer electronics equipment), recycling of preconsumer plastic waste or
into new plastic products (fiber fill and plastic lumber). industrial process waste, and combustion of plastics for
energy recovery.
Textiles Recycling of textiles into wiper rags, and recycling of apparel Reuse of apparel.
and carpet fiber2 into new products such as linen paper or
carpet padding.
Tires Recycling of automobile and truck tires into new products Recycling of tires from motorcycles, buses, and heavy farm
containing rubber (trash cans, storage containers, and and construction equipment, retreading of tires, and
rubberized asphalt), and use of whole tires for playground and combustion of tire chips for energy recovery.
reef construction.
Wood Recycling of wood products (pallets and crates) into mulch, Repair and reuse of pallets, combustion of wood for energy
compost, or similar uses. recovery, recycling of industrial process waste (wood shavings
or sawdust), and recycling of wood from C&D debris.
Yard Offsite recycling of grass, leaves, brush or branches3, and tree Mulching of tree stumps4 from C&D debris, backyard (onsite)
Trimmings stumps4 into compost, mulch, or similar uses; and composting, grasscycling, landspreading of leaves5, and
landspreading of leaves5. combustion of yard trimmings for energy recovery.
Other Household hazardous waste (HHW)6, oil filters, fluorescent Recycling of used oil, C&D debris (asphalt, concrete, and
tubes7, mattresses, circuit boards, and consumer electronics8. natural disaster debris), transportation equipment
(autobodies), municipal sewage sludge, and agricultural,
industrial, mining, and food processing waste.
Elements of Standardization 13
TABLE B. NOTES
1 These activities are not considered recycling due to one or more of the
following reasons: (1) they are not defined as recycling in EPA’s
Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States, (2) they
involve the recycling of materials that are not part of MSW, (3) they
involve reuse or source reduction, and/or (4) they involve the recycling
of preconsumer waste.
2 Carpeting is categorized as Textiles when discarded in MSW and is
included in the rate calculation. When carpets are discarded in C&D
debris, they are excluded from the rate calculation.
3 Includes
woody material such as branches, brush, and whole trees such as
Christmas trees.
4 Treestumps are categorized as Yard Trimmings when discarded in MSW
and are included in the rate calculation. When tree stumps are discarded
in C&D debris, they are excluded from the rate calculation.
5 Landspreading of leaves counts as recycling if the manner of the
application allows timely biodegradation of the organic plant material.
Landspreading of leaves does not count as recycling if the manner of the
application precludes the timely biodegradation of the organic plant
material.
6 HHW includes paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, pesticides, antifreeze
products, and other materials or products containing volatile chemicals
that catch fire, react, explode under certain circumstances, or that are
corrosive or toxic. Specific examples include oil-based paint, antifreeze,
household cleansers, and bug sprays. Used motor oil is excluded.
7 Fluorescenttubes are categorized as Other MSW when discarded in
MSW and are included in the rate calculation. When fluorescent tubes
are discarded in C&D debris, they are excluded from the rate calculation.
8 Composite materials are categorized according to their main constituent;
however, they can be designated as a separate category under Other if
they cannot be otherwise categorized.
14 Section 2
3
SECTION
Planning
L
ike any other integrated waste management pro-
gram, a recycling measurement system must be
carefully planned, designed, and implemented.
The first step in this process is to define program goals and
plan the basic elements of the system, including staff and
resources needed. The steps described in this section will
help you conduct the initial planning that is critical to the
success of your overall recycling measurement system.
Step One the amount and type of waste Planning Steps
and recyclable materials.
Define Your Program s Determine the viability and 1. Define your program
capacity of existing solid waste
Goals. recycling and disposal facilities,
goals.
State and local governments including transfer stations and 2. Determine if useful
measure recycling for a number of material recovery facilities data are already being
reasons. One of the key reasons to (MRFs). collected.
collect recycling and waste genera- 3. Ascertain your
Measurement can also assist
tion data is to assist with planning authority to survey
with market development by pro-
and decision-making. Such data
viding a clear understanding of the and collect data.
can help solid waste managers:
supply and demand of different 4. Determine who will
s Set waste reduction or diversion recyclable materials in a given
collect recycling
goals and track progress toward area. Specific information on the
measurement data.
achieving those goals. type and amount of recyclables
being generated within a jurisdic- 5. Decide on reporting
s Identify trends in waste genera-
tion might be useful in a variety of requirements.
tion and recycling that could
ways, such as: 6. Establish program staff
impact local, state, or regional
planning. s Linking buyers and sellers of a and budget.
particular material. 7. Establish a timeframe
s Make decisions or changes in
collection crews, route sched- s Identifying the need for added for system
ules, and equipment needed for processing capacity at the local development.
waste pickups and recycling or regional level.
collection.
s Indicating that marketing efforts
s Assess and choose among waste need to be increased for a partic-
management options based on ular recyclable material.
Planning 15
s Attracting an established recy-
cling industry to locate a facility
Step Two At one point in New
in the area. Hampshire, four entities
Determine if Useful were maintaining informa-
s Assisting local entrepreneurs in
starting small-scale recycling Data Are Already tion needed for recycling
measurement—the New
businesses. Being Collected. Hampshire Resource
s Encouraging local manufactur- Once you have determined your Recovery
ers to use or to increase their use measurement goals, investigate Association, the
of locally generated recycled which departments, agencies, or Governor’s
materials in their products. organizations are already collect- Recycling Program,
Collecting recycling measure- ing data. Sometimes different the Department of Environmental
ment data also can help officials agencies collect similar data. Services (DES), and the University
establish or expand community Identifying and eliminating such of New Hampshire. Presently, the
collection programs. Reporting the redundancies can streamline your Governor’s Recycling Program com-
recycling progress being achieved recycling measurement efforts. piles recycling data from municipali-
within a particular state or commu- ties, while the DES compiles disposal
For instance, in states with a
nity can help raise public aware- data reported by permitted solid
bottle deposit law, the revenue or
ness of recycling, encourage waste facilities.
tax department might have data on
participation in collection efforts, the number of bottles returned
and promote buy recycled cam- for redemption. Similarly, the
paigns. The data might also sug- health department might have data Step Three
gest a need to expand residential or on household hazardous waste
commercial collection programs, collections. Ascertain Your
particularly if there are large gener-
ators of certain recyclable materials Authority to Survey
in the area. TIP and Collect Data.
Since compiling data often
TIP involves soliciting information
C
ompile a list of all
from private and public sources,
other agencies,
establishing your authority to
departments, or
Y
our reasons for engage in data collection might be
measuring recycling organizations that are required. First, consult with the
will determine the collecting data related to appropriate counsel within your
kind of information you recycling measurement agency or examine statutes such as
and consider the solid waste and recycling laws to
collect. (See Section 4, determine if special authority is
step 3, for further possibility of combining
required. If so, work within your
details.) efforts. department, mayor’s or governor’s
office, or legislative body to gain
the authority you need. Also, con-
sider contacting states or localities
already engaged in recycling mea-
surement for advice. Appendix E
lists the states and their recycling
agencies.
In lieu of direct authority to col-
lect data, consider contacting solid
waste and recycling facility permit-
ting offices. They might already be
16 Section 3
compiling some of the data you
need. Local or regional solid waste
Step Four are engaged in data collection, it is
often more cost-efficient for the
management plans are also a good measuring agency to distribute
source of data. Another possibility
Determine Who Will surveys and compile data directly.
is to approach your state or local Collect Recycling This approach has the added
recycling organization or related advantage of reducing the paper-
trade associations about taking on Measurement Data. work burden on recycling and
recycling measurement. There are two basic options for disposal facilities. When the mea-
collecting data: 1) go directly to suring agency surveys data sources
recycling and disposal facilities for directly, this can result in more staff
the information, or 2) work with costs, but it also reduces the bur-
the appropriate local government den on local government agencies
units to compile data and report and streamlines the reporting
Montgomery back. Often, a combination of these process for the private sector.
County, Maryland, approaches is used. While there is
receives data on ton- no prescribed method for who col-
nages recycled and dis- lects and compiles data, there are
posed of through haulers, who definite advantages and disadvan-
must submit this information every tages to the different approaches,
6 months as a requirement of their which are detailed below and in
permits. Table 4. Counties in Maryland
compile recycling data
and submit annual reports
TIP Direct Surveying to the Maryland Department of the
In some areas, the private sector Environment. The work accom-
and local government agencies plished at the county level enables
I
f you do not currently report directly to the principal the state to use less than a quarter
have authority to measuring agency. Since the of a staff person’s time per year to
collect the data you overall costs of recycling measure- distribute surveys to counties and
need, research the ment increase when many agencies compile data.
reporting requirements
solid waste and recycling
facilities already comply TABLE 4. DIRECT VS. INDIRECT SURVEYING
with to help you
determine what types of MEASURING AGENCY LOCAL AGENCIES SURVEY AND
data you can access SURVEYS FOR DATA REPORT BACK
through these means. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Overall measurement costs are lower. Overall measurement costs are higher.
Streamlines reporting process for Increases burden on local governments.
private sector. Reporting process for private sector
Reduces burden on local is less streamlined.
governments.
DISADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES
Measuring agency may incur Local agencies are more familiar with
additional staff costs. waste management infrastructure.
Planning 17
Indirect Surveying The decision to adopt a volun-
TIP tary or mandatory program can
City or county governments can
also be affected by resource avail-
survey data sources and report the
ability. States and localities with
D
data to the principal measuring etermine which
mandatory indirect surveying and
agency. Local governments often agencies will reporting have the lowest program
are in the best position to collect collect data based implementation costs (at the mea-
data directly since they are more on available resources, suring agency level). This approach
familiar with how waste flows in
timing, streamlining, and is beneficial for agencies with min-
their area and who the key players
are. The disadvantages of this
your knowledge of the imal resources for recycling mea-
waste management surement. The local governments,
approach are that the overall cost
however, shoulder high implemen-
of recycling measurement goes up infrastructure.
tation costs because they bear the
and data collection may overbur-
burden of data collection.
den local governments. In addi-
tion, survey respondents (recycling Agencies with voluntary indi-
and disposal facilities) must deal rect data collection incur relatively
with many requests for similar high costs because such programs
their own if their state program is require extensive follow-up. The
information from every jurisdiction
new or undeveloped. cost burden to local governments,
they service. This problem, howev-
er, can be alleviated somewhat by however, is lower than with
using standard survey forms and mandatory data collection because
reporting deadlines. Step Five they can gather whatever data their
resources allow. If you institute a
Decide on Reporting voluntary program and contact
Other Options
In addition to the two approach-
Requirements. data sources directly, costs can vary
depending on the number of
es discussed above, many other The reporting requirements of reporting entities. In this approach,
options for data collection exist. your recycling measurement pro- local governments bear negligible
For example, the measuring agency gram can be voluntary or mandato- costs.
can collect some data directly, such ry. Legislation often dictates what
as waste disposal facility data, your reporting requirements will
while local governments could sur- be. If you can choose the kind of Officials in two New York coun-
vey waste haulers for information program to implement, available ties have adopted
on waste exports. Or, the measur- resources will be a chief considera- different reporting
ing agency can compile those data tion, but other issues must be systems but have
most easily obtained within their weighed as well (see Table 5 on similar
agency, such as information on tire page 19). data col-
and lead-acid battery recycling (in lection success. Monroe County,
the case of states), and complete Mandatory reporting is general-
with a mandatory reporting sys-
this portion of the survey form for ly less expensive and usually leads
tem, enjoys a high response rate
the local governments. The mea- to a higher response rate, but can
but has only limited time to devel-
suring agency also could distribute result in less accurate data and
op close working relationships with
survey forms to processors on fewer opportunities to interact the respondents or monitor the
behalf of local governments. In this with the recycling community. accuracy of the information provid-
case, respondents can be asked to Voluntary reporting, on the other ed. Onondaga County, with a
fill out a separate form for each hand, requires additional staff and voluntary reporting system, has a
jurisdiction they service. This resources, but generally provides business recycling specialist who is
approach is useful when local-level benefits beyond simple data collec- able to track businesses with high
recycling rates are also being tion such as chances to build posi- recycling rates, build relationships
sought. Local governments can tive relationships with survey with them, and encourage them to
also collect and analyze data on respondents. report.
18 Section 3
TABLE 5. REPORTING OPTIONS AND TYPICAL COST AND RESPONSE IMPLICATIONS
TYPE OF MANDATORY (M) COST RESPONSE RATE
DATA SURVEYING AND OR + = MORE EXPENSIVE H = HIGHER
COLLECTION VOLUNTARY (V) – = LESS EXPENSIVE L = LOWER
Direct (M) – Measuring Agency (MA) H
– Local Governments (LG)
Direct (V) + or - (MA) L
– (LG)
Indirect (M) – (MA) H
+ (LG)
Indirect (V) + (MA) L
– (LG)
Step Six TIP
It is important to establish a
timeline for your program during
the planning phase. If you have
Establish Program never measured recycling, allow 1
I
f staff resources are
Staff and Budget. a problem, consider
year to get the program up and
running. This time is needed to
Recycling measurement takes making reporting define responsibilities, do the nec-
time and resources. Costs are
mandatory to reduce essary legwork, and solicit feed-
incurred during startup (planning back from appropriate sources.
and design) and implementation
the time required for
(operation). developing and Simply switching to the stan-
maintaining public and dard approach will take less time,
Startup costs include the cost of but you should plan for at least 3 to
setting up the data collection sys-
private sector
6 months to make the necessary
tem, such as developing survey relationships.
adjustments and promote the new
forms and determining informa- program. You may find, for exam-
tion sources, public relations and ple, that you want to modify your
outreach, and staff training. Once survey forms to collect data on
up and running, the biggest cost
element is staff time to operate and
maintain the program. Other costs,
Step Seven
Oregon con-
such as telephone, postage, print-
ing, and travel costs, are minimal
Establish a Timeframe vened a work-
group to advise
in comparison. for System program devel-
Depending on the size and com- Development. opment in
plexity of your program, expect January. To
While this guide will help you work out the details, the group
that at least one person will be ded-
icated (half to full time) to this get started, organize your pro- met every 4 weeks at the start of
effort for at least part of the year. gram, and make key decisions, the project and then every 6 to 8
adequate startup time is still need- weeks toward the end of the pro-
ed to obtain input and design a ject. Surveys were ready and dis-
program that works best for you. tributed in December.
Planning 19
recyclable materials counted in the another, the timeline serves as a
MSW recycling rate but excluded guide to help you establish a time- TIP
from your own. On the other hand, frame of your own.
if you decide to continue with your
A
The sample timeline suggests llow at least 1 year
existing approach, it could require
distributing survey forms on for planning and
as little as 1 day to make adjust-
ments and recalculate your recy- January 15 and asking that they be designing a new
cling rate according to the standard returned by April 15. While not recycling measurement
method. required, adhering to these dates system before sending out
will help to improve the efficiency survey forms.
The sample timeline in Table 6
with which data are collected
on page 21 illustrates the amount
of time needed to complete the across the United States. Survey
planning, design, and implementa- respondents servicing more than
tion phases of a typical recycling one jurisdiction will become accus-
measurement system. While the tomed to when they receive survey
exact steps and allotted times will forms and when they need to
vary from one jurisdiction to return them.
20 Section 3
TABLE 6. RECYCLING MEASUREMENT TIMELINE
Month
1 6 9 12 15 18
January 15 April 15 July 15
PLANNING:
Define your program goals.
Determine if useful data are already
being collected.
Ascertain your authority to survey and
collect data.
Determine who will collect recycling
measurement data.
Decide on reporting requirements.
Establish program staff and budget.
Establish a timeframe for system
development.
DESIGN:
Learn about your terrain.
Solicit input into the system design.
Determine what type of information is
needed.
Determine whom to survey.
Address confidentiality guarantees.
Determine how to manage and analyze
the information.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Institute measures to increase your
survey response rate.
Educate survey respondents.
Distribute survey forms.
Conduct followup.
Compile data.
Verify and double-check data.
Calculate an MSW recycling rate.
Share information.
Planning 21
4
SECTION
Design
T
his section provides an overview of the recycling
measurement design process. Designing an effec-
tive recycling measurement system entails learning
about how MSW and recyclables flow through your region in
order to conduct an effective survey. At this stage of the
process, you will also make critical decisions about the type
of data to compile, where to acquire these data, and how to
manage the information collected.
Design Steps
Step One and recycling in their area to
assist in measuring efforts. At a
minimum, make a list of the key 1. Learn about your
Learn About Your players detailed in Table 7 on terrain.
Terrain. page 24. 2. Solicit input into the
The more you know about the Many information sources can system design.
waste management infrastructure help you better understand the 3. Determine what type
in your state or locality, the easier it waste management infrastructure
will be to design a recycling mea-
of information is
in your state or locality and locate
surement program that meets your needed.
key players. These include:
specific needs. MSW and recy- 4. Determine whom to
s Trade associations. National recy-
clables can flow in many directions survey.
through a region. The more com- cling and solid waste manage-
ment associations can provide 5. Address confidentiality
plicated the flow, the greater the
risk that materials will be counted details on their state and local guarantees.
more than once in your survey chapters. These chapters usually 6. Determine how to
(double counting) or missed entire- offer technical assistance and manage and analyze
ly (leakage). These risks can be resources that can help you bet-
the information.
avoided by developing a thorough ter understand your terrain.
understanding of the major players They can also identify upcom-
that handle MSW and recyclables ing conferences that might pro-
in your area. Many agencies vide networking opportunities
develop a database of the key play- for identifying key players and
ers in solid waste management soliciting information.
Design 23
TABLE 7. IDENTIFYING THE KEY PLAYERS IN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN YOUR STATE OR LOCALITY
RECYCLING MSW DISPOSAL
s Collectors and haulers that handle materials in s Any additional collectors and haulers, not already
the area. identified, that handle MSW.
s Large generators that self-haul their recyclables s Transfer stations.
(government facilities, corporate office complexes, s Disposal facilities (landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, and
and grocery stores). incinerators).
s Drop-off and buy-back centers.
s Processors and material recovery facilities.
s Recycling mills and end users.
s Manufacturers of products contain-
ing recycled materials. Recycling
s Standard Industrial Classification
(SIC) Codes. You can use SIC
Working With
facilities are good sources of codes to quickly search for Chambers of
information on the overall sup- major players in the waste and Commerce
ply and demand of recyclable recycling industries. The codes
materials in your area. The will help you locate waste
information they provide can haulers, recycling companies, Local governments might find
help you identify major genera- manufacturers, and large gener- an excellent source of
tors, collectors, and processors. ators. Use the codes for super- information in their chambers
markets, retail stores, and other of commerce. Chambers can
s Other government agencies,
types of businesses to find large often help identify recycling
departments, or permitting agen- businesses, waste management
generators in the area.
cies. As mentioned earlier, differ- companies, and manufacturers.
ent government agencies might Each individual or company They might also have
already be involved in some identified is a potential source of information about the types of
kind of data collection effort that assistance as you develop your materials local recyclers handle
could be useful to recycling recycling measurement system. and the services they provide.
measurement. Additionally, Most importantly, each is a possi- Additionally, speaking at
since waste haulers and recy- ble data source once you begin chamber meetings or providing
cling businesses are often implementing your measurement articles for chamber
licensed at the local level, you system. newsletters can be an excellent
might contact the bigger cities or way of providing a large
counties in your area for infor- segment of the affected
mation on key players. business community with
Onondaga
s Nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit County, useful recycling information.
organizations operating drop-off New York,
centers and collection programs officials con-
often have many years of duct site vis-
experience in recycling. They can its to gather information about
be a good source of information local generators and recycling busi-
about the waste management nesses. The county has found that
infrastructure in your area. the visits provide information on
recycling practices that is not readi-
ly available through other methods.
24 Section 4
TIP Step Three In addition to these data, you
also will need the following infor-
mation from survey respondents:
Determine What
U
nderstanding how s Company or agency name,
MSW and Type of Information address, phone number, and
recyclable Is Needed. contact person.
materials are collected, s Type of company or agency,
Your information needs for mea-
processed, consolidated, suring recycling include data relat- such as hauler, processor, manu-
and transported in your ed to the amount of material facturer, or municipality.
region will help you design recycled and disposed of in your s Whether conversion factors
an effective recycling state or locality, plus any informa- were used.
measurement program. tion necessary for meeting your
s Whether data were based on
specific measurement goals. In
estimates.
order to perform the recycling rate
calculation (see page 5 for the stan- The sample survey forms pro-
Step Two dard equation), you will first need vided in Appendix C are designed
data on MSW generation and recy- to ensure that you obtain the infor-
Solicit Input Into the cling for the measurement year, as mation required to calculate the
listed in Table 8 on page 26. MSW standard MSW recycling rate. The
Design of Your System. generation is equal to the total forms also allow for the collection
To gain support for your system, amount of MSW recycled plus the of ancillary data related to other
solicit input from key stakeholders. total amount of MSW disposed of, solid wastes (e.g., C&D debris or
This can be accomplished through in tons. used oil) for those wishing to track
a formal workgroup or advisory
council comprised of potential sur-
vey respondents and other affected
parties. Including government The DOE sends the survey forms to all
agency, nonprofit organization, Maryland counties on January 1 and to
recycling industry, and waste Department of the processors on January 15. The
industry representatives in the Environment (DOE) counties must report by April 1,
decision-making process will foster formed a workgroup that while processors must report by
a cooperative spirit and the met for 18 months to streamline February 15.
exchange of ideas. Additionally, recycling measurement reporting Florida
providing potential respondents procedures. Each county is respon- formed a technical
with a sense of ownership in the sible for gathering recycling mea- advisory committee com-
reporting process might result in a surement data. Previously, each prised of state and local
higher response rate. sent surveys to the recycling officials and recycling indus-
processors operating within their try representatives. One of
county. Because the processors
TIP received multiple information
the main issues the committee
addressed was confidentiality. The
requests, they were less likely to committee decided that processors
B
uild good working adequately complete each request. would report directly to the state,
relationships with As a result, the state agreed to dis- and their data would be exempted
potential tribute a single survey to every from the state’s Freedom of
processor. In addition, the state Information Act. Florida’s recycling
respondents before you requested that processors supply
begin surveying by legislation was amended to incorpo-
each county with the necessary rate these provisions. (See Appendix
forming workgroups or information. The new procedure F for an excerpt of this legislation.)
advisory councils. has increased the response rate.
Design 25
this information. Some states or
localities, for example, might desire Minnesota uses Step Four:
additional information to meet leg- data collected annual-
islative requirements, to measure
ly from counties to Determine Whom to
other performance criteria, or for
evaluate progress
toward recycling
Survey.
other purposes. Be aware, howev- Once you know your terrain and
goals, to assess the availability of
er, that collecting and compiling the types of data you need, you can
recycling opportunities for all state
additional information requires residents, and to promote buy begin designing the actual survey.
more time and resources. Lengthy recycled programs. For this reason, At this point you have to decide
survey forms also can intimidate the state collects data on individual whom to survey. Possible survey
respondents and, in some cases, recyclable commodities at the respondents include the following
affect their willingness to partici- county level. chain of material handlers:
pate in the effort.
Both the New Jersey s Generators.
Avoid the tendency to request and Pennsylvania
s MSW and recyclables haulers.
more information than you actual- Departments of
ly need. For example, if you intend Environmental Protection s MRFs, processors, recycling
to use data for market develop- use total recycling ton- plants.
ment purposes, information on nages, reported annually s Transfer stations.
specific commodities, such as
by municipalities, to calculate the
annual disbursement of recycling s Disposal facilities.
newspaper, steel cans, and plastic
grants. Municipalities receive a Illustration 1 depicts the typical
bottles, is essential. If, however,
distribution process by which recyclables move
you are tracking your progress
from this fund from the point of generation to
toward mandated recycling goals, for every ton
then collecting overall MSW and final remanufacturing. While the
of material process often differs by commodity
recycling tonnages might be suffi- recycled. and local situation, there are essen-
cient. Table 9 on page 28 provides
tially three main steps—collection,
some examples of data require-
processing, and remanufacturing.
ments based on a number of differ-
ent program goals and purposes. TIP First, recyclable materials are gen-
erated by a consumer or business
The table illustrates the important (generator) and then collected by a
Y
link between your recycling mea- our program goals private hauler or government enti-
surement goals and the types of and needs will help ty. Next, the materials are trans-
data that must be collected in order determine the type ported by the collector to a
to meet those goals. To help define processing facility, such as a MRF
of information you
your data needs, consider con- or paper processor. At the process-
request.
structing a similar table based on ing facility, the recyclables are sort-
your identified goals. ed, cleaned of contaminants, and
TABLE 8. DATA NEEDED TO CALCULATE AN OVERALL RECYCLING RATE
MSW RECYCLABLES
s Tonnage of MSW disposed of in your jurisdiction. s Total tonnage of materials recovered from MSW in
s Tonnage of MSW exported from your jurisdiction. your jurisdiction.
s Tonnage of MSW imported into your jurisdiction. s Tonnage of glass, metals, paper, plastics, yard
trimmings, textiles, and wood recovered from the
MSW stream in your jurisdiction.
26 Section 4
ILLUSTRATION 1. THE RECYCLING CHAIN
Collection
Processing
Remanufacturing
Metal
Glass
Paper
Plastic
Design 27
TABLE 9. DATA COLLECTION NEEDS
PURPOSE OF DATA DATA DATA CAN BE
COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS USED TO...
Market Commodity-specific data for recyclable Identify gaps in market availability and
development. materials1. strength.
Total tonnage by commodity for state or Attract new processors and end users.
local recyclables.
Encourage manufacturers to utilize recyclable
commodities in their production processes.
Link processors and end users.
Support buy recycled campaigns.
Evaluate and reward Data on broad categories of recyclable Determine if state or local governments are
state or local materials2. in compliance with recycling laws.
recycling programs.
Total tonnage for state or local recyclables. Help allocate grants and/or recognize
residents, businesses, or industries that
Total tonnage of MSW disposed of.
promote recycling.
Set or meet recycling Total tonnage for state or local recyclables. Track progress.
goals.
Identify localities that might need assistance
in meeting goals.
Make changes in Total tonnage for state or local recyclables Determine best management strategies.
collection services. and MSW disposed of.
Assess future landfill Total tonnage for state or local recyclables. Predict changes and trends in the amount of
and waste-to-energy Total tonnage of MSW disposed of. waste and recyclables generated.
capacity.
1Commodity-specific data refers to information on specific products in the waste stream (old newspaper), or specific resins or grades (HDPE).
2Broad categories data refers to general classifications of recyclables (paper, plastic, glass, metals).
prepared for final recycling. Some MSW discarded in dumpsters or
commodities may require addi- left at the curb by residents is usu- TIP
tional processing beyond sorting ally picked up by a public or pri-
vate MSW hauler. Typically, the
S
and decontamination. Glass and oliciting the advice of
plastic, for example, are often sent waste is then transported to a
potential respondents
to glass beneficiation plants and transfer station to be consolidated
with other waste before being sent
about whom to
plastics reclaimers, respectively,
to a disposal facility, such as a land- survey can help determine
where they are processed into
mill-ready forms. After all neces- fill or incinerator. In other cases, from whom you are likely
sary processing has been complet- waste moves directly from the col- to get the best response
ed, recyclables are made into new lection point to a disposal facility. and most accurate data.
products at a recycling plant or Sometimes MSW is exported by
other facility, such as a compost waste haulers and transfer stations
facility or animal bedding plant. to facilities in a neighboring
28 Section 4
jurisdiction. In the same way, land- s Type and number of disposal lected at the point where materials
fills and other disposal facilities facilities. are processed (the processors). By
often accept MSW imported from The approach presented in this obtaining data from one point in
other states or localities. guide is designed to streamline the recycling chain, state and local
data collection, obtain the best pos- agencies will minimize the number
Determining whom to survey
sible data, and minimize the of survey respondents and the
will depend on: possibility for double counting
chances of double counting.
s Program goals and your specific Basically, this system approaches materials.
data needs. data collection in two ways. First, it For MSW disposal data, infor-
involves the collection of recycling
s Resources available for recy- mation is collected from disposal
data separately from MSW dispos-
cling measurement. facilities, transfer stations, and
al data. Second, residential recy-
waste haulers. While disposal facil-
s Legislative authority to survey cling data are obtained differently
ities comprise the primary source
than commercial recycling data.
and collect data. of data, transfer stations and waste
For recycling data, it is most effi- haulers also can supply important
s Likely accuracy of information
cient to collect information at only information about MSW imports
provided.
one point in the chain. The specific and exports.
s Existing reporting requirements point in the chain differs for resi-
dential and commercial recycling An overview of the approach
for haulers, processors, and end
data. For residential recyclables, suggested for each type of data is
users.
data is best acquired at the point of provided in Table 10. A more
s Type and number of recycling collection (the haulers). For com- detailed discussion of these pre-
operations. mercial recyclables, data is best col- ferred approaches follows.
TABLE 10. OVERVIEW OF PREFERRED APPROACHES FOR DATA
COLLECTION TIP
Material Preferred Surveying Approach
I
f you choose to survey
Residential Recycling Data more than one point in
Various recyclables. Collectors. the chain, ask data
Commercial Recycling Data
sources for information
about only the general
Paper. Processors.
geographic origin and
Glass. Beneficiation plants.
destination of the
Aluminum cans. Nonprofits and buy-back centers. materials they manage to
Plastic. Large generators. help avoid double
Food scraps and yard trimmings. Composting facilities. counting.
Miscellaneous items. Large generators.
Waste Disposal Data
MSW. Waste disposal facilities, transfer stations,
and waste haulers.
Design 29
Recycling Data grams. Thus, materials go directly
to the processor or end users with-
Commercial
out ever entering a municipal col- Materials from commercial
Residential lection system. Being aware of sources constitute a significant por-
Municipally operated or con- community recycling activities will tion of the recycling stream. For
tracted programs generally collect assist agencies in accounting for this reason, it is important to obtain
residential recyclables. Such pro- residential recyclables collected commercial data to get an accurate
grams include curbside and/or outside of the municipal system. recycling rate. Materials generated
drop-off collections. These pro- by office buildings, wholesale and
Examples of recyclables that can retail establishments, schools, air-
grams have grown rapidly over the
escape municipal collection pro- ports, and other institutions are
past decade, and accurate data
grams, and thereby go undetected often not handled by local govern-
about the types and quantities of
by data collection efforts, include: ments and do not commonly travel
materials collected often are readi-
ly available. For this reason, resi- s Newspaper collected by non- through multimaterial operations
dential recycling data are best profit groups during periodic such as MRFs. Instead, paper,
obtained from the point of collec- fundraising drives. glass, aluminum cans, and other
tion. In addition, collectors of recy- items from commercial sources are
s Beverage containers returned to
clables know better where generally handled, processed, and
redemption centers in states
materials originated than proces- marketed separately from residen-
with deposit legislation (exclud-
sors or end users. tial recyclables. Because every
ing refillable containers).
surveyed material travels along
s Telephone directories collected a different path from collection
Residues during special drives often orga- point to final use, designing an
Not all materials recovered nized by telephone companies approach specific to each material
through residential collection pro- and nonprofit organizations. is recommended.
grams are recycled into new prod-
s Paint collected at household haz- In general, the preferred
ucts. Some materials are lost when
ardous waste sites for recycling. approach for obtaining data on
the materials are prepared for mar-
commercial recyclables is to survey
ket. These residues are difficult to
at the processing point. If you are
account for and can vary in amount unable to obtain accurate data from
depending on the specific collec- Obtaining the processors in your area, howev-
tion and processing methods used.
Therefore, the standardized mea-
Residential er, consider surveying large gener-
ators of recyclables or recycling
surement methodology does not Recycling Data plants. Examples of large genera-
require that these residues be tors include government facilities,
tracked. While accounting for corporate office complexes, grocery
residues results in more accurate 1. Obtain data on municipal
stores, and warehouse operations.
data, the time and resource com- programs from cities or
Because these facilities recycle a
mitment necessary to track counties.
large quantity of materials, they
residues for all commodities may 2. Contact nonprofit and can be excellent sources of com-
not be warranted. private recyclers for mercial recycling data. In addition,
additional data. some large generators may have
Leakage 3. Obtain data as close to the their own processing capabilities,
point of collection as which should not be overlooked
Some residential recyclables can
possible to ensure when you are locating the proces-
escape municipal collection pro-
accuracy. sors in your area.
grams. For example, nonprofit
groups and private recyclers some- 4. Cross-check collection An alternative to surveying
times operate drop-off locations, figures with data from processors is to survey recycling
buy-back centers, and collection processing facilities and end plants or other end users. Because
routes outside of municipal pro- users, if necessary. recycling plants are generally
30 Section 4
larger than processors and service markets, and institutions generate Glass
a wider area, there will be fewer food scraps. Recycled food scraps
Survey beneficiation plants.
plants than processors to survey. include both food scraps used as These large glass processing facili-
However, end users might not be
pig feed, as well as leftover food ties convert street glass into mill-
able to determine the place of ori-
composted by prisons, schools, ready cullet and are the primary
gin of the materials they purchase.
and other facilities. markets for glass in many regions.
Also, if you are obtaining commer-
cial data from recycling plants, it is These processing facilities often
Many institutions and business-
important not to include data from have commercial glass receipts
es that maintain their lawns gener- detailing tonnages received from
residential recycling programs.
ate yard trimmings, including particular localities. Restaurants
Survey Form 3, for end users of
recyclables, allows residential and grass, leaves, and tree branches. and bars, institutions (schools),
commercial data to be reported Yard trimmings that are composted and large facilities (airports and
separately for this reason. or mulched off site should be shopping malls) all generate glass
included in your data. Yard trim- recyclables that may be sent to
Approaches for gathering these processing facilities.
commercial data for the most mings processed through backyard
commonly collected categories of composting, grasscycling, or other If no beneficiation plants exist in
recyclables are described on the onsite efforts, however, should not, your area, you can collect data from
following pages. as these are considered source a variety of other sources. In some
areas, municipalities pick up glass
reduction activities.
from commercial establishments as
Aluminum Cans Contact state or local permitting part of their residential recycling
Survey nonprofit recycling offices to help identify permitted collection program. In other areas,
facilities and buy-back centers. composting facilities that accept nonprofit recycling organizations
Restaurants, bars, airports, and collect glass. Determine who col-
food scraps and yard trimmings
large facilities such as shopping lects commercial glass in your area
malls generate large quantities of from residential or commercial
and survey these individuals using
aluminum cans, most of which are sources. The permit requirements
Survey Form 1. Remember that
taken to nonprofit recycling facili- of some localities might mandate only container glass and glass from
ties or buy-back centers. that the facilities report the ton- packaging, furniture, consumer
If you are unable to obtain data nage of material processed. Since electronics, and appliances can be
from these facilities, contact alu- not all composting facilities are counted in the recycling rate calcu-
minum companies directly. These permitted, identifying all the facili- lation. Glass from transportation
companies are often involved with ties that process food scraps and equipment and C&D projects is
the collection, processing, ship- yard trimmings might take addi- excluded.
ping, and remanufacture of alu-
tional research. Also, a few types of If you are unable to obtain accu-
minum cans; they also frequently
yard trimmings, namely tree trim- rate data at the collection or pro-
lease compaction equipment and
mings, may be sent to wood waste cessing point, survey large
trailers to recycling programs.
processing facilities. These facili- generators, recycled glass plants,
Aluminum companies can assist
or appropriate trade associations.
with identifying large generators ties should be contacted for data,
Remember, the further down the
of aluminum cans in your area. as wood waste recycling can be
recycling chain you survey (the
included in the recycling rate. closer to end use) the more difficult
Food Scraps and Yard Remember, however, to include it will be to determine where the
Trimmings only wood from trimmings, pal- materials originated and to
lets, and other wood packaging, account for imports or exports.
Survey composting facilities.
like crates. Tree stumps are includ- Again, make certain not to
The majority of food and yard
waste collected for recycling is sent ed only if they are recovered from include glass from residential recy-
to public or private composting MSW; stumps from C&D projects cling programs with the commer-
facilities. Many restaurants, super- are excluded. cial glass.
Design 31
Paper bution centers and manufacturing
plants generate large amounts of
Waste Disposal Data
Survey paper processors. Because In order to determine total MSW
stretch wrap and should be contact-
processors handle paper at its last generation for the recycling rate
ed for information on recycling
stage before leaving a particular calculation, data are needed on the
efforts. For information on plastic
jurisdiction, they usually have amount of MSW disposed of in
bag recycling, contact large dry
accurate information about which your jurisdiction. Because each
cleaners and grocery store chains.
county or municipality generated community’s waste stream is
the paper and can identify what If you are unable to obtain accu-
different, surveying local disposal
paper has been imported. rate data from large generators,
facilities can ensure accurate waste
Processors collect paper from gov- survey plastics reclaimers or end
disposal data and help you account
ernment offices, schools, office users. Trade associations may be
for imports of waste. Disposal facil-
buildings, and a wide variety of able to help you locate reclaimers
ities include private and public
other institutions. The processors and end users in your area.
landfills, waste-to-energy facilities,
clean and bale these materials, then
and incinerators. It is critical to
transport them to local recycling
Other Miscellaneous Items include only MSW.
plants or export them.
Survey large generators. As In addition, be careful to account
Keep in mind that only postcon- recycling technology develops, for imports and exports of waste,
sumer waste paper is counted more and more items are recovered and exclude from the data any
in the MSW recycling rate. from MSW and developed into natural disaster materials and waste
Preconsumer paper, such as manu- new products. Many companies defined as Other Solid Waste. (See
facturing and converting waste have taken the lead and are the Glossary in Appendix A for
and overissues of newspapers and expanding their recycling pro- complete definitions.)
magazines, is not counted (see grams to include such items as
Table B on page 13). Also, only computer parts, microfilm, poly- Disposal facilities are good
paper that was originally generat- styrene, and other materials. sources of information on MSW
ed in your jurisdiction is counted. Examples include government imports, while transfer stations
Ask processors to exclude all agencies (office products), univer- and haulers can supply data on the
imports of paper received from sities and schools (polystyrene and amount of MSW exported from
outside your area. Use Survey computers), and manufacturing your jurisdiction. Disposal facilities
Form 2, for processors of recy- plants (pallets). While some of and transfer stations will have an
clables, which requests that only these materials may be a small per- easier time differentiating between
data on materials generated within centage of the waste stream, MSW and other solid waste
a particular jurisdiction be reported. including them will increase the because they have the capability to
accuracy of your recycling rate and inspect each incoming load and
Plastics help remind recycling officials that determine how much of the waste
Survey large generators. The these materials can be part of a new is MSW. On the other hand, waste
majority of commercial plastics recy- or expanded recycling program. haulers can estimate the percentage
cling is conducted by businesses of MSW on the basis of customer
with multiple locations who gener- lists. These points are important to
ate large quantities of a particular keep in mind as you decide whom
plastic item and self-haul directly to TIP to survey.
processors or end users. Examples of
S Other Sources of MSW
plastic items commonly recycled by taying abreast of new
commercial sources include stretch recycling technology
wrap, grocery sacks, and dry clean- Disposal Data
can help you account
ing bags. Stretch wrap is the materi- Disposal facilities, transfer sta-
al used by product manufacturers
for additional sources of tions, and waste haulers are the main
and distributors to bind shipping commercial recycling data. sources of waste disposal data, but
cartons to pallets. Retail store distri- they are not the only sources. Keep in
32 Section 4
mind that waste disposal data can be concern to many haulers and software packages, including data-
obtained from two additional processors who might be reluctant bases and spreadsheets, that can
sources: (1) processing facilities that to share proprietary information. help you manage and analyze the
are preparing recovered materials, Although confidentiality concerns data you collect.
such as tires or wood waste, for fuel present potential roadblocks, a
Using computers to compile and
markets, and (2) large generators number of programs have success-
maintain data improves the efficien-
that dispose of waste on site or self- fully addressed this issue. Some cy of data analysis and management.
haul waste to facilities out of your suggestions for ensuring confiden- They streamline the process and
jurisdiction. While they might not tiality include: minimize the level of effort required
significantly impact your recycling
s Avoid asking for customer lists to manage the data. Government
rate, knowing the extent of these
on survey forms. agencies use software packages
activities will help you in your plan-
such as Foxpro, Paradox, and
ning efforts. s Obtain a legislative exemption
Excel. (EPA does not endorse any
from your state’s Freedom of particular product.) All of these
Information Act. (See Appendix packages can be operated on a PC
In several states and locali- F for sample legislation from the
ties, disposal facilities are with standard components—DOS
state of Florida.) or Windows, a 486 PC, 8 MB RAM,
required to report tonnage
information in order s Agree not to release proprietary and an 850 MB hard drive. While a
to hold a permit. In information used to compute a database system is more adept at
Minnesota, recycling rate. organizing information, it usually
Texas, Ohio, and has greater design requirements
s Ask survey respondents to
New York, for exam- and calls for a substantial data
mark sensitive information as entry effort. Also, a database typi-
ple, disposal facilities “confidential.”
report the quantity of cally requires that one staff person
waste handled to fulfill s Use a third-party (accounting be dedicated to its operation due to
permit requirements. firm or trade association) to its highly technical nature, whereas
In Oregon, landfill aggregate data, while keeping the several staff members can be
operators report sources of material confidential. trained to operate a spreadsheet.
tonnage data in con- A spreadsheet system manages
If necessary, collect recycling numerical data more efficiently,
junction with a per information from recycling plants,
ton disposal fee levied which tend to be less reluctant than
by the state. other data sources to share aggre-
gate tonnage information. Many state and local
agencies use database and
Step Five spreadsheet systems to
Step Six compile and manage data.
Address Florida uses a spreadsheet and
Confidentiality Determine How to has advised counties to purchase
Excel using state grant money. This
Guarantees. Manage and Analyze enables Florida to send each coun-
Understanding and addressing
the Information. ty a disk to use for reporting data.
The state of
the confidentiality concerns of the Information is not useful unless Washington uses
recycling and MSW industries is it is meaningful and easy to access. a combination
critical to ensuring a high response Be sure to invest sufficient time system of both a
rate, especially if you are relying and effort into developing an infor- database and a spreadsheet. The
on a voluntary reporting system. mation management system that database is used for data entry
Confidentiality is an important allows you to use the information purposes, while the spreadsheet is
you gather. There are numerous used to perform calculations.
Design 33
and it allows agencies to merge text. Therefore, database programs a combination of both types of
information from individual disks have emerged as the leading soft- software. For example, survey
received from reporting entities ware application for recycling mea- respondents could report data on a
onto a master file, thus minimizing surement. spreadsheet, and you could use
the need for data entry. A spread- a computer program to convert
An alternative to using only a
sheet system, however, does not the data for importation into a
spreadsheet or a database is to use
allow for the easy manipulation of database.
Exports and Imports only materials from a particular sources of information on waste
jurisdiction. exports.
The standard measurement The best way to obtain commercial For imports, accurate data can be
methodology requires that export- recycling export data is to survey obtained by surveying landfills,
ed MSW and recyclables be includ- large generators, because they incinerators, and waste-to-energy
ed in your recycling rate might be collecting, consolidating, facilities. State and local govern-
calculation, while imported MSW or transporting recyclables on their ments that ask for import data
and recyclables be excluded. When own. These generators often recy- from disposal facilities have found
deciding whom to survey, it is cle large quantities of office paper that the facilities are not hesitant to
important to consider how you will and old corrugated containers, provide this information.
track exports and imports. Tracking yard trimmings, wood packaging The survey forms included with this
exports and imports will provide (pallets and crates), scrap metal, guide are designed to make it easy
you with an accurate picture of the and miscellaneous items such as for data sources to report informa-
total amount of MSW generated microfilm, computers, and tion on MSW imports and exports.
and recycled in your jurisdiction. furniture.
States gather information about
Below are some suggestions for If you survey only processors, you exports from a variety of sources.
how to accurately account for the might miss some materials collected Minnesota deter-
movement of materials in and out by private haulers and processed mined the majority of
of your state or locality. outside of your jurisdiction waste leaving the state
(exports). If you have the was going through
Recyclables resources, consider contacting transfer stations, so
Obtaining residential recycling private recycling haulers to estimate these facilities were surveyed for
data from the point of collection the amount of material exported this information.
minimizes the danger of missing from your state or locality for pro- Washington
cessing or remanufacture. knows that only
exported materials or counting
materials that were imported from one landfill in the
MSW state receives imported waste and
outside your jurisdiction.
Determining quantities of exports that all waste exported from the
If you choose to survey processing and imports requires an under- state is taken to a landfill in
facilities and end users, be aware standing of the waste flow in your Oregon. Officials in
that data from these sources are area. If you know the waste man- Mecklenburg
more likely to include materials agement infrastructure in your County,
from outside your jurisdiction area, you will have a sense of the North Carolina, decided to
(imports). When surveying these amount of exporting and importing license waste haulers as a way to
facilities, be very clear in your taking place. A good place to start track exports. A court ruling in
instructions that you are seeking in determining the amount of Alabama concluded the state could
information only on materials that MSW being exported is to survey require reporting of information on
originated in your state or locality. waste haulers, since they are the the destination of waste, but could
The survey forms included with this first point in the disposal chain. not mandate where the haulers dis-
guide ask respondents to report Transfer stations are also good posed of waste.
34 Section 4
Estimation MSW from multifamily residential Waste haulers are therefore unable
buildings due to the use of similar to differentiate between residential
Under the standard methodology,
waste containers. Also, MSW and and commercial waste. To estimate
estimation of data on MSW recy-
materials classified as Other Solid the amount of MSW from multi-
cling and disposal is acceptable as
Waste (C&D debris) are some-
long as the estimates are based on family residences disposed of at
times mixed together during collec-
good, solid knowledge of the tion and sent to disposal facilities in their waste-to-energy facility, offi-
sources and flow of MSW in your the same vehicle or container. In cials multiply the total multifamily
area, and the estimates are noted. these cases, it may be necessary to population (obtained from census
Collecting raw data is the preferred estimate separate totals for the dif- data) by the average number of
approach for obtaining all data nec- ferent types of waste. pounds of MSW generated per
essary to calculate a recycling rate.
In Arlington County, Virginia, person (obtained from a local
In some cases, however, data
MSW from multifamily residences study). This number is added to
sources may be unable to provide
(apartments and condominiums) the amount of MSW generated by
information on certain materials
and commercial businesses is single-family homes, which is more
that cannot be easily measured due
aggregated together easily tracked because it is collected
to the way they are managed. For during
example, commercial MSW is often separately, to arrive at a total resi-
collection.
collected in the same vehicles as dential MSW figure.
Double Counting duces reliable information on the data only if the metal was sent to a
source of materials, which is useful company other than the six major
In an attempt to collect compre-
for tracking recycling at the county processors and end users.
hensive, accurate data on recycling
level. As a result of this system, data is
and waste disposal, many agencies
have encountered instances of dou- In New Jersey, the scrap not counted twice, businesses have
ble counting of data. The best way metal industry has developed a greater incentive to report accu-
to avoid double counting is to col- a mechanism for reporting rate data since they do not have to
lect data from only one point in recycling data to the state reveal proprietary information, and
the chain—either collectors, proces- that avoids double counting, complete data is captured since all
sors, or end users (disposal facilities streamlines data collection, and the major players are surveyed. In
or recycling plants). also ensures confidentiality. The addition, the state’s recycling mea-
New Jersey chapter of the Institute surement costs are reduced. A dis-
Florida surveys
of Scrap Recycling Industries (a advantage of this system, however,
only large processors
national trade association) sends a is that the state is unable to verify
that handle more than 600
survey form that it developed to all the accuracy of the data. In addi-
tons of recyclables per year.
its members, employs an account- tion to being used in New Jersey,
Since most of the recyclables
ing firm to aggregate the data, and this system was recently codified by
ultimately pass through these large
reports the total to the state the Tennessee legislature.
processors before leaving the state,
directly. The survey form includes
complete data are captured with-
the names of the six major scrap
out having to consider double
processors and end users in the
counting.
state, through which most of the
Washington’s approach of only scrap metal in the state eventually
surveying at the collection point passes. These six companies report
avoids double the total amount of scrap metal
counting while at received from sources within New
the same time pro- Jersey. Other companies report
Design 35
5
SECTION
Implementation
N
ow that you have planned and designed your
recycling measurement system, you are ready to
distribute the survey forms, compile the data,
and calculate your annual recycling rate. This section outlines
the steps involved in implementing your measurement system
after it has been developed.
Step One forms in Appendix C for this Implementation
information. Steps
Institute Measures to s Fill out survey information in
advance. Filling out as much of 1. Institute measures to
Increase Your Survey the information on the survey
increase your survey
Response Rate. form for the respondents as pos-
response rate.
sible will help expedite the sur-
Mailing survey forms to poten- 2. Educate survey
vey process.
tial respondents does not guaran-
respondents.
tee they will comply with your s Use the media. The media also
information request. A variety of can be used to enhance report- 3. Distribute survey forms.
techniques can be employed to ing. Special events are another 4. Maintain frequent
increase your survey response rate, opportunity to showcase posi- communication with
and you should pick those that tive results. survey respondents.
meet your particular needs. Some
s Send survey forms with grant 5. Compile data and
examples include:
applications. If applicable, attach calculate an MSW
s Send a cover letter. Attach a cover survey forms to recycling grant
recycling rate.
letter to the survey forms applications. Indicate that recy-
explaining the what, why, and cling grant applications must be 6. Verify and double-check
how of your program. Sample submitted with a completed sur- data.
cover letters for three types of vey form in order to be eligible. 7. Share information.
respondents are provided in
Appendix G.
s Designate a contact person. Offer
assistance to respondents by Minnesota merges its survey mailing list with its survey form so
providing a contact name and that the respondent information is already filled in. The state also
telephone number to call if fills in recycling data for certain materials, such as lead-acid batteries,
they have questions. Space based on statewide figures. If the local government has better data,
is provided on the survey it can revise the state’s estimate.
Implementation 37
New York Step Two s Explain any PENALTIES for
noncompliance.
State publishes
a recycling bul- Educate Survey s Seek attendees’ INPUT and sug-
gestions on the program.
letin that lists Respondents.
each county’s s Describe any available TECH-
recycling rate. To encourage busi- It is essential to explain to
NICAL ASSISTANCE.
nesses to report, Steele County, respondents the purpose, require-
Minnesota, and Onondaga ments, and benefits of your recy- s Distributeand explain the
County, New York, both pub- cling measurement program, as SURVEY FORMS.
lish newspaper well as any penalties associated Recycling measurement training
columns featuring with noncompliance. If you have a can be combined with other meet-
recycling business- voluntary reporting system, educa- ings or training topics. Recycling
es that report tion is the main tool for ensuring a organizations are usually eager to
high rates. high response rate. By the same provide state and local agencies
token, educating survey respon- with time for workshops or train-
dents can reduce the amount of ing sessions during their annual
enforcement necessary under a conferences.
mandatory reporting system.
Education can be provided Providing technical assistance to
Mandatory through training seminars, techni- respondents also can help ensure
Program cal assistance materials, and fre- that you obtain the necessary data.
quent communication. Technical assistance might include
Enforcement having a staff person available to
Training can greatly enhance the answer telephone calls or publish-
Some mandatory reporting quality of the data you receive. It ing guidebooks or other printed
programs carry penalties for also gives you an excellent oppor- materials. It is crucial that staff are
noncompliance. In Monroe tunity to develop relationships available to answer questions
County, New York, for with respondents and explain your about the recycling measurement
example, potential liabilities are program. Training sessions can be program. This person’s name and
written into the county’s recy- held around your region, or you telephone number should be clear-
cling law. First, the offenders can host a workshop in tandem ly identified on the survey forms,
receive a written warning, with an annual recycling meeting. instructions, and all correspon-
which can be followed by a You may elect to hold special ses- dence from your agency. This con-
$50 fine if the violation occurs sions for different groups of tact will be the principal liaison
again. Many states and locali- respondents (waste haulers, recy- with the recycling and waste man-
ties, including Monroe County, clers, local governments), or divide agement community and should
prefer to contact the company the sessions into public and private be equipped to answer questions
or facility to encourage partici- sectors. Whatever you decide, your about reporting requirements and
pation and rely on the penalty recycling measurement training offer suggestions for collecting
as a last resort. In many cases, seminar should: data. Publishing an e-mail address
persistence pays. Letters, or starting a recycling measure-
s Explain WHY you are engaged
phone calls, or site visits often ment bulletin board on the Internet
in recycling measurement.
encourage reporting.
also helps provide support to
s Describe HOW the data you col-
respondents.
lect will be used.
Technical assistance can help
s Promote the BENEFITS of recy-
increase the response rate in areas
cling measurement and respon-
with a voluntary reporting
dents’ participation.
program. In areas without facility
s Detail the REQUIREMENTS of permit requirements or other types
your program. of mandated reporting, offering
38 Section 5
technical assistance with survey
forms might encourage routine In Onondaga County, New York, a business recy-
responses from disposal facilities. cling specialist on the county’s staff offers free services
In addition, the more these respon- to area recyclers, including technical assistance on waste
dents understand about the report- reduction. Providing these services helps the private sec-
ing process, the more accurate and tor respondents and assists the county in keeping track of those businesses
complete their data will be. that are recycling in the area.
In Minnesota, the Office of Environmental Assistance
(OEA) provides telephone assistance to counties to help
Step Three them understand what materials should be tabulated in the
recycling rate. OEA also created a guidebook to help coun-
Distribute Survey ties complete the annual survey forms. The guidebook
instructs counties on how to collect and report recycling and MSW data,
Forms. and provides guidance on measuring recycling revenues and expenditures.
The recycling measurement sea-
son begins when the survey forms
form. This cover page explains the
are mailed out to respondents.
purpose of the form, who the form In Florida, the
Distribute survey forms at least 6
is intended for, and what you state runs a 2- to 3-
months before you wish to arrive at
should do before mailing the form. hour session for county
a final recycling rate determination.
This page is for the use of the mea- recycling coordinators at
If you survey data sources directly, the Recycle Florida! annual
suring agency only and should not
respondents should be given 4 to 6 meeting. The meeting gives the
be sent out with the form.
weeks to complete the survey forms It is important to fill out the state a chance to explain its recy-
and return them. If you are not sur- relevant information in the “To cling grant application process and
veying directly but are receiving Be Completed by the Surveyor” reporting requirements.
assistance from county or city gov- section before mailing the form.
ernments, allow 3 months for them
The state of Washington con-
While each survey form is spe- ducts 2-hour train-
to fill out the forms. In this case, local
cific to the type of respondent, the ing workshops for
agencies will need additional time to
following common elements are its 39 county recy-
distribute surveys and compile data
found: cling coordinators.
within their boundaries. Regardless
Haulers, collectors, processors,
of who is responsible for collecting s Each form allows for the report-
and others responsible for com-
data, you will need approximately 3 ing of data on MSW as well as pleting survey forms also are invit-
months to compile data, verify infor- other types of solid waste out- ed to participate in the sessions.
mation, and calculate the recycling side the scope of the standard The state uses this time to go over
rate after all survey forms have been recycling rate. (See Table A on the reporting forms in detail,
returned. page 11 for a description of explaining each step to survey
Other Solid Waste.) respondents and answering ques-
Table 11 on page 40 outlines the
six survey forms included with this s Respondents are asked to report tions.
guide. Each survey form is intend- data according to the source of
ed for a different type of respon- the material, whether residential
dent, who can provide information or commercial.
about the amount of MSW recycled
s Respondents are asked to report
or disposed of in your jurisdiction.
data in tons. Instructions and
The table lists the forms, their
standard volume-to-weight con-
intended respondents, and exam- version factors are provided for
ples of respondents who should fill converting data if necessary.
out each form. (See Appendix B.)
A cover page entitled “About
This Form” is attached to each
Implementation 39
1.
TABLE 1 SURVEY FORMS
Survey Form Respondent Type Examples of Respondent
Form 1 Collectors of recyclables. Private haulers, government agencies with collection crews, and large
generators (grocery stores, retail chains, and government facilities) that
self-haul directly to a processor or end user.
RECYCLING
Form 2 Processors of recyclables. Scrap metal, paper, plastic, tire, and yard trimmings processors, glass
beneficiation plants, MRFs, buy-back centers, drop-off centers, and
transfer stations that recover recyclables from waste on site.
Form 3 End users of recyclables. Public and private composting facilities, recycling plants, and disposal
facilities that recover recyclables from waste on site.
Form 4 Collectors of MSW and Private waste haulers, government agencies with collection crews, and
WASTE DISPOSAL
Other Solid Waste. large generators (grocery stores, retail chains, and government facilities)
that self-haul directly to a disposal facility or transfer station or end
user.
Form 5 Transfer stations. Public and private transfer stations.
Form 6 Waste disposal facilities. Public and private landfills, incinerators, and waste-to-energy facilities.
s Imports and exports of waste are the entire set of survey forms
tracked. should be sent to the agency con-
The Oregon
ducting the survey. Otherwise, the
Department of
s Collectors, processors, and end Environmental
forms can be sent directly by the
users of recyclables are asked to Quality (DEQ)
measuring agency to specific
report data only on materials follows up with
respondents.
that originated in the particular postcards and
jurisdiction. phone calls 2 to 3 weeks after its
surveys are distributed. The post-
s Data can be reported either on
broad categories of recyclables
Step Four cards remind respondents to fill
out the survey and mention that
or on specific commodities. Maintain Frequent technical assistance is available
These common elements adhere Communication With from DEQ. Oregon has found this
to the standard measurement communication helps to improve
approach but also allow flexibility Survey Respondents. data quality.
in collecting information on recy- While respondents are complet-
cling and waste disposal outside ing the survey forms, it is impor-
the scope of the standard approach. tant to maintain contact with them surement program and results in a
Space is provided on the survey in order to encourage timely higher quality of data. Effective
forms for collecting this kind of response and quality data. communication vehicles include
information because some jurisdic- Frequent communication can help telephone calls, postcards, letters,
tions may wish to track these data electronic bulletin boards, e-mail,
to foster positive relationships with
for planning purposes or may be and site visits. The methods you
the survey community, gain
required under their legislature to choose will depend on the size of
insights into their concerns, and
do so.
provide an avenue for clarifying your survey community and avail-
If local governments are consoli- reporting requirements. This helps able staff, budget, and timeframe
dating data and reporting to you, to personalize the recycling mea- for filling out forms.
40 Section 5
Relationship Between the Worksheets and the
Standard Recycling Rate
Total MSW Recycled
MSW Recycling Rate (%) (Worksheet B1)
= x 100
(Worksheet B3) Total MSW Generated
(Worksheet B2)
Step Five Worksheets B1, B2, order to eliminate possible double
counting. In addition, a detailed
and B3 method for estimating the compo-
Compile Data and sition of commingled recyclables is
Worksheets B1, B2, and B3 are
Calculate an MSW intended for those measurers that included.
have never calculated a recycling
Recycling Rate.
After all respondents have sub-
rate and those intending to redesign
their measurement systems in order
Worksheet B2
mitted their survey forms, your job to calculate an MSW recycling rate. Compiled From
is to organize the data into an These worksheets help you assem-
ble recycling and waste disposal
Survey Forms
accessible format, determine the
total amount of MSW generated data from the sample survey forms 4, 5, and 6
and recycled, and calculate a recy- and calculate your recycling rate. This worksheet is used to total
cling rate. The worksheets includ- The relationship between the work- data on the amount of MSW dis-
ed with this guide in Appendix D sheets and the standard recycling posed of in your jurisdiction, as
have been designed to allow data rate equation is depicted above.
reported on Forms 4, 5, and 6 by
to be compiled in a concise and collectors, transfer stations, and
organized manner. Worksheet B1 disposal facilities, respectively. The
worksheet allows you to subtract
Compiled From
Worksheet A Survey Forms
waste imports and add exports in
order to arrive at the total amount
Worksheet A is intended for
those measurers that already have
1, 2, and 3 of MSW from your state or locality
that was disposed of. In addition,
calculated a recycling rate and sim- The survey forms that corre-
space is provided to determine
spond to Worksheet B1 are listed
ply want to calculate a revised your jurisdiction’s total MSW gen-
above. This worksheet allows for
recycling rate based on the stan- eration by adding together the total
the aggregation of data on the
dard equation. The standard recy- amount disposed of and the total
amount of MSW recycled in your
cling rate equation uses standard amount recycled (from Worksheet
jurisdiction, as reported on Forms
definitions of MSW and recycling. 1, 2, and 3 by collectors, processors, B1). Total MSW generation is the
To use the standard equation, and end users, respectively. Total denominator of the standard recy-
therefore, you must include only MSW recycled is the numerator of cling rate equation.
those wastes and recycling activi- the standard recycling rate equa-
Other features of Worksheet B2
ties that are included in the defini- tion. If you obtained data from
include:
tions of MSW and recycling. more than one point in the
Worksheet A helps you accomplish recycling chain, Worksheet B1 s An optional section for extrapo-
this. explains how to analyze the data in lating waste disposal data if you
Implementation 41
Commingled Materials
Since many residential recycling provide comparable recycling tonnage data from the processing
programs today are based on rates among jurisdictions and is facility where the commingled
commingled curbside collection, less resource-intensive. materials are separated:
commodity-specific information Worksheet B1 includes detailed 1. Request that the MRF or pro-
may not be available. The survey instructions on how to estimate cessing facility process your
forms included with this guide the breakdown of commingled materials separately on a par-
allow respondents to report data materials using the national recov- ticular day so that you can con-
on commingled materials as an ery data found in EPA’s duct sampling.
individual category, but the data Characterization of Municipal Solid
2. Use a sample size large enough
must be broken down into the Waste in the United States: 1996
to accurately reflect the types
component materials in order to Update. This same methodology
of recyclables generated in
implement the standard method- can be employed using recovery
your area. This will help to
ology. You can estimate the com- data specific to your area, if avail-
ensure the precision of your
position of commingled able. In both cases, recovery data
sampling methodology.
recyclables in one of two ways: by are used as default numbers to
using national, state, or local estimate the percentage of each 3. From the sample results, deter-
recovery data on recyclable mate- recyclable material in the commin- mine the percentage of each
rials, or by using sampling data. gled mix. These percentages are recyclable material in the com-
then multiplied by the total ton- mingled mix.
The preferred approach for
estimating the composition of nage of the mix to arrive at a 4. Identify the total tonnage of
commingled recyclables is to use weight for each material. material from your area.
local, state, or national recovery Another way to determine the 5. Apply these percentages to the
data. Although using sampling breakdown of the commingled total tons of commingled mate-
techniques may generate more materials stream is to use the rials from your jurisdiction to
accurate data in specific locations, sampling technique described determine each constituent’s
local, state, or national data will below. This method uses actual tonnage.
received less than a 100 percent zation study or survey of disposal
facilities in the past but does not
Worksheet B3
response rate to your survey.
have accurate information from a
s A methodology for estimating Combines Information
current survey. Appendix H con-
waste generation using waste tains an optional equation for Obtained on Worksheets
characterization data for those
who do not conduct annual sur-
adjusting waste generation infor-
mation obtained in the past. The
B1 and B2
veys of disposal facilities. Worksheet B3 is used to com-
equation enables you to adjust the
past data to account for changes in bine the information obtained in
Worksheets B1 and B2 to calculate
Appendix H population and economic condi-
tions. This method may be used to a recycling rate. This worksheet
In some cases, a jurisdiction may estimate waste generation for the contains the standard recycling
have conducted a waste characteri- current measurement year. rate equation.
42 Section 5
Using Waste Characterization Data Oregon sur-
veys processors
The preferred approach for determining MSW generation is to obtain and end users
data from surveys of waste haulers, transfer stations, and/or disposal directly, while
facilities. If you do not have the resources or legislative authority to counties survey
conduct surveys, an alternative is to use data from waste characteriza- collectors and then report to the
tion studies. These studies determine a per capita annual waste gener- state. Data from processors and
ation rate that, when multiplied by the current year’s population, end users are used to verify data
yields an estimate of total waste generation. A methodology for esti- reported by collectors.
mating waste generation in this way is outlined in Worksheet B2. Washington
conducts an
informal tele-
phone survey
of end users
Step Six B1 and B2. Examine the data
closely and answer the following
in the state in
order to check the accuracy of
questions: data reported by collectors.
Verify and Double-
s Was all exported waste counted? Oregon uses a computer pro-
Check Data. gram that, for each county and
s Was all imported waste excluded?
If time and resources permit, it is each commodity, multiplies the
a good idea to verify the accuracy s Was only MSW counted? (Was population by a projected per capi-
of the data you received before you any Other Solid Waste inadver- ta generation rate to arrive at a
calculate a recycling rate. This step tently included?) projected recycling total. The pro-
can be performed at the same time gram then compares this total with
s Were all recyclables counted
you are compiling data from the the total reported by the respec-
only once? Was any of the same
survey forms. Options for verify- tive county to verify the data.
MSW reported by more than one
ing data accuracy include: survey respondent? To double-check
its data, Ohio
Compare current data with data s Were all data reported in tons? compares the
from the previous year. If large
s Were the EPA standard volume- national waste
discrepancies are noticed, follow
to-weight conversion factors generation rate
up by contacting survey respon-
used by survey respondents? of 0.80 tons per person per year
dents.
to the average for each of the
s Were any data omitted due to
Use data from secondary reporting solid waste management
leakage? districts (SWMD). If there is a
sources to cross-check data from
primary sources. Depending on the amount of large discrepancy which cannot be
data you collect and the number of accounted for by the rural or
Compare totals for specific recy-
survey respondents, verifying and urban nature of the SWMD, other
clable commodities with data
double-checking can be resource- factors, such as open dumping of
from state or local waste charac- waste, unreported recycling, or
intensive. This step is important,
terization studies. undetected waste exports, are
however, for ensuring that your
In addition to verifying the recycling rate is as accurate as investigated.
accuracy of data, it is important to possible and will help give you
double-check your data compila- confidence in your recycling mea-
tions after completing Worksheets surement efforts.
Implementation 43
Step Seven activities beyond their immediate
jurisdiction, which could prove Florida, a
useful in areas such as market state that collects
Share Information. development. Information sharing data directly from sources,
After you have calculated your also provides opportunities to keeps in close touch with
MSW recycling rate, it is important share new ideas about recycling local governments throughout
measurement. the year via phone, e-mail, meet-
to share the results of your recy-
ings, and conferences. Through
cling measurement efforts. Not Sharing the results of your mea- these vehicles, the state updates
only is it professional and courte- surement effort with the public is local officials on measurement
ous to share the final results with also beneficial. If you would like results, state policy decisions, fund-
survey respondents, but there are your recycling rate to be higher, ing, and other news.
also tangible benefits to providing use the results to educate citizens
such feedback. Communication on and businesses about the impor-
the status of state or local recycling tance of recycling. If, on the other
efforts helps officials assess their hand, your measurement results
recycling programs and their indicate that recycling is high in
progress in meeting recycling your area, build on that momen-
goals. It also can identify potential tum by recognizing people’s efforts
areas of improvement and help and encouraging additional oppor-
communities learn about recycling tunities for waste reduction.
44 Section 5
6
SECTION
Enhancement
A
fter you have developed a recycling measurement
system and calculated a recycling rate, you may
want to think about ways to improve and
enhance your program for subsequent data collection
efforts. Some options for enhancing your recycling measure-
ment program include:
s Expanding or changing your program.
s Modifying the survey forms.
s Measuring source reduction.
s Using electronic reporting.
You might consider implementing one or more of these
kinds of enhancements as your measurement system evolves.
Option One computed, however, for these
other types of solid waste.
needs, meet legislative require-
ments, or simply gather informa-
tion about the way waste and
Another potential enhancement
Expand or Change is to alter who is surveyed, using
recyclables are generated and man-
aged in an area. Some states and
Data Collection Efforts. some of the techniques presented
localities might wish to modify the
earlier in this guide as a way to
Consider expanding data collec- streamline, reduce double count- forms to request qualitative infor-
tion efforts by adding more types ing, increase response rates, or mation from respondents. Even
of MSW materials to the rate calcu- improve data accuracy. though such information is not
lation. (See Table A, page 11.) You necessary to calculate a recycling
can expand a basic program over rate, it can be very useful to a state
the course of 1 or 2 years to include Option Two or local agency. This information
might help you consider imple-
more of these materials not cur-
rently being tracked. Data on cate- menting changes in the way you
gories of waste not considered to
Refine and Modify the collect MSW or recyclables, pro-
be MSW (see Table A, page 11) also Survey Forms. vide the momentum for adding
can be obtained, but remember that services or materials to a recycling
these do not count when calculat- You can choose to modify the program, or help you assess
ing the standard recycling rate. A forms included with this guide to and possibly modify resource
separate recycling rate could be assist with special data collection allocations for various waste
Enhancement 45
management system components. s Is yard trimmings collection for source reduction programs, includ-
Examples of questions you may leaves, grass, and brush offered? ing grasscycling, home compost-
want to ask on survey forms are: If so, estimate the population ing, textiles reuse, office paper
served by the yard trimmings reduction, wooden pallet reuse,
s Is curbside collection of recy- collection program. and paper towel reduction.
clables offered to single-family
s Are drop-off opportunities for While you might not have the
homes? If so, estimate how
household hazardous waste desire or resources to attempt to
many homes are serviced.
offered? measure source reduction, some
s Is there a program for collecting
data on source reduction is readily
recyclables from multifamily available and could be useful to
dwelling units? If so, estimate Option Three your planning efforts. Examples of
how many homes are serviced. source reduction activities that you
s Can you provide or estimate the
Consider Measuring might consider measuring, along
population served by your recy- Source Reduction. with sources of data, are provided
cling program? in Table 12.
Some states and localities are
s Is there a program to promote attempting to measure source
source reduction? reduction activities to help assess
overall waste reduction progress.
Option Four
s Is a pay-as-you-throw system
used for collecting solid waste
The survey forms can be modified Take Advantage of
to request information on such
disposal fees from residents?
activities, as long as these data are Electronic Reporting.
s How much money was spent kept separate from the recycling
figures. EPA developed the Source To speed survey response time
last year on educating the public
Reduction Program Potential Manual and ease the burden of compiling
about recycling?
in 1997 to assist communities in data, consider offering respondents
s Have recyclable materials been determining the impacts of various an electronic reporting format.
banned from landfills or the source reduction activities on the Information can be provided and
solid waste collection system? If waste stream. The manual exam- transferred electronically through
so, which materials? ines the diversion potential of six computer disks or the Internet.
TABLE 12. EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES
Category Material Application Sources of Data
Paper Products Office paper. Duplexing. Government agencies and private businesses.
Rubber Tires. Retread tires. Tire dealers.
National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association.
Textiles Clothing. Used clothing. Local thrift stores.
Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries.
Council for Textile Recycling.
Wood Pallets. Refurbished pallets. International Association of Pallet Recyclers.
Yard Trimmings Grass clippings, Backyard compost. Local government recycling programs.
leaves. Grasscycling. The Composting Council.
46 Section 6
Electronic Reporting vided free modems to training to be downloaded into a data-
Many states and localities are session participants. The training base.
experimenting with or are now covered basic Internet facts and Florida is also
using electronic reporting. In how to set up a homepage. jumping on the
Maryland, the state sends Once local governments become Internet, but only after
computer disks accustomed to the Internet, the spending several years get-
to counties who report state will develop a reporting ting counties accustomed to
in a WordPerfect file. procedure. submitting data on computer
State officials read the Washington disks. As of September 1, 1996,
county reports and then com- considered Florida counties are required to
pile the information using a developing a gain Internet access and an e-
dBase IV database program. version of its mail address as a condition for
In May 1996, database to be distributed on receiving grant monies. The
Pennsylvania disk, but is opting instead to state is considering developing a
began Internet design something for the form for their Web site, similar
training ses- Internet in time to collect 1997 to what the state of Washington
sions. The goal of these sessions data. One possibility is to is proposing, so that counties
is to allow counties to report via include a form on the state’s can download the file, fill in
e-mail. Several training sessions homepage. Local officials would their data, and return the infor-
were held around the state and be able to download the form, mation via computer disk, hard
were open to all counties and enter the data, and send the copy, or e-mail.
cities. In addition, the state pro- information back electronically
M
Before beginning, first deter- any state and this guide, you can devise
mine if respondents are comfort-
able with an electronic format. local govern- and implement a successful
Electronic reporting also can be
offered as an option, as a way to ments are recycling measurement pro-
gradually introduce it to respon-
dents. If you choose to offer elec-
finding that the benefits of gram that is right for you.
tronic reporting as an option, make recycling measurement are Not only can such a pro-
sure people can still respond by
completing and mailing in survey worth the time and effort gram advance the status of
forms if they are not equipped or
inclined to do otherwise. required to plan and design recycling in your area, but it
an effective system. By fol- also can reflect well on
lowing the suggestions in your organization overall!
Enhancement 47
A
APPENDIX
Glossary
Note: Definitions marked with a “1” were devel- Buy-Back Center: refers to a facility where indi-
oped specifically to be used in the context of this viduals or groups of individuals exchange recy-
guide, the survey forms, and the worksheets. clables for payment. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
Abatement Debris: refers to waste resulting from Collector1: refers to public or private haulers that
remediation activities. (U.S. EPA, 1994d) collect nonhazardous waste and recyclable
materials from residential, commercial, institu-
Agricultural Waste: refers to solid waste that is
tional, and industrial sources. Also see Hauler.
generated by the rearing of animals or the pro-
duction and harvest of crops or trees. (Sullivan, Combustion Ash: refers to the residual substance
1993) produced during the burning, combustion, or
oxidation of waste material. (U.S. EPA, 1994d)
Aluminum Cans: refers to containers and pack-
aging such as beverage cans or food and other Commercial Waste: refers to waste generated by
nonfood cans. Examples of recycling include businesses, such as office buildings; retail and
processing cans into new aluminum products wholesale establishments; and restaurants.
(containers or foil). (U.S. EPA, 1995d) Examples include old corrugated containers,
food scraps, office papers, disposable table-
Backyard Composting: refers to the diversion of ware, paper napkins, and yard trimmings. (U.S.
food scraps and yard trimmings from the EPA, 1996b)
municipal waste stream through the onsite con-
trolled decomposition of organic matter by Commingled Recyclables: refers to a mixture of
micro-organisms (mainly bacteria and fungi) several recyclable materials in one container.
into a humus-like product. Backyard compost- (U.S. EPA, 1989)
ing is excluded from recycling activities. Rather, Composting Facilities: refers to an offsite facility
it is considered source reduction because the where the organic component of municipal
composted materials never enter the municipal solid scraps is biologically decomposed under
solid waste stream. (U.S. EPA, 1991a) controlled conditions; an aerobic process in
Broad Categories1: refers to general classifications which organic materials are ground or shred-
of recyclable materials (glass, paper, plastic, ded and then decomposed to humus in
metals). windrow piles or in mechanical digesters,
drums, or similar enclosures. (U.S. EPA, 1991a,
Broker: refers to an individual or group of indi- 1994a)
viduals who act as an agent or intermediary
between the sellers and buyers of recyclable Computer Paper/Printout: refers to a type of
materials. (U.S. EPA, 1989) paper used in manifold business forms and
produced in rolls and/or fan folded. It is used
Brush and Branches1: refers to the natural woody with computers and word processors to print
material collected from yard trimmings. Whole data, information, letters, advertising, etc. (U.S.
trees, such as Christmas trees, are included. EPA, 1994b)
Excludes leaves and grass. Examples of recy-
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris:
cling include processing brush and branches
refers to waste that is generated during the con-
into compost additive or mulch.
struction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of
Bulky Waste1: refers to those items that are large buildings, bridges, pavements, and other struc-
enough to warrant special collection services sep- tures. C&D debris includes concrete, asphalt,
arate from regular residential curbside collection. lumber, steel girders, steel rods, wiring, dry
Examples include major appliances and furniture. wall, carpets, window glass, metal and plastic
Glossary 49
piping, tree stumps, soil, and other miscella- Food Processing Waste1: refers to food residues
neous items related to the activities listed produced during agricultural and industrial
above. This category also includes natural dis- operations.
aster debris. (U.S. EPA, 1989, 1994d) Food Scraps1: refers to uneaten food and food
Consumer Price Index: refers to an index measur- preparation wastes from residences and com-
ing the change in the cost of typical wage-earn- mercial establishments (grocery stores, restau-
er purchases of goods and services expressed as rants, and produce stands), institutional
a percentage of the cost of these same goods sources (school cafeterias), and industrial
and services in some base period. (Mish et al., sources (employee lunchrooms). Excludes food
1988) processing waste from agricultural and indus-
trial operations. Examples of recycling include
Contaminated Soil: refers to the introduction of composting and using food scraps to feed pigs,
micro-organisms, chemicals, toxic substances, but excludes source reduction activities such as
wastes, or wastewater into soil in concentra- backyard (onsite) composting and use of food
tions that make the soil unfit for its intended items for human consumption (food banks).
use. (U.S. EPA, 1994d)
Generators1: refers to producers of municipal
Crumb Rubber: refers to ground rubber pieces solid waste such as residences, institutions,
the size of sand or silt used in rubber or plastic commercial businesses, and industry.
products, or processed further into reclaimed
rubber or asphalt products. (U.S. EPA, 1991c) Glass Beneficiation Plant: refers to a glass pro-
cessing facility where recovered glass cullet is
Disposal Facilities: refers to repositories for solid cleaned of contaminants and processed into a
waste including landfills and combustors form that is ready to be manufactured into a
intended for permanent containment or new product (mill-ready). (U.S. EPA, 1995c)
destruction of waste materials. Excludes transfer
Glass Containers: refers to containers and pack-
stations and composting facilities. (U.S. EPA,
aging such as beer and soft drink bottles, wine
1991b and National Recycling Coalition, 1995)
and liquor bottles, and bottles and jars for food,
Drop-Off Center: refers to a method of collection cosmetics, and other products. For the purpose
whereby recyclable or compostable materials of recycling, container glass is generally sepa-
are taken by individuals to a collection site and rated into color categories (clear, green, and
placed in designated containers. (U.S. EPA, amber or brown). Examples of recycling
1989) include processing glass into new containers,
construction materials (aggregate), or fiberglass
End User1: refers to facilities that purchase or
(insulation). (U.S. EPA, 1995d)
secure recovered materials for the purpose of
recycling. Examples include recycling plants Grass: refers to lawn clippings. Excludes leaves,
and composting facilities. Excludes waste brush, and branches. (Mish et al., 1988)
disposal facilities. Grasscycling1: refers to the source reduction activ-
Exports1: refers to municipal solid waste and recy- ity whereby grass clippings are left on the lawn
clables that are transported outside the state or after mowing.
locality where they originated. Gross Sales Receipts1: taxable transactions, or the
Ferrous Metals: refers to magnetic metals derived total dollar value of goods sold in a state that
from iron (steel). (U.S. EPA, 1995d) Products are subject to state sales tax. The specific goods
made from ferrous metals include major and subjected to sales tax vary from state to state.
small appliances, furniture, and containers and Hauler: refers to a waste collection company that
packaging (steel drums and barrels). Examples provides complete refuse removal services.
of recycling include processing tin/steel cans, Many will also collect recyclables. Includes
strapping, and ferrous metals from appliances both private and public entities. Also see
into new products. (U.S. EPA, 1995d) Collector. (U.S. EPA, 1994d)
50 Appendix A
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene): refers to a classroom wastes, and yard trimmings. (U.S.
plastic product in which the ethylene molecules EPA, 1996b)
are linked in long chains with few side branch-
Large Appliances: see Major Appliances.
es. Examples of products made from HDPE
include milk jugs, detergent bottles, margarine Large Generator1: refers to commercial business-
tubs, and garbage containers. (U.S. EPA, 1995c) es, institutions, or industries that generate suf-
ficient quantities of municipal solid waste and
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): refers to recyclables to warrant self-management of
hazardous products that are used and disposed these materials. Examples of large generators
of by residential—rather than industrial—con- include supermarkets, restaurants, hardware
sumers. These products include some paints, stores, shopping malls, warehouses, amuse-
stains, varnishes, solvents, and pesticides, and ment parks, convention centers, and office and
other materials or products containing volatile apartment complexes.
chemicals that catch fire, react, explode under
certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene): refers to a
toxic. HHW is derived from municipal solid plastic material in which the ethylene mole-
waste (MSW) with the exception of used oil cules are linked in a random fashion with the
which is excluded from the category of MSW. main chains of the polymer having long and
Examples of recycling include processing short side branches. LDPE is used for both rigid
HHW components into new products after containers and plastic film applications. (U.S.
they have been diverted from the waste stream. EPA, 1995c)
Diversion from the waste stream only does not Lead-Acid Batteries: refers to batteries used in
constitute recycling (i.e., through collection or automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. They
drop-off programs). (U.S. EPA, 1992, 1993b) contain plastic, lead (a toxic metal), and sulfu-
Imports1: refers to municipal solid waste and ric acid. Excludes lead-acid batteries from large
recyclables that have been transported to a equipment, heavy-duty trucks and tractors, air-
state or locality for processing or final disposi- craft, military vehicles, and boats. (U.S. EPA,
tion, but that did not originate in that state or 1993a, 1996b)
locality. Leakage1: refers to cases in which residential recy-
Incinerator: refers to a furnace for burning solid clables are collected outside of a municipal col-
waste under controlled conditions. (U.S. EPA, lection system. As a result, these materials are
1994d) often undetected during the course of normal
data collection efforts.
Industrial Process Waste: refers to residues pro-
duced during manufacturing operations. Leaves: refers to the foliage of a plant. Excludes
(Sullivan, 1993) brush, branches, and grass. (Mish et al., 1988)
Industrial Sludge: refers to the semiliquid Major (Large) Appliances: refers to many differ-
ent types, sizes, and styles of ovens, microwave
residue remaining from the treatment of indus-
ovens, air-conditioners, refrigerators, freezers,
trial water and wastewater. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
washers, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters,
Industrial Waste: refers to nonhazardous wastes dehumidifiers, or trash compactors manufac-
discarded at industrial sites from packaging tured for household, commercial, or recreation-
and administrative sources. Examples include al use. Steel is the predominant material used
corrugated boxes, plastic film, wood pallets, in the manufacture of large appliances. Other
lunchroom wastes, and office paper. Excludes materials found in appliances (in varying
industrial process wastes from manufacturing amounts) include, copper, brass, aluminum,
operations. (U.S. EPA, 1996b) glass, rubber, and paperboard. Also see White
Goods and Bulky Waste. (Sullivan, 1993 and
Institutional Waste: refers to waste generated at
U.S. EPA, 1995d)
institutions, such as schools, libraries, hospi-
tals, and prisons. Examples include cafeteria Material Recovery Facility (MRF): refers to a
and restroom trashcan wastes, office papers, facility where recyclables are sorted into specif-
Glossary 51
ic categories and processed, or transported to tainers and packaging, food scraps, yard trim-
processors, for remanufacturing. (U.S. EPA, mings, and miscellaneous inorganic wastes
1994d) from residential, commercial, institutional, and
industrial sources, such as appliances, automo-
Medical Waste: refers to any solid waste generat-
bile tires, old newspapers, clothing, disposable
ed in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization
tableware, office and classroom paper, wood
of human beings or animals, in research per-
pallets, and cafeteria wastes. Excludes solid
taining thereto, or in the production or testing
wastes from other sources, such as construction
of biologicals, excluding hazardous waste iden-
and demolition debris, autobodies, municipal
tified or listed under 40 CFR Part 261 or any
household waste as defined in 40 CFR sludges, combustion ash, and industrial process
Subsection 261.4 (b)(1). (U.S. EPA, 1994d) wastes that might also be disposed of in munic-
ipal waste landfills or incinerators. (U.S. EPA,
Mill-Ready Cullet: refers to crushed and whole 1996b)
contaminant-free scrap container glass that
complies with the proper Institute of Scrap Natural Disaster Debris1: refers to wastes result-
Recycling Industries, Inc. glass specifications. ing from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, torna-
(Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., dos, and other natural disasters. Excludes
1996) wastes resulting from heavy storms. Natural
disaster debris is classified as construction and
Mining Waste: refers to residues resulting from demolition debris.
the extraction of raw materials from the earth.
(Sullivan, 1993) Nonferrous Metals: refers to nonmagnetic metals
such as aluminum, lead, and copper. Products
Minor Appliances: see Small Appliances. made from nonferrous metals include contain-
Mixed Glass1: refers to recovered container glass ers and packaging such as beverage cans, food
that is not sorted into specific categories (color and other nonfood cans; nonferrous metals
and grade). found in appliances, furniture, electronic equip-
ment; and nonpackaging aluminum products
Mixed Metals1: refers to recovered metal that is (foil, closures, and lids from bimetal cans).
not sorted into specific categories (aluminum Excludes lead-acid batteries and nonferrous
cans, tin/steel cans, other ferrous, and other metals from industrial applications and con-
nonferrous). struction and demolition debris. (U.S. EPA,
Mixed Municipal Solid Waste1: refers to munici- 1996b)
pal solid waste that is not sorted into specific Nonhazardous Industrial Process Waste: refers
categories (plastics, glass, and yard trimmings). to waste that is neither municipal solid waste
Mixed Paper1: refers to recovered paper that is not nor considered a hazardous waste under
sorted into specific categories (old magazines, Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and
old newspapers, and old corrugated contain- Recovery Act, such as certain types of manufac-
ers). turing wastes and wastewaters. (U.S. EPA,
1996a)
Mixed Plastic1: refers to recovered plastic that is
not sorted into specific categories (HDPE, Office Paper1: refers to high-grade papers such as
LDPE, and PETE). copier paper, computer printout, and sta-
tionery. These papers are almost entirely made
Mulching1: refers to the process by which the vol-
of uncoated chemical pulp, although some
ume of organic waste is reduced through shred-
amounts of groundwood are used. It should be
ding or grinding.
noted that this category of paper also is gener-
Municipal Sludge: refers to the semiliquid ated at locations other than offices, such as
residue remaining from the treatment of munic- homes and institutions (schools).
ipal water and wastewater. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
Oil and Gas Waste: refers to gas and oil drilling
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): refers to wastes muds, oil production brines, and other wastes
such as durable goods, nondurable goods, con- associated with the exploration, development,
52 Appendix A
or production of crude oil or natural gas. (U.S. Other Plastic: refers to plastic from appliances,
EPA, 1995a) furniture, trash bags, cups, eating utensils,
sporting and recreational equipment, and other
Old Corrugated Containers (OCC): refers to cor-
nonpackaging plastic products. (U.S. EPA,
rugated containers made from unbleached,
1996b)
unwaxed paper with a ruffled (corrugated)
inner liner. (U.S. EPA, 1993a) Other Recyclables1: refers to household haz-
ardous waste, oil filters, fluorescent tubes, mat-
Old Magazines: refers to dry, coated magazines,
tresses, consumer electronics, circuit boards,
catalogues, and similar printed materials.
and other miscellaneous recyclable items found
(Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc.,
in municipal solid waste that cannot be other-
1996)
wise categorized.
Old Newspaper: refers to periodicals printed on
Other Solid Waste: refers to nonhazardous solid
newsprint. Includes groundwood inserts
wastes, other than municipal solid waste, cov-
(advertisements). Examples of recycling
ered under Subtitle D of the Resource
include processing old newspapers into new
Conservation and Recovery Act, such as
paper products (newspaper, paperboard,
municipal sludge, industrial nonhazardous
boxboard, or animal bedding). (U.S. EPA,
waste, construction and demolition waste, agri-
1996b)
cultural waste, oil and gas waste, and mining
Other Ferrous Metals: refers to ferrous metals waste. (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
from strapping, furniture, and metal found in
Other Wood: refers to wood from furniture, cabi-
tires and consumer electronics. Excludes the
nets from consumer electronics, and other non-
large quantities of metals found in construction
packaging wood products. Excludes wood
materials or transportation products, such as
recovered from construction and demolition
automobiles, locomotives, and ships. (U.S.
activities (lumber and tree stumps) and indus-
EPA, 1996b)
trial process waste (shavings and sawdust).
Other Glass: refers to glass from furniture, appli- Examples of recycling include processing wood
ances, and consumer electronics. Excludes glass into mulch, compost additive, or animal bed-
from transportation products and construction ding. (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
and demolition debris. Examples of recycling
Overissue Publications (Overissues)1: refers to
include processing glass into new glass prod-
printed publications, such as newspapers and
ucts such as containers, construction materials
magazines, that are defined as unsold invento-
(aggregate), or fiberglass (insulation). (U.S.
ry by the publisher. Overissues are not consid-
EPA, 1996b)
ered postconsumer waste.
Other Nonferrous Metals: refers to nonferrous
Pallet: refers to a portable platform made of wood
metals (lead, copper, and zinc) from appliances,
or plastic lumber used for storing or moving
consumer electronics, and nonpackaging alu-
cargo or freight. (National Wooden Pallet and
minum products (foil, closures, and aluminum
Container Association)
lids from bimetal cans). Excludes nonferrous
metals from industrial applications and con- Paper: refers to paper products and materials
struction and demolition debris. (U.S. EPA, such as old newspapers, old magazines, office
1996b) papers, telephone directories, old corrugated
containers, bags, and some paperboard packag-
Other Paper: refers to paper from books, third
ing. Examples of recycling include processing
class mail, other commercial printing, paper
paper into new paper products (tissue, paper-
towels, paper plates and cups, other nonpack-
board, hydromulch, animal bedding, or insula-
aging paper (posters, photographic papers,
tion materials). (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
cards, and games), milk cartons, folding boxes
(cereal boxes), bags, wrapping papers, and Paper Processor1: refers to an intermediate oper-
other paper and paperboard products. (U.S. ating facility where recovered paper products
EPA, 1996b) and materials are sorted, cleaned of contami-
Glossary 53
nants, and prepared for final recycling. Preconsumer Materials/Waste: refers to materials
Examples include paper stock dealers and generated in manufacturing and converting
paper packers. processes, such as manufacturing scrap and
PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate): refers to a trimmings/cuttings. Also includes print over-
thermoplastic material used to manufacture runs, overissue publications (newspapers and
plastic soft drink containers and rigid contain- magazines), and obsolete inventories. (U.S.
ers. PETE has a high melting point, is clear in its EPA, 1995c)
natural state, and has a relatively high density. Print Overruns: refers to a quantity of paper that
(U.S. EPA, 1995c) is printed beyond the quantity specified.
Plastic: refers to plastic containers and packaging (Walden-Mott, 1981)
made from various resins, including PETE, Processors1: refers to intermediate operators that
HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS. Excludes plas- handle recyclable materials from collectors and
tics in transportation (automobiles) and con- generators for the purpose of preparing materi-
struction products (PVC piping). (U.S. EPA, als for recycling (material recovery facilities,
1996b) scrap metal yards, paper dealers, and glass
Plastic Processor1: refers to an intermediate oper- beneficiation plants). Processors act as interme-
ating facility where recovered plastic products diaries between collectors and end users of
and materials are sorted, cleaned of contami- recovered materials.
nants, and prepared for final recycling. PS (Polystyrene): refers to a plastic polymer
Examples include plastics handlers and plastics formed by linking styrene molecules. PS is used
reclaimers.
to make a variety of products including plastic
Plastics Handler: refers to companies that prepare cutlery and food containers. It is often used in
recyclable plastics by sorting, baling, shred- its foamed state. (U.S. EPA, 1995c)
ding, granulating, and/or storing plastics until
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): refers to the family of
a sufficient quantity is on hand. (American
plastic copolymers, also known as vinyl. PVC is
Plastics Council, 1996)
used to make products such as pipes, bottles,
Plastics Reclaimer: refers to companies that fur- upholstery, and automotive parts. (U.S. EPA,
ther process plastics after the handling stage by 1995c)
performing at least one of the following func-
tions: washing/cleaning, pelletizing, or pro- Recovery: refers to the diversion of materials from
ducing a new product. (American Plastics the municipal solid waste stream for the pur-
Council, 1996) pose of recycling or composting. Excludes reuse
and source reduction activities such as yard
Postconsumer Materials/Waste: refers to recov- trimmings diverted to backyard (onsite) com-
ered materials that have been used as a con- posting, the repair of wood pallets, and the
sumer item and are diverted from municipal refilling of beverage containers. (U.S. EPA
solid waste for the purpose of collection, recy- 1996b)
cling, and disposition (aluminum beverage
cans, plastic bottles, old newspapers, and yard Recyclables: refers to those materials recovered
trimmings). Excludes materials from industrial from the solid waste stream and transported to
processes that have not reached the consumer, a processor or end user for recycling. (National
such as glass broken in the manufacturing Recycling Coalition, 1995)
process or overissues of newspapers and maga- Recycling: refers to the series of activities by
zines. (U.S. EPA, 1994d, 1995c) which discarded materials are collected, sorted,
PP (Polypropylene): refers to a plastic polymer processed, and converted into raw materials
formed by linking propylene molecules. PP has and used in the production of new products.
good resistance to heat and is used in flexible Excludes the use of these materials as a fuel sub-
and rigid packaging, film, and textiles. (U.S. stitute or for energy production. (National
EPA, 1995c) Recycling Coalition, 1995)
54 Appendix A
Recycling Plant1: refers to a facility where recov- such as redesigning products or packaging to
ered materials are remanufactured into new reduce the quantity of materials or the toxicity
products. of the materials used; reusing products or pack-
Redemption Program1: refers to a program where aging already manufactured; and lengthening
consumers are monetarily compensated for the the life of products to postpone disposal.
collection of recyclable materials, generally Examples include donating food to food banks,
through pre-paid deposits or taxes on beverage diverting food scraps and yard trimmings
containers. In some states or localities, legisla- through backyard (onsite) composting, and
tion has been passed to implement redemption reusing plastic pallets. Also referred to as waste
programs to assist in the prevention of roadside prevention. (U.S. EPA 1996b)
litter (bottle bills). Surveyor1: refers to the state, locality, or individ-
Residential Waste: refers to waste generated by ual responsible for the collection of recycling
single- and multi-family homes including old measurement data through the use of survey
newspapers, clothing, disposable tableware, forms.
food packaging, cans and bottles, food scraps,
Telephone Directories1: refers to telephone direc-
and yard trimmings. Excludes food scraps and
tories printed on paper with high groundwood
yard trimmings that are diverted to backyard
content. Other directories, such as zip code and
(onsite) composting. (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
area code directories, are included in this cate-
Residues: refers to the materials remaining after gory when they are printed on the same type of
processing, incineration, composting, or recy- paper.
cling have been completed. Residues are usual-
ly disposed of in landfills. (U.S. EPA, 1989) Textiles: refers to fibers from discarded apparel,
furniture, linens (sheets and towels), and car-
Respondent1: refers to the state, locality, or indi- pets. Examples of recycling include converting
vidual that completes a recycling measurement apparel and linens into wiper rags and process-
survey form. ing textiles into new products (linen paper or
Reuse: refers to the use of a product or compo- carpet padding). (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
nent of municipal solid waste in its original Tin/Steel Cans: refers to tin-coated steel contain-
form more than once. Examples include refill- ers such as cans used for food packaging. (U.S.
ing glass or plastic bottles, repairing wood pal-
EPA, 1993a)
lets, using corrugated or plastic containers for
storage, and returning milk crates. (U.S. EPA, Tire Processor1: refers to an intermediate operat-
1994d) ing facility where recovered tires are processed
in preparation for recycling.
Scrap Metal Processor1: refers to an intermediate
operating facility where recovered metal is Tires: refers to passenger car and light- and
sorted, cleaned of contaminants, and prepared heavy-duty truck tires. Excludes high-speed
for final recycling. Examples include scrap industrial tires (from airplanes), bus tires,
metal yards and scrap metal dealers. motorcycle tires, and special service tires, such
Small (Minor) Appliances: refers to many differ- as military, agricultural, off-road, and slow-
ent types, sizes, and styles of electric fans, cof- speed industrial tires (from construction vehi-
fee makers, electric irons, food mixers, etc. cles). Examples of recycling include processing
Aluminum and plastic are the predominant car and truck tires into new rubber products
materials used in small appliances. (U.S. EPA, (trash cans, storage containers, and rubberized
1995d) asphalt), and the use of whole tires for play-
ground and reef construction. (U.S. EPA, 1994b)
Source Reduction: refers to the design, manufac-
ture, purchase, or use of materials, such as Transfer Station: refers to a facility where solid
products and packaging, to reduce the amount waste is transferred from collection vehicles to
or toxicity of materials before they enter the larger trucks or rail cars for longer distance
municipal solid waste management system, transport. (U.S. Congress, 1989)
Glossary 55
Tree Stumps: refers to the portion of a tree have a similar fiber and filler content. (Institute
remaining after it has been cut. Tree stumps are of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., 1994)
categorized as yard trimmings when found in
Wood Packaging: refers to wood products such as
municipal solid waste. Otherwise, tree stumps
pallets, crates, and barrels. Excludes wood from
are generally found in, and categorized as, con-
furniture and other nonpackaging wood prod-
struction and demolition debris. (Mish et al.,
ucts. Examples of recycling include processing
1988)
wood into new products (mulch and compost).
Unit-Based Pricing/Pay-As-You-Throw: refers to (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
a system under which residents pay for munic-
Yard Trimmings: refers to grass, leaves, tree
ipal solid waste management services per unit
branches and brush, and tree stumps from resi-
of waste (by weight or volume) collected rather
dential, institutional, and commercial sources.
than through a fixed fee. (U.S. EPA, 1994c)
Examples of recycling include processing yard
Used Oil1: refers to spent motor oil from passen- trimmings into compost, mulch, or other simi-
ger cars and trucks that is collected at specified lar uses, and landspreading leaves (when the
locations for recycling. Used oil is excluded from depth of the application allows for degradation
the category of municipal solid waste. of the organic plant material). (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Waste Characterization Studies: refers to the Yard Trimmings Processor1: refers to an interme-
identification and measurement (by weight or diate operating facility where recovered yard
volume) of specific categories of municipal trimmings are sorted, cleaned of contaminants,
solid waste materials (glass, plastic, and metals) and prepared for final recycling.
for the purpose of projecting landfill capacity,
determining best management practices and
developing cost-effective recycling programs.
(U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Waste Generation: refers to the amount (weight
or volume) of materials and products that enter
the waste stream before recycling, composting,
landfilling, or combustion takes place. (U.S.
EPA 1996b)
Waste Stream: refers to the total flow of solid
waste from homes, businesses, institutions, and
manufacturing plants that must be recycled,
incinerated, or disposed of in landfills; or any
segment thereof, such as the “residential waste
stream” or the “recyclable waste stream.” (U.S.
EPA, 1989)
Waste-To-Energy Facility/Combustor: refers to a
facility where recovered municipal solid waste
is converted into a usable form of energy,
usually through combustion. (U.S. EPA, 1995b)
White Goods: refers to major appliances such as
refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, and
washing machines. Also see Major Appliances
and Bulky Waste. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
White Ledger: refers to printed or unprinted
sheets of white sulphite or sulphate ledger,
bond, writing paper, and all other papers which
56 Appendix A
GLOSSARY REFERENCES U.S. EPA. 1994a. Composting Yard Trimmings
and Municipal Solid Waste. EPA530-R-94-003.
Washington, DC.
American Plastics Council. 1996. Letter commu-
U.S. EPA. 1994b. Comprehensive Guideline for
nicating definitions. October.
Procurement of Products Containing
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. 1996. Recovered Materials and Issuance of a Draft
Scrap Specifications Circular 1996: Guidelines Recovered Materials Advisory Notice:
for Nonferrous Scrap, Ferrous Scrap, Glass Proposed Rule and Notice. Fed. Reg.
Cullet, Paper Stock, Plastic Scrap. Institute of 59(76):18,852-18,887. April 20.
Scrap Recycling Industries, Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1994c. Pay-As-You-Throw: Lessons
Mish et al., eds. 1988. Webster’s Ninth New Learned About Unit Pricing. EPA530-R-94-004.
Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Washington, DC.
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
U.S. EPA. 1994d. Terms of the Environment:
National Recycling Coalition. 1995. Definitions Glossary, Abbreviations, and Acronyms.
Approved By the National Recycling Coalition EPA175-B-94-015. Washington, DC.
Board of Directors.
U.S. EPA. 1995a. Crude Oil and Natural Gas
National Wooden Pallet and Container Exploration and Production Wastes:
Association (NWPCA). An Introduction to Exemption from RCRA Subtitle C Regulation.
Wood Pallets. NWPCA, Arlington, VA. EPA530-K-95-003. Washington, DC.
Sullivan, T.F.P. 1993. Environmental Regulatory U.S. EPA. 1995b. Decision-Makers’ Guide to
Glossary, Sixth Edition. Rockville, MD: Solid Waste Management, Volume II.
Government Institutes, Inc. EPA530-R-95-023. Washington, DC.
U.S. Congress. 1989. Facing America’s Trash: U.S. EPA. 1995c. Manufacturing from
What Next for Municipal Solid Waste. OTA-O- Recyclables: 24 Case Studies of Successful
424. Washington, DC. Recycling Enterprises. EPA530-R-95-001.
Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1989. Decision-Makers Guide to Solid
Waste Management. EPA530-SW-89-072. U.S. EPA. 1995d. Methodology for
Washington, DC. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in
the United States: 1994 Update. Report pre-
U.S. EPA. 1991a. Environmental Fact Sheet: Yard
pared by Franklin Associates, LTD.
Waste Composting. EPA530-SW-91-009.
Washington, DC.
Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1996a. Building a New State/EPA
U.S. EPA. 1991b. Solid Waste Disposal Facility
Industrial Solid Waste Initiative. Washington,
Criteria; Final Rule. Fed. Reg. Part II: 40 CFR
DC.
Parts 257 and 258.56(196):50,978-51,119.
October 9. U.S. EPA. 1996b. Characterization of Municipal
Solid Waste in The United States: 1996 Update.
U.S. EPA. 1991c. Summary of Markets for Scrap
EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC.
Tires. EPA530-90-074B. Washington, DC.
Walden-Mott Corporation. 1981. Walden’s
U.S. EPA. 1992. The Consumer’s Handbook for
Handbook for Paper Salespeople & Buyers of
Reducing Solid Waste. EPA530-K-92-003.
Printing Paper, Second Edition. Oradell, NJ:
Washington, DC.
Walden-Mott Corporation.
U.S. EPA. 1993a. Business Guide for Reducing
Solid Waste. EPA530-K-92-004. Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1993b. Household Hazardous Waste: A
Manual for One-Day Community Collection
Programs. EPA530-R-92-026. Washington, DC.
Glossary 57
B
APPENDIX
Standard Volume-to-Weight
Conversion Factors
Category Recyclable Materials Volume Estimated Weight
(u/c = uncompacted/ (in pounds)
compacted & baled)
FOOD SCRAPSA Food scraps, solid and liquid fats 55-gal drum 412
GLASS BottlesB:
Whole bottles 1 yd3 500-700
Semicrushed 1 yd3 1,000-1,800
Crushed (mechanically) 1 yd3 1,800-2,700
Uncrushed to manually broken 55-gal drum 300
Refillable Whole BottlesC:
Refillable beer bottles 1 case = 24 bottles 10-14
Refillable soft drink bottles 1 case = 24 bottles 12-22
8 oz glass container 1 case = 24 bottles 12
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES CarD 1 battery 39.4 lb
TruckE 1 battery 53.3 lb lead and
plastic
MotorcycleE 1 battery 9.5 lb lead and
plastic
METALS Aluminum CansF:
Whole 1 yd3 50-75
Compacted (manually) 1 yd3 250-430
Uncompacted 1 full grocery bag 1.5
1 case = 24 cans 0.9
Ferrous (tin coated steel cans)G:
Whole 1 yd3 150
Flattened 1 yd3 850
Whole 1 case = 6 cans 22
Major AppliancesE:
Air conditioners (room) 1 unit 64.2
Dishwashers 1 unit 92
Dryers (clothes) 1 unit 130
Standard Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors 59
Category Recyclable Materials Volume Estimated Weight
(u/c = uncompacted/ (in pounds)
compacted & baled)
METALS (cont’d) Freezers 1 unit 193
Microwave ovens 1 unit 50
Ranges 1 unit 181.1
Refrigerators 1 unit 267
Washers (clothes) 1 unit 177
Water heaters 1 unit 131
PAPER NewspaperF:
Uncompacted 1 yd3 360-505
Compacted/baled 1 yd3 720-1,000
12 in. stack — 35
Old Corrugated ContainersF:
Uncompacted 1 yd3 50-150 (300)H
Compacted 1 yd3 300-500
Baled 1 yd3 700-1,100
Computer PaperF:
Uncompacted (stacked) 1 yd3 655
Compacted/baled 1 yd3 1,310
1 case 2,800 sheets 42
White LedgerF:
Stacked (u/c) 1 yd3 375-465/755-925
Crumpled (u/c) 1 yd3 110-205/325
Ream of 20# bond; 8-1/2 in. x 11 in. 1 ream = 500 sheets 5
Ream of 20# bond; 8-1/2 in. x 14 in. 1 ream = 500 sheets 6.4
White ledger pads 1 case = 72 pads 38
Tab CardsF:
Uncompacted 1 yd3 605
Compacted/baled 1 yd3 1,215-1,350
Miscellaneous Paper:
Yellow legal padsF 1 case = 72 pads 38
Colored message padsF 1 carton = 144 pads 22
Telephone directoriesI 1 yd3 250
Mixed Ledger/Office PaperF:
Flat (u/c) 1 yd3 380/755
Crumpled (u/c) 1 yd3 110-205/610
60 Appendix B
Category Recyclable Materials Volume Estimated Weight
(u/c = uncompacted/ (in pounds)
compacted & baled)
PLASTICJ PET (Soda Bottles):
Whole bottles (uncompacted) 1 yd3 30-40
Whole bottles (compacted) 1 yd3 515
Whole bottles (uncompacted) gaylord 40-53
Baled 30 in. x 62 in. 500-550
Granulated semiload 30,000
Granulated gaylord 700-750
8 bottles (2 L size) 16 L 1
HDPE (Dairy):
Whole (uncompacted) 1 yd3 24
Whole (compacted) 1 yd3 270
Baled 32 in. x 60 in. 400-500
HDPE (Mixed):
Baled 32 in. x 60 in. 900
Granulated gaylord 800-1,000
Granulated semiload 42,000
Other Plastic:
Uncompacted 1 yd3 50
Compacted/baled 1 yd3 400-700
Mixed PET and HDPE (Dairy):
Whole (uncompacted) 1 yd3 32
Film:
Baled semiload 44,000
Baled 30 in. x 42 in. x 48 in. 1,100
TEXTILESI Mixed textiles 1 yd3 175
TIRES Car Tires:
Whole tireE 1 tire 21
Crumb rubberK 1 tire 12
Truck Tires:
Whole tireE 1 tire 70
Crumb rubberK 1 tire 60
WOOD Wood chipsL 1 yd3 625
PalletsF — 30-100 (40 avg.)
Standard Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors 61
Category Recyclable Materials Volume Estimated Weight
(u/c = uncompacted/ (in pounds)
compacted & baled)
YARD TRIMMINGSF Grass Clippings:
Uncompacted 1 yd3 350-450
Compacted 1 yd3 550-1,500
Leaves:
Uncompacted 1 yd3 200-250
Compacted 1 yd3 300-450
Vacuumed 1 yd3 350
FURNISHINGSE Foam rubber mattress 1 mattress 55
MUNICIPAL Residential waste 1 yd3 150-300
SOLID WASTEM (uncompacted at curb)
Commercial-industrial waste 1 yd3 300-600
(uncompacted)
MSW (compacted in truck) 1 yd3 500-1,000
MSW (landfill density) 1 yd3 750-1,250
Conversion Table Sources:
A Information obtained from Washington State.
B Draft National Recycling Coalition Measurement Standards and Reporting Guidelines presented to NRC membership.
October 31, 1989.
C Personal communication with a representative from Allwaste. November 6, 1995.
D Battery Council International. 1995. 1994 National Recycling Rate Study.
E U.S. EPA. 1995. Methodology for Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1994 Update. EPA530-R-96-
001. Washington, DC.
F U.S. EPA. 1993. Business Guide for Reducing Solid Waste. EPA530-K-92-004. Washington, DC.
G Personal communication with a representative from the Steel Recycling Institute. November 1, 1995.
H Information obtained from New Jersey and New York States.
I Information obtained from Massachusetts State.
J Personal communication with a representative from the American Plastics Council. November 2, 1995.
K Personal communication with a representative from the Scrap Tire Management Council. November 6, 1995.
L Information obtained from Northeast Forest Products, Martin Mulch Company, and the Solid Waste Association of North
America.
M Solid Waste Association of North America, Manager of Landfill Operations Training and Certification Course. January 1989.
Revised June 1991 and October 1994.
62 Appendix B
C
APPENDIX
Survey Forms
Introduction to the Survey Forms
T
he survey forms contained in this appendix are
designed to help you obtain the municipal solid
waste (MSW) recycling and disposal data neces-
sary for calculating a standard recycling rate. The forms may
be used by states or localities that are measuring recycling for
the first time and want to use the standard methodology
outlined in this guide or those that wish to redesign their
current recycling measurement system according to the stan-
dard methodology.
There are six survey forms in As discussed in Section 4, deter-
total, each uniquely tailored for a mining who to survey is a critical
specific point in the waste manage- step in the design of your recycling
ment system. Forms 1-3 allow for measurement system, and you are
the collection of data on the allowed flexibility in selecting
amount of MSW recycled in your which points in the chain to survey.
state or locality and address collec- In order to obtain data on both
tors, processors, and end users of
MSW recycling and disposal, you
recyclables, respectively. Forms 4-6
will want to use two of the survey
allow for the collection of data on
forms at a minimum, one from
the amount of MSW disposed of in
each group. You may choose, how-
your state or locality and address
waste collectors, transfer stations, ever, to use more than two or even
and disposal facilities, respectively. all six of the survey forms, depend-
In addition to MSW, each survey ing on your particular surveying
form also allows data to be collect- approach. Table 13 describes each
ed on materials not considered to of the survey forms, including the
be MSW (referred to as “other solid purpose and who should complete
waste” and “other recyclables”). the form.
Survey Forms 63
3.
TABLE 1 SURVEY FORMS
SURVEY TITLE WHO SHOULD COMPLETE PURPOSE
FORM THE FORM
Form 1 Collectors of Private recycling haulers To collect data on the amount of MSW
Recyclables recyclables and other recyclables collected
Government agencies with collection
from residential and commercial sources in
crews or contracts
your state or locality during the current
Large generators that self-haul directly measurement year.
to a processor or end user
Form 2 Processors of Material recovery facilities (MRFs) To collect data on the amount of MSW
Recyclables recyclables and other recyclables from
Buy-back centers
residential and commercial sources in your
Drop-off centers state or locality processed during the current
Scrap metal processors measurement year by MRFs, buy-back
centers, and other processors.
Paper processors
Glass beneficiation plants
Plastic processors
Tire processors
Yard trimmings processors
Transfer stations that recover recyclables
from waste on site
Form 3 End Users of Public and private composting facilities To collect data on the amount of MSW
Recyclables recyclables and other recyclables from
Recycling plants
residential and commercial sources in your
Disposal facilities that recover state or locality accepted during the current
recyclables from waste on site measurement year by recycling mills and
composting facilities.
Form 4 Collectors of Private waste haulers To collect data on the amount of MSW and
MSW and other types of solid waste collected from
Government agencies with collection
Other Solid residential and commercial sources in your
crews or contracts
Waste state or locality during the current
Large generators that self-haul directly measurement year.
to a processor or end user
Form 5 Transfer Public and private transfer stations To collect data on the amount of MSW and
Stations other types of solid waste from residential
and commercial sources in your state or
locality processed during the current
measurement year by transfer stations.
Form 6 Waste Public and private landfills To collect data on the amount of MSW and
Disposal Public and private incinerators other types of solid waste from residential
Facilities and commercial sources in your state or
Public and private waste-to-energy locality accepted during the current
facilities measurement year by disposal facilities.
64 Appendix C
SURVEY FORM
1 About This Form
Collectors of Recyclables
Use this form to collect information on the amount of recyclables collected from
residential and commercial sources in your state or locality during the previous year.
Who Should Fill Out This Form:
Private Recycling Haulers.
Government Agencies with Collection Crews or Collection Contracts.
Large Generators (e.g., Grocery Stores, Retail Chains, Government Facilities) that
Self-Haul Directly to a Processor or End User.
Important Tips:
1. Send a cover letter with the survey form explaining the purpose of the form and how to fill it
out. Remember to specify which sections of the form you want respondents to complete and
which sections are optional. Use the sample cover letters provided as guides for developing your
own.
2. Send the glossary and standard volume-to-weight conversion factors to all respondents.
Recycling Measurement
3. Before mailing the form and cover letter to respondents, write in the name of your state or
locality, reporting period, due date, and return address in the spaces provided at the top of the
form.
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
8/11/97
1 Collectors of Recyclables
SURVEY FORM
To Be Completed by the Surveyor:
State or Locality:
Reporting Period: ____________________ to ____________________
Return This Form to:
Return This Form by: _____ /_____ /_____
Direct All Questions to: Name _______________________ Telephone ( ) ______________
Respondent Information (please type or print clearly):
Name of Company or Government Agency:
Address: Street ______________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ Zip _________________
Telephone: ( ) ______________________________ FAX: ( ) _____________________________
Name of Contact: Title:
Are You a: Private Hauler Large Generator
Government Agency With a Collection Crew or a Collection Contract
Recycling Measurement
Certification
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
________________________________ _______________________________ _____________
Name and Title Signature Date
1
8/11/97
1. Instructions
1 Refer to the attached glossary for clarification of the terms used in this form.
SURVEY FORM
Report all quantities in tons (1 ton=2,000 pounds). Use the attached volume-to-weight
conversion factors to convert your data from cubic yards (or other unit of measure) to tons. If
you used these conversion factors to convert your data, indicate "yes" in the appropriate column.
If you used other conversion factors, please identify the source in the comments section.
Estimate the breakdown of residential and commercial materials to the best of your ability.
Report any recyclables that were generated as a result of a natural disaster in Part 2B as
construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
Report only quantities collected during the reporting period stated above.
2. Recyclables Collection Data
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) recyclables collected from residential and commercial sources
in _________________________ during the stated reporting period. Refer to the Scope of
state or locality
MSW Recycling table for specific examples of what to include as recycling.
Source of Recyclable Material
2A. Were EPA Were EPA TOTAL
RECYCLABLE Residential Conversion Commercial Conversion (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) Factors (tons) Factors
Used? Used?
Commingled Materials
(describe in Comments section below)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Recycling Measurement
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
2
Subtotal Metals
8/11/97
Source of Recyclable Material
1 2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Residential
Were EPA
Conversion Commercial
Were EPA
Conversion
TOTAL
(tons)
(tons) Factors (tons) Factors
Used? Used?
SURVEY FORM
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Recycling Measurement
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
3
8/11/97
Source of Recyclable Material
1 2A.
RECYCLABLE Residential
Were EPA
Conversion Commercial
Were EPA
Conversion
TOTAL
(tons)
MATERIAL (tons) Factors (tons) Factors
Used? Used?
SURVEY FORM
Other Recyclables:
___________________
___________________
___________________
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates/Comments: ______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
4
8/11/97
2B. Other types of recyclables collected from sources in _______________________________________
1 during the stated reporting period.
state or locality
Were EPA
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL Conversion AMOUNT RECEIVED (tons)
SURVEY FORM
Factors Used?
Agricultural Waste
Automobile Bodies
Combustion Ash
Construction and Demolition Debris:
Asphalt
Concrete
Metals
Natural disaster debris
Wood
Other C&D
Industrial Process Waste
Municipal Sewage Sludge
Preconsumer Waste
Used Oil
Other _________________________
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
5
8/11/97
2
SURVEY FORM
About This Form
Processors of Recyclables
Use this form to collect information on the amount of recyclables from residential
and commercial sources in your state or locality processed during the previous year
by material recovery facilities and other processors.
Who Should Fill Out This Form:
Scrap Metal Processors. Yard Trimmings Processors.
Paper Processors. Buy-Back Centers.
Glass Beneficiation Plants. Drop-Off Centers.
Plastic Processors. Transfer Stations That Recover Recyclables
From Waste On Site.
Tire Processors.
Material Recovery Facilities.
Important Tips:
1. Send a cover letter with the survey form explaining the purpose of the form and how to fill it
out. Remember to specify which sections of the form you want respondents to complete and
which sections are optional. Use the sample cover letters provided as guides for developing
your own.
2. Send the glossary and standard volume-to-weight conversion factors to all respondents.
Recycling Measurement
3. Before mailing the form and cover letter to respondents, write in the name of your state or
locality, reporting period, due date, and return address in the spaces provided at the top of the
form.
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
8/11/97
2
SURVEY FORM
Processors of Recyclables
To Be Completed by the Surveyor:
State or Locality:
Reporting Period: ____________________ to ____________________
Return This Form to:
Return This Form by: _____ /_____ /_____
Direct All Questions to: Name ______________________ Telephone ( ) ________________
Respondent Information (please type or print clearly):
Name of Company or Government Agency:
Address: Street ______________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ Zip _________________
Telephone: ( ) ______________________________ FAX: ( ) ______________________________
Name of Contact: Title:
Are You a: Scrap Metal Processor Paper Processor Drop-Off Center
Glass Beneficiation Plant Plastic Processor Other ____________
Material Recovery Facility Buy-Back Center
Tire Processor Yard Trimmings Processor
Recycling Measurement
Certification
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
____________________________________ ___________________________ ___________
Name and Title Signature Date
1
8/11/97
1. Instructions
2 Refer to the attached glossary for clarification of the terms used in this form.
SURVEY FORM
Report all quantities in tons (1 ton=2,000 pounds). Use the attached volume-to-weight
conversion factors to convert your data from cubic yards (or other unit of measure) to tons. If
you used these conversion factors to convert your data, indicate "yes" in the appropriate column.
If you used other conversion factors, please identify the source in the comments section.
Estimate the breakdown of residential and commercial materials to the best of your ability.
Report any recyclables that were generated as a result of a natural disaster in Part 2B as
construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
Report only quantities received during the reporting period stated above.
2. Recyclables Processing Data
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) recyclables received from residential and commercial sources
in __________________________ during the stated reporting period. Refer to the Scope of
state or locality
MSW Recycling table for specific examples of what to include as recycling.
Source of Recyclable Material
2A. Were EPA Were EPA TOTAL
RECYCLABLE Residential Conversion Commercial Conversion (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) Factors (tons) Factors
Used? Used?
Commingled Materials
(describe in Comments section below)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Recycling Measurement
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
2 Subtotal Metals
8/11/97
Source of Recyclable Material
2 2A.
RECYCLABLE Residential
Were EPA
Conversion Commercial
Were EPA
Conversion
TOTAL
(tons)
MATERIAL (tons) Factors (tons) Factors
SURVEY FORM
Used? Used?
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Recycling Measurement
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
3
8/11/97
Source of Recyclable Material
2 2A.
RECYCLABLE Residential
Were EPA
Conversion Commercial
Were EPA
Conversion
TOTAL
(tons)
MATERIAL (tons) Factors (tons) Factors
SURVEY FORM
Used? Used?
Other Recyclables:
___________________
___________________
___________________
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates/Comments: ______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
4
8/11/97
2B. Other types of recyclables received from sources in ______________________________________
2 during the stated reporting period.
state or locality
Were EPA
SURVEY FORM
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL Conversion Factors AMOUNT PROCESSED (tons)
Used?
Agricultural Waste
Automobile Bodies
Combustion Ash
Construction and Demolition Debris:
Asphalt
Concrete
Metals
Natural Disaster Debris
Wood
Other C&D
Industrial Process Waste
Municipal Sewage Sludge
Preconsumer Waste
Used Oil
Other _________________________
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
5
8/11/97
3
SURVEY FORM
About This Form
End Users of Recyclables
Use this form to collect information on the amount of recyclables from residential
and commercial sources in your state or locality accepted during the previous year
by recycling mills and composting facilities.
Who Should Fill Out This Form:
Public and Private Composting Facilities.
Recycling Plants and Other End Users.
Disposal Facilities That Recover Recyclables From Waste On Site.
Important Tips:
1. Send a cover letter with the survey form explaining the purpose of the form and how to fill it
out. Remember to specify which sections of the form you want respondents to complete and
which sections are optional. Use the sample cover letters provided as guides for developing your
own.
2. Send the glossary and standard volume-to-weight conversion factors to all respondents.
3. Before mailing the form and cover letter to respondents, write in the name of your state or
locality, reporting period, due date, and return address in the spaces provided at the top of the
form.
Recycling Measurement
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
8/11/97
3
SURVEY FORM
End Users of Recyclables
To Be Completed by the Surveyor:
State or Locality:
Reporting Period: ____________________ to ____________________
Return This Form to:
Return This Form by: _____ /_____ /_____
Direct All Questions to: Name ______________________ Telephone ( ) ________________
Respondent Information (please type or print clearly):
Name of Company or Government Agency:
Address: Street ______________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ Zip _________________
Telephone: ( ) ______________________________ FAX: ( ) ______________________________
Name of Contact: Title:
Are You a: Composting Facility Recycling Plant Disposal Facility
Other _________________________________
Recycling Measurement
Certification
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
___________________________________ _____________________________ ___________
Name and Title Signature Date
1
8/11/97
1. Instructions
3
Refer to the attached glossary for clarification of the terms used in this form.
SURVEY FORM
Report all quantities in tons (1 ton=2,000 pounds). Use the attached volume-to-weight
conversion factors to convert your data from cubic yards (or other unit of measure) to tons. If
you used these conversion factors to convert your data, indicate "yes" in the appropriate column.
If you used other conversion factors, please identify the source in the comments section.
Estimate the breakdown of residential and commercial materials to the best of your ability.
Report any recyclables that were generated as a result of a natural disaster in Part 2B as
construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
Report only quantities received during the reporting period stated above.
2. Recycling Data
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) recyclables received from residential and commercial sources
in _____________________________ during the stated reporting period. Refer to the Scope of
state or locality
MSW Recycling table for specific examples of what to include as recycling.
Source of Recyclable Material
2A.
Were EPA Were EPA TOTAL
RECYCLABLE Residential Conversion Commercial Conversion (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) Factors (tons) Factors
Used? Used?
Commingled Materials
(describe in Comments section below)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Recycling Measurement
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
2 Subtotal Metals
8/11/97
Source of Recyclable Material
3 2A.
RECYCLABLE
Were EPA Were EPA TOTAL
Residential Conversion Commercial Conversion (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) Factors (tons) Factors
SURVEY FORM
Used? Used?
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Recycling Measurement
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
3
8/11/97
Source of Recyclable Material
3 2A.
RECYCLABLE
Were EPA Were EPA TOTAL
Residential Conversion Commercial Conversion (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) Factors (tons) Factors
SURVEY FORM
Used? Used?
Other Recyclables:
___________________
___________________
___________________
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates/Comments: ______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
4
8/11/97
2B. Other types of recyclables received from sources in ______________________________________
3 during the stated reporting period.
state or locality
Were EPA
SURVEY FORM
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL Conversion AMOUNT RECEIVED (tons)
Factors Used?
Agricultural Waste
Automobile Bodies
Combustion Ash
Construction and Demolition Debris:
Asphalt
Concrete
Metals
Natural Disaster Debris
Wood
Other C&D
Industrial Process Waste
Municipal Sewage Sludge
Preconsumer Waste
Used Oil
Other _________________________
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
5
8/11/97
SURVEY FORM
4 About This Form
Collectors of Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) and Other Solid Waste
Use this form to collect information on the amount of MSW and other types of solid
waste collected from residential and commercial sources in your state or locality
during the previous year.
Who Should Fill Out This Form:
Private Waste Haulers.
Government Agencies with Collection Crews or Collection Contracts.
Large Generators (e.g., Grocery Stores, Retail Chains, Government Facilities) that
Self-Haul Directly to a Processor or End User.
Important Tips:
1. Send a cover letter with the survey form explaining the purpose of the form and how to fill it
out. Remember to specify which sections of the form you want respondents to complete and
which sections are optional. Use the sample cover letters provided as guides for developing your
own.
Recycling Measurement
2. Send the glossary and standard volume-to-weight conversion factors to all respondents.
3. Before mailing the form and cover letter to respondents, write in the name of your state or
locality, reporting period, due date, and return address in the spaces provided at the top of the
form.
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
8/11/97
4 Collectors of Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) and Other Solid Waste
SURVEY FORM
To Be Completed by the Surveyor:
State or Locality:
Reporting Period: ____________________ to ____________________
Return This Form to:
Return This Form by: _____ /_____ /_____
Direct All Questions to: Name _______________________ Telephone ( ) _______________
Respondent Information (please type or print clearly):
Name of Company or Government Agency:
Address: Street ______________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ Zip _________________
Telephone: ( ) ______________________________ FAX: ( ) _____________________________
Name of Contact: Title:
Are You a: Private Hauler Large Generator
Recycling Measurement
Government Agency With a Collection Crew or a Collection Contract
Certification
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
________________________________ _______________________________ _____________
Name and Title Signature Date
1
8/11/97
1. Instructions
4 Refer to the attached glossary for clarification of the terms used in this form.
SURVEY FORM
Report all quantities in tons (1 ton=2,000 pounds). Use the attached volume-to-weight
conversion factors to convert your data from cubic yards (or other unit of measure) to tons. If
you used these conversion factors to convert your data, indicate "yes" in the appropriate column.
If you used other conversion factors, please identify the source in the comments section.
Estimate the breakdown of residential and commercial materials to the best of your ability.
Report any wastes that were generated as a result of a natural disaster in Part 2C and 2D as
Other Solid Waste.
Report only quantities collected during the reporting period stated above.
2. Waste Data
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) collected from residential and commercial sources
in ___________________________________ during the stated reporting period and hauled to transfer
state or locality
stations or disposal facilities (e.g., landfills, incinerators, and waste-to-energy facilities).
Refer to the attached Scope of MSW table for examples of what to include as MSW.
Amount Hauled Amount Exported
to a Transfer to a Transfer
Station or Disposal Were EPA Station or Disposal Were EPA
TYPE OF MSW Facility in Conversion Facility Outside of Conversion TOTAL (tons)
Factors Factors
Used? Used?
______________ ______________
state or locality state or locality
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Recycling Measurement
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2
8/11/97
2B. MSW collected from residential and commercial sources outside of __________________________
4 during the stated reporting period but hauled to a transfer station or disposal facility
state or locality
in __________________________.
state or locality
SURVEY FORM
IMPORTS
TYPE OF MSW Were EPA Conversion TOTAL (tons)
Factors Used?
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2C. Other types of solid waste collected from sources in ____________________________ during the
state or locality
stated reporting period. Refer to the attached Scope of MSW table for examples of what to include as
Other Solid Waste.
Amount Hauled Amount Exported
to a to a
Transfer Station Were EPA Transfer Station Were EPA
Conversion Conversion TOTAL
OTHER SOLID WASTE or Disposal or Disposal
Factors Factors (tons)
Facility in Used?
Facility Outside of Used?
_____________ ______________
state or locality state or locality
Agricultural Waste
Combustion Ash
Construction and Demolition
Debris
Food Processing Waste
Industrial Process Waste
Recycling Measurement
Medical Waste
Municipal Sewage Sludge
Natural Disaster Debris
Other ___________________
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
3 ____________________________________________________________________________________
8/11/97
2D. Other solid waste collected from sources outside of _____________________________________
4 state or locality
during the stated reporting period but hauled to a transfer station or disposal facility
in _______________________________________.
state or locality
SURVEY FORM
IMPORTS
Were EPA
OTHER SOLID WASTE Conversion Factors TOTAL (tons)
Used?
Agricultural Waste
Combustion Ash
Construction and Demolition Debris
Food Processing Waste
Industrial Process Waste
Medical Waste
Municipal Sewage Sludge
Natural Disaster Debris
Other _______________________
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
4
8/11/97
SURVEY FORM
5 About This Form
Transfer Stations
Use this form to collect information on the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW)
and other types of solid waste from residential and commercial sources in your state
or locality processed during the previous year by transfer stations.
Who Should Fill Out This Form:
Public and Private Transfer Stations
Important Tips:
1. Send a cover letter with the survey form explaining the purpose of the form and how to fill it
out. Remember to specify which sections of the form you want respondents to complete and
which sections are optional. Use the sample cover letters provided as guides for developing your
own.
2. Send the glossary and standard volume-to-weight conversion factors to all respondents.
3. Before mailing the form and cover letter to respondents, write in the name of your state or
locality, reporting period, due date, and return address in the spaces provided at the top of the
form.
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
Recycling Measurement
8/11/97
5 Transfer Stations
To Be Completed by the Surveyor:
SURVEY FORM
State or Locality:
Reporting Period: ____________________ to ____________________
Return This Form to:
Return This Form by: _____ /_____ /_____
Direct All Questions to: Name _______________________ Telephone ( ) _______________
Respondent Information (please type or print clearly):
Name of Company or Government Agency:
Address: Street ______________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ Zip _________________
Telephone: ( ) ______________________________ FAX: ( ) ______________________________
Name of Contact: Title:
Certification
Recycling Measurement
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
________________________________ _______________________________ _____________
Name and Title Signature Date
1
8/11/97
1. Instructions
5 Refer to the attached glossary for clarification of the terms used in this form.
Report all quantities in tons (1 ton=2,000 pounds). Use the attached volume-to-weight
SURVEY FORM
conversion factors to convert your data from cubic yards (or other unit of measure) to tons. If
you used these conversion factors to convert your data, indicate "yes" in the appropriate column.
If you used other conversion factors, please identify the source in the comments section.
Estimate the breakdown of residential and commercial materials to the best of your ability.
Report any wastes that were generated as a result of a natural disaster in Part 2C and 2D as
Other Solid Waste.
Report only quantities received during the reporting period stated above.
2. Waste Data
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) received from residential and commercial sources
in _____________________________ during the stated reporting period and hauled to disposal
state or locality
facilities (e.g., landfills, incinerators, and waste-to-energy facilities).
Refer to the attached Scope of MSW table for examples of what to include as MSW.
Amount Hauled Amount Exported to a
to a Were EPA Disposal Facility Were EPA
TYPE OF Disposal Facility in Conversion Outside of Conversion
MSW TOTAL (tons)
Factors Factors
_________________ Used? _________________ Used?
state or locality state or locality
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
Recycling Measurement
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2
8/11/97
2B. MSW received from residential and commercial sources outside of ____________________________
5 during the stated reporting period but hauled to a disposal facility in _____________________________.
state or locality
state or locality
IMPORTS
SURVEY FORM
TYPE OF MSW Were EPA Conversion TOTAL (tons)
Factors Used?
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e. guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2C. Other types of solid waste received from sources in _____________________________________
state or locality
during the stated reporting period. Refer to the attached Scope of MSW table for examples of what to
include as Other Solid Waste.
Amount Amount
Hauled to a Exported to a
Disposal Were EPA Disposal Facility Were EPA
OTHER Conversion Conversion
SOLID WASTE Facility in Outside of TOTAL (tons)
Factors Factors
Used? Used?
____________ ____________
state or locality state or locality
Agricultural Waste
Combustion Ash
Construction and Demolition
Debris
Food Processing Waste
Industrial Process Waste
Recycling Measurement
Medical Waste
Municipal Sewage Sludge
Natural Disaster Debris
Other ___________________
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3
8/11/97
2D. Other solid waste received from sources outside of _____________________________________
5 state or locality
during the stated reporting period but hauled to a disposal facility in _________________________.
state or locality
IMPORTS
SURVEY FORM
OTHER SOLID WASTE Were EPA Conversion TOTAL (tons)
Factors Used?
Agricultural Waste
Combustion Ash
Construction and Demolition Debris
Food Processing Waste
Industrial Process Waste
Medical Waste
Municipal Sewage Sludge
Natural Disaster Debris
Other _______________________
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
4
8/11/97
6
SURVEY FORM
About This Form
Waste Disposal Facilities
Use this form to collect information on the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW)
and other types of solid waste from residential and commercial sources in your state
or locality accepted during the previous year by disposal facilities.
Who Should Fill Out This Form:
Public and Private Landfills
Public and Private Incinerators
Public and Private Waste-to-Energy Facilities
Important Tips:
1. Send a cover letter with the survey form explaining the purpose of the form and how to fill it
out. Remember to specify which sections of the form you want respondents to complete and
which sections are optional. Use the sample cover letters provided as guides for developing your
own.
2. Send the glossary and standard volume-to-weight conversion factors to all respondents.
3. Before mailing the form and cover letter to respondents, write in the name of your state or
locality, reporting period, due date, and return address in the spaces provided at the top of the
form.
Recycling Measurement
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
8/11/97
6
SURVEY FORM
Waste Disposal Facilities
To Be Completed by the Surveyor:
State or Locality:
Reporting Period: ____________________ to ____________________
Return This Form to:
Return This Form by: _____ /_____ /_____
Direct All Questions to: Name ______________________ Telephone ( ) ________________
Respondent Information (please type or print clearly):
Name of Company or Government Agency:
Address: Street ______________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ Zip _________________
Telephone: ( ) ______________________________ FAX: ( ) _______________________________
Name of Contact: Title:
Are You a: Landfill Incinerator Waste-to-Energy Facility
Other _________________________________
Recycling Measurement
Certification
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
___________________________________ _____________________________ ___________
Name and Title Signature Date
1
8/11/97
1. Instructions
6
Refer to the attached glossary for clarification of the terms used in this form.
SURVEY FORM
Report all quantities in tons (1 ton=2,000 pounds). Use the attached volume-to-weight
conversion factors to convert your data from cubic yards (or other unit of measure) to tons. If
you used these conversion factors to convert your data, indicate "yes" in the appropriate column.
If you used other conversion factors, please identify the source in the comments section.
Estimate the breakdown of residential and commercial materials to the best of your ability.
Report any wastes that were generated as a result of a natural disaster in Part 2C and 2D as
Other Solid Waste.
Report only quantities received during the reporting period stated above.
2. Waste Disposal Data
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) received from residential and commercial sources
in _____________________________ during the stated reporting period.
state or locality
Were EPA Conversion
TYPE OF MSW Factors Used? AMOUNT RECEIVED (tons)
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recycling Measurement
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2
8/11/97
2B. MSW received from residential and commercial sources outside of _________________________
6
SURVEY FORM
during the stated reporting period.
state or locality
Were EPA
TYPE OF MSW Conversion AMOUNT RECEIVED (tons)
Factors Used?
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2C. Other types of solid waste received during the stated reporting period.
SOURCE
Inside Were EPA Outside of Were EPA
OTHER SOLID WASTE Conversion Conversion
_________________ Factors _________________ Factors
state or locality Used? state or locality Used?
Agricultural Waste (tons)
Combustion Ash (tons)
Construction and Demolition
Debris (tons)
Food Processing Waste (tons)
Industrial Process Waste (tons)
Medical Waste (tons)
Municipal Sewage Sludge (tons)
Recycling Measurement
Natural Disaster Debris (tons)
Other ______________ (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3
8/11/97
D
APPENDIX
Recycling Rate Worksheets
Introduction to Worksheet B1 is used to aggre-
gate data on MSW recycling, as
the Worksheets reported by respondents on Survey
Forms 1, 2, and 3. The worksheet
Worksheet A allows you to determine the total
amount of MSW recycled in your
Use this worksheet if you have jurisdiction during the current
already calculated a recycling rate measurement year, which is the
for your state or locality and sim- numerator of the standard recy-
ply want to calculate a revised cling rate equation.
recycling rate based on the stan-
Worksheet B2 is used to aggre-
dard equation. Worksheet A helps
gate data on MSW disposal, as
you translate your current data on
reported by respondents on Survey
recycling and disposal so that the
Forms 4, 5, and 6. The worksheet
data match the standard defini-
allows you to determine the total
tions of municipal solid waste
(MSW) and recycling outlined in amount of MSW disposed of in
this guide. your jurisdiction during the cur-
rent measurement year, which
when added to the total amount of
Worksheets B1, MSW recycled (from Worksheet
B1) is the total amount of MSW
B2, and B3 generated, or the denominator of
the standard recycling rate equa-
These three worksheets are
tion. Worksheet B2 also can be
intended both for those states and
localities that are measuring recy- used to estimate the total amount
cling for the first time and want to of MSW generated if actual dispos-
use the standard methodology out- al data are not available or reliable.
lined in this guide and for those
that wish to redesign their current
recycling measurement system Worksheet B3
according to the standard method-
ology. These worksheets allow you This worksheet is used to com-
to compile data reported on the bine the totals obtained in
survey forms and calculate an Worksheets B1 and B2 to calculate
MSW recycling rate. a standard recycling rate.
Recycling Rate Worksheets 107
WORKSHEET
Converting to the
A Standard Recycling
Rate
Use this worksheet to calculate a recycling rate based on the standard equation.
The standard recycling rate incorporates standard definitions of municipal solid
waste (MSW) and recycling in addition to the following universal equation:
Municipal Solid Waste Total MSW Recycled
Recycling Rate (%) = x 100
Total MSW Generated
(MSW Recycled + MSW Disposed Of)
This worksheet will help you subtract from your current recycling rate those waste
management activities and waste materials that are outside the scope of the
standard recycling rate. In addition, those waste materials and recycling activities
not included in your current rate, but included in the standard rate and for which
you have data, can be added using this worksheet.
How You Will Use The Information Obtained:
After converting to the standard recycling rate, you will be able to make consistent comparisons
of your recycling efforts and the efforts of others.
Who Should Use This Worksheet:
Recycling Measurement
State and local governments that currently have a recycling measurement system in place and
have previously calculated a recycling rate.
1
8/11/97
What You Will Need:
A
A list of the types of solid waste and recyclables included in your current recycling rate.
WORKSHEET
Your definitions of the following terms:
Municipal Solid Waste
Recyclable materials (e.g., yard trimmings, tires, ferrous metal)
Recycling
Standard definitions of the above terms from the Glossary (found on page 49 of the Guide).
Scope of Materials Included in the Standard MSW Recycling Rate table (Table A, found on
1
page 1 of the Guide).
Scope of Activities Included in the Standard MSW Recycling Rate table (Table B, found on
page 13 of the Guide).
Important Tips:
In order to be consistent with the standard recycling rate, only solid waste defined as municipal
solid waste in the attached Scope of MSW table can be included when calculating the amount of
waste disposed of and recycled.
Only MSW recycled according to the waste management activities outlined in the attached
Scope of MSW Recycling table can be included when calculating the amount of waste recycled.
Recycling Measurement
2
8/11/97
A
WORKSHEET
Converting to the Standard Recycling Rate
1. Calculating Waste Disposal
1A. Using the Scope of MSW table and the definition of MSW found in the Glossary, determine if there are
any waste materials not included in your current recycling rate. Add those waste materials for which
you have current disposal data and that are defined as MSW in the standard recycling rate. Enter the
amount disposed of for these wastes below. Remember, add materials only if you already have current
disposal data available.
ADDITIONAL MSW AMOUNT DISPOSED OF (tons)
TOTAL ADDITIONAL MSW (tons)
1B. Only MSW can be included in the standard recycling rate. The wastes listed in the table below are
excluded from the definition of MSW in the standard recycling rate. Using your most recent data on
waste disposal, fill in the annual amount disposed of for each excluded waste included in your current
recycling rate. Refer to the Glossary and Scope of MSW table for further clarification of the terms used
here. If you are unable to disaggregate these excluded wastes from your current data, use Worksheet B2,
Part 3, to estimate the total amount of MSW generated.
1B. ANNUAL AMOUNT
MATERIALS EXCLUDED FROM MSW DISPOSED OF (tons)
Abatement Debris
Agricultural Waste
Asphalt
Recycling Measurement
Batteries From Aircraft, Military Vehicles, Boats, Heavy-Duty Trucks, and Tractors
Combustion Ash
Concrete
Construction and Demolition Debris (C&D)
Contaminated Soil
Ferrous Metals From Transportation Equipment and C&D projects
Food Processing Waste
Glass From Transportation Equipment and C&D Projects
3 Industrial Sludges
8/11/97
1B. ANNUAL AMOUNT
A MATERIALS EXCLUDED FROM MSW
Mining Waste
DISPOSED OF (tons)
Municipal Sludges
WORKSHEET
Natural Disaster Debris
Nonferrous Metals From Industrial or Construction Sources
Oil and Gas Waste
Plastics From Transportation Equipment
Preconsumer Waste
Used Oil
Wood From C&D Activities
TOTAL EXCLUDED WASTES (tons)
1C. Total MSW Disposed Of
__________________ + __________________ – __________________ = ________________
Total Waste Total Total Total
Disposed Of Additional MSW Excluded Wastes MSW Disposed Of
(based on your most (from 1A) (from 1B) (tons)
recent data)
2. Calculating Recycling
2A. Using the Scope of MSW Recycling table, determine if there are recycling activities that can be added to
your current recycling rate. If you have current data for a recycling activity listed in the table, and
it is not included in your current rate, specify the type and amount of material recycled below.
Remember, add materials only if you already have current recycling data available.
2A. TOTAL (tons)
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Recycling Measurement
Commingled Materials
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
4 Lead-Acid Batteries
8/11/97
2A. TOTAL (tons)
A RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
WORKSHEET
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
Subtotal Metals
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Recycling Measurement
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
5
8/11/97
2A. TOTAL (tons)
A
WORKSHEET RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
________________________________________
________________________________________
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
2B. The waste management activities listed in the table below are excluded from the standard recycling rate.
For each excluded activity included in your current recycling rate, fill in the annual amount of waste
recovered in your state or locality according to that method. Use your most recent data. Refer to the
Glossary and Scope of MSW Recycling table for further clarification of the terms used here.
ACTIVITIES EXCLUDED FROM THE AMOUNT RECOVERED (TONS)
STANDARD RECYCLING RATE
Alternative Daily Landfill Cover
Backyard Composting of Yard Trimmings and Food Waste
Combustion
Grasscycling
Mulching of Tree Stumps From C&D Debris
Recycling of Materials Excluded From MSW (from 1B)
Recycling Measurement
Reuse (see Scope of MSW Recycling table)
Source Reduction
TOTAL (tons)
2C. Total MSW Recycled
__________________
+ __________________ – __________________ = ________________
Total Waste Recycled Total Total Total
(based on your most Additional Recycling Excluded Amount MSW Recycled
6 recent data) (from 2A) (from 2B) (tons)
8/11/97
3. Calculating a Standard Recycling Rate
A
3A. MSW Recycling Rate (%)
WORKSHEET
[______________ (________________ ]
+ ______________ ) x 100 = _______________
Total MSW Total MSW Total MSW MSW
Recycled Recycled Disposed Of Recycling Rate (%)
(from 2C) (from 2C) (from 1C)
Recycling Measurement
7
8/11/97
Determining the Amount of
B1
WORKSHEET
Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Recycled
Use this worksheet to compile recycling data repor ted on the survey forms. The
total amount of MSW recycled in your state or locality is the numerator of the
recycling rate equation.
Who Should Use This Worksheet:
State and local governments that do not currently have a recycling measurement system in place
and are calculating a recycling rate for the first time.
State and local governments that are redesigning their recycling measurement system according
to the standard methodology.
What You Will Need:
Completed Survey Forms 1 (Collectors), 2 (Processors), and 3 (End Users).
How You Will Use The Information Obtained:
Recycling data will be used in conjunction with the waste generation data obtained in
Worksheet B2 to calculate a recycling rate in Worksheet B3.
Important Tips:
Before you begin, group all the survey forms together according to number.
Recycling Measurement
If you received incomplete information on any part of a survey form, follow up with the
respondent in order to complete the data.
If you received data from more than one type of respondent (e.g., collectors and processors), use
the tables in Parts 1 and 2 to:
Verify the data received from one source by cross-checking it with data received from
another source.
Identify redundant data and instances of possible double counting.
If you received data on Commingled Materials from respondents, use the procedure provided to
estimate the weight of each component material.
Check to make sure that the data reported on the survey forms is in tons before you begin to
complete this worksheet. If it is not in tons, use the standard volume-to-weight conversion factors
1 to convert the data into tons.
8/11/97
B1 1. Residential Recycling Data
1A. For each recyclable material, total the data reported by each collector in the Residential column of
WORKSHEET
Form 1, Part 2A. Do the same for the data reported by processors (Form 2, Part 2A) and then end users
(Form 3, Part 2A).
To avoid double counting of data, for those materials where you received data from more than one type
of survey respondent, circle the data that you believe is the most complete and accurate. Draw a line
through the other data (you will not use it again). For example, if you received data on residential glass
recycling from both collectors and processors, circle the data that you believe is the least likely to result in
double counting. Remember to circle only one survey respondent for each material. If you surveyed only
one type of respondent, simply fill out the corresponding column below.
1A. Survey Respondent
RECYCLABLE Collectors Processors End Users TOTAL (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) (tons) (tons)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
Subtotal Metals
Recycling Measurement
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
2
8/11/97
1A. Survey Respondent
B1 RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Collectors Processors End Users TOTAL (tons)
(tons) (tons) (tons)
Plastic:
WORKSHEET
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
Recycling Measurement
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
3
8/11/97
1B. If you received data from survey respondents on Commingled Materials for residential programs, use the
B1 following method to estimate the weight of each recyclable material that makes up the commingled
category. Tons for each material should be entered separately into the corresponding category in the table
in Part 1A. You will need to complete this exercise for each different type of commingled mix reported on
WORKSHEET
the survey forms.
Step 1:
Based on the comments received on the survey forms, list the individual recyclable materials that make up
Commingled Materials in Column 1 of the blank table titled Actual Data.
B. Step 2:
Using the national recovery data in the reference table below as default data, estimate the percentage of
each material in the commingled mix, and then enter the percentages in Column 2 of the blank table. For
example, if your mix consists of aluminum cans and steel cans, you would have a total of 2,670 tons of
materials (1,120 + 1,550) according to the reference table. This is equal to a mix consisting of 42%
aluminum cans and 58% steel cans by weight. To arrive at these percentages, divide the tons of each
material by the total tons for the mix (e.g., 1,120/2,670 x 100 = 42%).
B. Step 3:
Apply the percentages calculated in Step 2 to the total commingled tons reported on the survey forms to
arrive at a weight for each recyclable material. For example, if you determined in Step 2 that the
commingled mix is 42% aluminum cans by weight according to the reference table, and the total for
commingled materials reported on the survey forms is 10,000 tons, then the actual amount of aluminum
cans is 4,200 tons (42% x 10,000).
B. Step 4:
Enter the tons from Step 3 in Column 3 of the blank table. Finally, add these amounts to the
corresponding material totals in the table in Part 1A.
Reference Data:
Recovery of Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1 1
995
Product Amount Recovered (in thousands of tons)
Aluminum Cans 990
Recycling Measurement
Corrugated Boxes 18,480
Glass 3,140
Magazines 670
Newspaper 6,960
Office Paper 3,010
Plastic Bottles 490
Steel Cans 1,500
Telephone Directories 60
Third Class Mail 710
1
U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
4 EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC. (Please use the latest available version.)
8/11/97
1B.
B1 Example:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1) Percentage (from Step 2) Tons (from Step 3)*
WORKSHEET
Aluminum Cans 19% 190 tons
Steel Cans 27% 270 tons
Glass Bottles 54% 540 tons
*Assume a total of 1,000 tons of Commingled Materials.
Actual Data:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1) Percentage (from Step 2) Tons (from Step 3)
Recycling Measurement
5
8/11/97
B1 2. Commercial Recycling Data
2A. For each recyclable material, total the data reported by each collector in the Commercial column of
WORKSHEET
Form 1, Part 2A. Do the same for the data reported by processors (Form 2, Part 2A) and then end users
(Form 3, Part 2A).
To avoid double counting, for those materials where you received data from more than one type of survey
respondent, circle the data that you believe is the most complete and accurate. Draw a line through the
other data. If you surveyed only one type of respondent, simply fill out the corresponding column below.
2A. Survey Respondent
RECYCLABLE Collectors Processors End Users TOTAL (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) (tons) (tons)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
Subtotal Metals
Paper:
Recycling Measurement
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
6
8/11/97
2A. Survey Respondent
B1 RECYCLABLE Collectors Processors End Users TOTAL (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) (tons) (tons)
Plastic:
WORKSHEET
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
Recycling Measurement
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
7
8/11/97
2B. If you received data from survey respondents on Commingled Materials for commercial programs, use the
B1 following method to estimate the weight of each recyclable material that makes up the commingled
category. Tons for each material should be entered separately into the corresponding category in the table
in Part 2A. You will need to complete this exercise for each different type of commingled mix reported on
WORKSHEET
the survey forms.
Step 1:
Based on the comments received on the survey forms, list the individual recyclable materials that make up
Commingled Materials in Column 1 of the blank table titled Actual Data.
B. Step 2:
Using the national recovery data in the reference table below as default data, estimate the percentage of
each material in the commingled mix, and then enter the percentages in Column 2 of the blank table. For
example, if your mix consists of aluminum cans and steel cans, you would have a total of 2,670 tons of
materials (1,120 + 1,550) according to the reference table. This is equal to a mix consisting of 42%
aluminum cans and 58% steel cans by weight. To arrive at these percentages, divide the tons of each
material by the total tons for the mix (e.g., 1,120/2,670 x 100 = 42%).
B. Step 3:
Apply the percentages calculated in Step 2 to the total commingled tons reported on the survey forms to
arrive at a weight for each recyclable material. For example, if you determined in Step 2 that the
commingled mix is 42% aluminum cans by weight according to the reference table, and the total for
commingled materials reported on the survey forms is 10,000 tons, then the actual amount of aluminum
cans is 4,200 tons (42% x 10,000).
B. Step 4:
Enter the tons from Step 3 in Column 3 of the blank table. Finally, add these amounts to the
corresponding material totals in the table in Part 2A.
Reference Data:
Recovery of Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1 1
995
Product Amount Recovered (in thousands of tons)
Aluminum Cans 990
Recycling Measurement
Corrugated Boxes 18,480
Glass 3,140
Magazines 670
Newspaper 6,960
Office Paper 3,010
Plastic Bottles 490
Steel Cans 1,500
Telephone Directories 60
Third Class Mail 710
1
U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
8 EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC. (Please use the latest available version.)
8/11/97
2B.
B1 Example:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1) Percentage (from Step 2) Tons (from Step 3)*
WORKSHEET
Aluminum Cans 19% 190 tons
Steel Cans 27% 270 tons
Glass Bottles 54% 540 tons
*Assume a total of 1,000 tons of Commingled Materials.
Actual Data:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1) Percentage (from Step 2) Tons (from Step 3)
Recycling Measurement
9
8/11/97
3. Total Recycling Data
B1
3A. If you used the double counting exercise, in the table below enter the circled data from Parts 1 and 2 for
WORKSHEET
each residential and commercial recyclable material. If you did not use the double counting exercise,
simply enter below the available data from Parts 1 and 2. Then, add those numbers to arrive at the total
amount recycled for each material. Finally, add the totals in the last column to arrive at the total amount
of MSW recycled in your state or locality.
Source of Recyclable Material
3A.
Recyclable
Residential Commercial
Material
(tons)
+ (tons) = Total (tons)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
Subtotal Metals
Paper:
Old Magazines
Recycling Measurement
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HDPE
10 PVC
8/11/97 LDPE
Source of Recyclable Material
B1 3A.
Recyclable
Residential Commercial
Material
(tons) + (tons) = Total (tons)
WORKSHEET
Plastic (continued)
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
______________________
______________________
______________________
Subtotal Other Recyclables
________________
Recycling Measurement
This is the
TOTAL (tons)
numerator of the
recycling rate
equation
(for Worksheet B3).
11
8/11/97
B2 Determining Waste
WORKSHEET
Generation
Use this worksheet to determine total municipal solid waste (MSW) generation for
your state or locality. Waste generation is equal to the total amount of MSW
recycled plus the total amount of MSW disposed of, in tons. It is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation.
This worksheet can be used for compiling waste disposal data repor ted on the
standard survey forms (Par ts 1 and 2), or for estimating waste generation if actual
disposal data are not available or reliable (Par t 3).
Who Should Use This Worksheet:
State and local governments that do not currently have a recycling measurement system in place.
State and local governments that are redesigning their recycling measurement system according
to the standard methodology.
State and local governments using Worksheet A to convert to the standard recycling rate (Part 3 only).
What You Will Need:
Completed Survey Forms 4 (Collectors), 5 (Transfer Stations), and 6 (Disposal Facilities).
Population data for the current measurement year (Parts 2 and 3 only).
Your state or local waste characterization study, if available (Part 3 only).
How You Will Use The Information Obtained:
The waste generation figure calculated in this worksheet will be used in conjunction with the
Recycling Measurement
recycling data obtained in Worksheet B1 to calculate a recycling rate in Worksheet B3.
Important Tips:
Before you begin, group all the survey forms together according to number.
If you received incomplete information on any part of a survey form, follow up with the
respondent in order to complete the data.
This worksheet contains three sections. Read the description of each to determine which are
applicable to your particular situation. In most cases, only one or two of the sections will be need
to be completed.
Check to make sure that the data reported on the survey forms is in tons before you begin to
1 complete this worksheet. If it is not in tons, use the standard volume-to-weight conversion factors
8/11/97
to convert the data into tons.
B2
WORKSHEET
Determining Waste Generation
1. Compiling Waste Disposal Data
Complete this section if you have current survey data on waste disposal.
1A. In-State Disposal
For each type of survey respondent (i.e., collectors, transfer stations, disposal facilities), total the
amount of residential MSW from sources within your state or locality that remained within your area
(e.g., not hauled to a transfer station or disposal facility outside your state or locality). This data can be
found on Forms 4, 5, and 6, Part 2A, first column. If you used more than one type of survey form to
collect data, be sure to not double count any data, i.e., MSW sent by a surveyed transfer station to a
surveyed disposal facility. If you used only one type of survey form (e.g., Survey Form 5, Transfer
Stations), simply fill out the corresponding column below.
Repeat the above procedure for commercial MSW.
MSW REMAINING Survey Respondent
INSIDE THE STATE OR Transfer Disposal TOTAL (tons)
LOCALITY Collectors
Stations Facilities
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
1B. Exports
For each type of survey respondent, total the amount of residential MSW from sources within your
state or locality that was exported from your area (e.g., hauled by a collector or transfer station to a
disposal facility outside your state or locality). This data can be found on Forms 4 and 5, Part 2A,
second column. Be sure to not double count any data, i.e., MSW sent by a surveyed collector to a
surveyed transfer station.
Recycling Measurement
Repeat the above procedure for commercial MSW.
Survey Respondent
MSW EXPORTS TOTAL (tons)
Collectors Transfer Stations
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
2
8/11/97
B2 1C. Imports
For each type of survey respondent, total the amount of residential MSW from sources outside your
state or locality that was imported into the area (e.g., hauled by a collector to a transfer station or
WORKSHEET
disposal facility inside your state or locality). This data can be found on Forms 4, 5 and 6, Part 2B. Be
sure to not double count any data, i.e., MSW sent by a surveyed collector to a surveyed disposal facility.
Repeat the above procedure for commercial MSW.
Survey Respondent
MSW IMPORTS TOTAL (tons)
Collectors Transfer Stations
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
1D. Total Residential MSW Disposed Of
_____________________ + ______________ – ______________ = ____________________
MSW Remaining MSW Exports MSW Imports Total Residential
Inside the State or Locality (from 1B) (from 1C) MSW Disposed Of
(from 1A) (tons)
1E. Total Commercial MSW Disposed Of
_____________________ + ______________ – _______________ = __________________
MSW Remaining MSW Exports MSW Imports Total Commercial
Inside the State or Locality (from 1B) (from 1C) MSW Disposed Of
(from 1A) (tons)
1F. Total MSW Disposed Of
_____________________ + _____________________ = _______________________
Recycling Measurement
Total Residential MSW Total Commercial MSW Total MSW Disposed Of
(from 1D) (from 1E) (tons)
1G. Total MSW Generated
______________________ + ______________________ = ______________________
Total MSW Disposed Of Total MSW Recycled Total MSW Generated
(from 1F) (from Worksheet B1, Part 3) (tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation
(for Worksheet B3).
3
8/11/97
B2 2. Extrapolating Waste Generation Data (optional)
Complete this section if you received less than a 100 percent response rate to your survey.
In this section you will use the partial data received to extrapolate total MSW generation. In
WORKSHEET
other words, it will allow you to calculate a total even though you have data from only a
portion of your state or locality.
2A. Estimate the population represented by the data received in your latest survey:
___________________________
Estimated Population
2B. Complete Part 1 using the data received in your latest survey.
2C. Per Capita Waste Generation:
______________________ ______________________ = ______________________
Total MSW Generated Estimated Population Per Capita Waste
(from 1G) (from 2A) Generation
2D. Extrapolated MSW Generation:
________________________ x ________________________ = ________________________
Per Capita Waste Generation Current Measurement Year Extrapolated MSW
(from 2C) Total Population Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation
(for Worksheet B3).
Recycling Measurement
4
8/11/97
B2 3. Using Waste Characterization Data to Determine
Waste Generation
Complete this section if you do not have the resources or authority to conduct annual
WORKSHEET
surveys, or if you are not confident in the data generated by your latest survey. This section
will allow you to estimate the total amount of MSW generated in your state or locality using
either national default data or a waste characterization study, if available.
3A. If you have a state or local waste characterization study, use Worksheet A to determine if the scope of
waste in your study is consistent with the scope of MSW used here. If inconsistencies exist, proceed to
Part B to estimate MSW generation. Alternatively, you may complete Worksheet A to arrive at a
recycling rate that has the same scope as the standard recycling rate. If inconsistencies do not exist, then
calculate estimated waste generation using the following method:
1) Per Capita Waste Generation:
______________________
Total Annual MSW
______________________
Total Population
= ______________________
Per Capita Waste
Generated (year of study) Generation
(from study)
2) Estimated Waste Generation:
______________________ x ______________________ = ______________________
Per Capita Waste Current Measurement Year Estimated MSW
Generation Total Population Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation.
(for Worksheet B3).
3B. If you do not have a waste characterization study, or your study does not define MSW in the same way
as the standard definition used here, calculate estimated waste generation using the following equation:
1) Estimated Waste Generation:
Recycling Measurement
________________________ x 0.78 tons/person/year* = ________________________
Current Measurement Year Estimated Waste
Total Population Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation.
(for Worksheet B3).
*U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization Study of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
5.
EPA530-R-97-01 Washington, DC.
5
8/11/97
Calculating Your
B3
WORKSHEET
Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Recycling Rate
Use this worksheet to determine your state or locality’s MSW recycling rate for the
current measurement year.
Who Should Use This Worksheet:
State and local governments that do not currently have a recycling measurement system in place
and are establishing a recycling rate for the first time.
State and local governments that are redesigning their recycling measurement system according
to the standard methodology.
What You Will Need:
Total MSW recycled from Worksheet B1.
Total MSW generated from Worksheet B2.
Recycling Measurement
1
8/11/97
B3 1. Calculating Your Municipal Solid Waste Recycling Rate
Calculate your state or local MSW recycling rate according to the following equation:
WORKSHEET
___________________ ____________________ x 100 = _____________________
Total MSW Recycled Total MSW Generated Municipal Solid Waste
(from Worksheet B1, (from Worksheet B2, Recycling Rate (%)
Part 3) Part 1G, 2D, 3A, or 3B)
Recycling Measurement
2
8/11/97
E
APPENDIX
Resources
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL CALIFORNIA
California Integrated Waste Management Board
AGENCIES Waste Prevention and Education Division
Residential and Business Education Section/Waste
Prevention Program Development Section
ALABAMA 8800 Cal Center Drive
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
Sacramento, CA 95826
Land Division - Recycling Office
800 553-2962 (Hotline)
1751 Congressman Dickinson Drive
916 255-INFO (Information exchange)
P.O. Box 301463
Montgomery, AL 36130-1463
334 270-5651 COLORADO
Governor’s Office of Energy Conservation
1675 Broadway, Suite 1300
ALASKA Denver, CO 80202-4613
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
303 620-4292
Pollution Prevention Office
3601 C Street, Suite 1334
CONNECTICUT
Anchorage, AK 99503
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
907 269-7500
Waste Management Bureau
Office of Recycling and Source Reduction
ARIZONA 79 Elm Street
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Hartford, CT 06106-5127
Solid Waste Unit 860 424-3365
3033 North Central Avenue, Fifth Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602 207-4123
DELAWARE
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control
Division of Air and Waste Management
ARKANSAS
P.O. Box 455
Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and
Ecology Dover, DE 19903-0455
Recycling Division 302 739-4764
8101 National Drive
P.O. Box 8913
Little Rock, AR 72219-8913
501 682-0744
Resources 137
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA INDIANA
Department of Public Works Department of Environmental Management
Office of Recycling Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical
65 K Street, NE., Lower Level Assistance
Washington, DC 20002 Indiana Government Center North
202 727-5856 100 North Senate Avenue
P.O. Box 6015
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6015
FLORIDA 312 232-8172
Florida Department of Environmental Protection 800 451-6027 (Hotline)
Division of Waste Management
Bureau of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Waste Reduction Section IOWA
2600 Blair Stone Road Department of Natural Resources
Tallahassee, FL 32301 Waste Management Assistance Division
904 488-0300 Waste Reduction Assistance Program (WRAP)
The Wallace Building
900 East Grand Avenue
GEORGIA Des Moines, IA 50319
Department of Natural Resources
515 281-8927
Pollution Prevention Assistance Division
7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 450
Atlanta, GA 30334 KANSAS
404 651-5124 Department of Health and Environment
700 SW. Harrison Street, Suite 1300
Topeka, KS 66603
HAWAII 913 296-7483
Department of Health
Office of Solid Waste Management KENTUCKY
919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Third Floor Resources Management Branch
Honolulu, HI 96814 Division of Waste Management
808 586-4240 Resource Conservation Section
14 Rilley Road
IDAHO Frankfort, KY 40601
Department of Environmental Quality
502 564-6716
1410 North Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
208 334-5860 LOUISIANA
Department of Environmental Quality
Solid Waste Recycling Section
ILLINOIS P.O. Box 82178-2178
Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Affairs
504 765-0249
Office of Recycling and Waste Reduction
325 West Adams Street, Room 300
Springfield, IL 62704-1892
217 785-2800
138 Appendix E
MAINE MISSISSIPPI
Maine Waste Management Agency Department of Environmental Quality
Office of State Planning Office of Pollution Control
State House Station 154 Waste Reduction/Waste Minimization Program
Augusta, ME 04333 P.O. Box 10385
207 287-5300 Jackson, MS 39289
601 961-5241
MARYLAND
Department of the Environment MISSOURI
Division of Recycling Division of Environmental Quality
2500 Broening Highway Solid Waste Management Program
Baltimore, MD 21224 P.O. Box 176
410 631-3315 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
314 751-5401
MASSACHUSETTS
Department of Environmental Protection MONTANA
Division of Solid Waste Management Montana Department of Health and Environmental
1 Winter Street, Fourth Floor Sciences
Boston, MA 02108 Solid Waste Program
617 556-1079 P.O. Box 200901
800 462-0444 Helena, MT 59620-0901
406 444-1430
MICHIGAN
Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources NEBRASKA
Environmental Services Division Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Waste Reduction Services Air and Waste Management Division
P.O. Box 30004 Integrated Waste Management Section
Lansing, MI 48909-7504 P.O. Box 98922
517 373-3866 Lincoln, NE 68509-9822
800 NO-2-WASTE (Hotline) 402 471-4210
MINNESOTA NEVADA
Office of Environmental Assistance Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP)
520 Lafayette Road North, Second Floor Solid Waste Branch
St. Paul, MN 55155-4100 333 West Nye Lane
612 296-3417 Carson City, NV 89710
800 657-3843 (Hotline) 702 687-4670
Resources 139
NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTH DAKOTA
Governor’s Recycling Program Division of Waste Management
2 ½ Beacon Street North Dakota State Department of Health and
Concord, NH 03301 Consolidated Laboratories
603 271-1098 1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58502-5520
701 328-5166
NEW JERSEY
Department of Environmental Protection and Energy
Division of Solid Waste Management OHIO
Office of Recycling and Planning Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Source Reduction and Market Development Recycling and Litter Prevention Division
840 Bear Tavern Road (CN414) 1889 Fountain Square Court, Building F2
Trenton, NJ 08625-0414 Columbus, OH 43224
609 984-3438 614 265-6376
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
NEW MEXICO Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management
New Mexico Environmental Department Pollution Prevention
Solid Waste Bureau 1800 WaterMark Drive
Harold Runnels Building P.O. Box 163669
P.O. Box 26110 Columbus, OH 43216-3669
Santa Fe, NM 87503 614 644-2802
505 827-0197
OKLAHOMA
NEW YORK Department of Environmental Quality
Department of Environmental Conservation Public Information and Education
Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials 100 NE. 10th Street
Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1212
50 Wolf Road, Room 228 405 271-7353
Albany, NY 12233-4015
518 457-7337
OREGON
NORTH CAROLINA Department of Environmental Quality
Environmental Health and Natural Resources Waste Management and Cleanup Division
Office of Waste Reduction 811 SW. Sixth Avenue
3825 Barrett Drive Portland, OR 97204
Raleigh, NC 27609 503 229-6046
919 571-4100
140 Appendix E
PENNSYLVANIA TEXAS
Department of Environmental Resources Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
Waste Minimization and Planning (TNRCC)
Source Reduction Section P.O. Box 13087
P.O. Box 8472 Austin, TX 78711-3087
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8472 512 239-1000
717 787-7382
UTAH
Department of Environmental Quality
RHODE ISLAND
Department of Environmental Management Pollution Prevention Program
Office of Environmental Coordination P.O. Box 144810
83 Park Street, Third Floor Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4810
Providence, RI 02903 801 536-4400
401 277-3434
VERMONT
Department of Environmental Conservation
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Department of Health and Pollution Prevention and Education Division
Environmental Control 103 South Main Street
Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling Waterbury, VT 05671-0402
2600 Bull Street 802 241-3444
Columbia, SC 29201
803 734-5000
800 768-7348 (Hotline) VIRGINIA
Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Litter Prevention and Recycling
SOUTH DAKOTA P.O. Box 10009
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Richmond, VA 23240-0009
Office of Waste Prevention and Recycling 804 762-4451
523 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
605 773-5559 WASHINGTON
Department of Ecology
Solid Waste Services Program
TENNESSEE
P.O. Box 47600
Department of Environment and Conservation
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Bureau of Resource Management
360 407-6093
Division of Solid Waste Assistance
800 RECYCLE or 800 LITTERS
14th Floor, L & C Tower
401 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37243-0455
615 532-0072
Resources 141
WEST VIRGINIA
Department of Conservation, Education, and Litter
Control
Division of Natural Resources
1900 Kanawah Boulevard
East Charleston, WV 25305
304 558-3370
WISCONSIN
Department of Natural Resources SW/3
Bureau of Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste
Management
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
608 266-0520
WYOMING
Department of Environmental Quality
Solid and Hazardous Waste Division
Herschler Building, Fourth Floor
122 West 25th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307 777-7752
142 Appendix E
F
APPENDIX
Sample Language for Freedom of
Information Act Exemption
Excerpt From Florida rules. Such rules shall be designed establishment that generates
to elicit, at a minimum, the amount source-separated recovered materi-
Statute Section and types of recovered materials als to sell or otherwise convey its
403.7046, “Regulation handled by registrants, and the recovered materials to the local
of Recovered Materials” amount and disposal site, or name government or to a facility desig-
of person with whom such dispos- nated by the local government, nor
(1) After January 1, 1994, any al was arranged, or any solid waste may the local government restrict
person who handles, purchases, generated by such facility. Such such a generator’s right to sell or
receives, recovers, sells, or is an rules may provide for the depart- otherwise convey such recovered
end use of recovered materials ment to conduct periodic inspec- materials to any properly certified
shall annually certify to the depart- tions. The department may charge recovered materials dealer who has
ment on forms provided by the a fee of up to $50 for each registra- satisfied the requirements of this
department. The department may tion, which shall be deposited into section. A local government may
by rule exempt from this require- the Solid Waste Management Trust not enact any ordinance that pre-
ment generators of recovered Fund for implementation of the vents such a dealer from entering
materials, persons who handle or program. into a contract with a commercial
sell recovered materials as an activ- establishment to purchase, collect,
ity which is incidental to the nor- (2) Information reported pur-
transport, process, or receive
mal primary business activities of suant to the requirements of this
source-separated recovered materi-
that person, or persons who han- section or any rule adopted pur-
als.
dle, purchase, receive, recover, sell, suant to this section which, if dis-
or are end users of recovered mate- closed, would reveal a trade secret, (a) The local government may
rials in small quantities as defined as defined in s.-812.081(1)(c), is require that the recovered materi-
by the department. The depart- confidential and exempt from the als generated at the commercial
ment shall adopt rules for the certi- provisions of s.-119.07(1). This establishment be source separated
fication of and reporting by such exemption is subject to the Open at the premises of the commercial
persons and shall establish criteria Government Sunset Review Act in establishment.
for revocation of such certification. accordance with s.-119.14. For
(b) Prior to engaging in business
reporting or information purposes,
Prior to the adoption of such rules, within the jurisdiction of the local
however, the department may pro-
the department shall appoint a government, a recovered materials
vide this information in such form
technical advisory committee of no dealer must provide the local gov-
that the names of the persons
more than nine persons, including ernment with a copy of the certifi-
reporting such information and the
at a minimum, representatives of cation provided for this section. In
specific information reported is not
the Florida Association of addition, the local government
revealed.
Counties, the Florida League of may establish a registration
Cities, the Florida Recyclers (3) Except as otherwise provid- process whereby a recovered mate-
Association, and the Florida ed in this section or pursuant to a rials dealer must register with the
Chapter of the National Solid special act in effect on or before local government prior to engaging
Waste Management Association, to January 1, 1993, a local government in business with the jurisdiction of
aid in the development of such may not require a commercial the local government.
Sample Language for Freedom of Information Act Exemption 143
G
APPENDIX
Sample Cover Letters
{Date}
{Name}
{Address}
Dear {Private Recycling Hauler}:
The {name of department/agency} would appreciate your assistance in calculating the official
199_ recycling rate. As you know, {name of state or locality} has set a recycling goal of {percentage}
percent by 199_. To measure our progress toward achieving this goal, we are collecting data on the
amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) recycled in the {state, city, or county}. In addition, these
data will help us expand markets for recyclable materials, better allocate resources, make effective
solid waste management decisions, and gauge our disposal capacity.
By completing the enclosed Recycling Measurement Survey Form, you will provide us with
valuable information. This information will be combined with data from other collectors, proces-
sors, and end users of recyclable materials to calculate a recycling rate and to help us plan for the
future of solid waste management in {name of state or locality}. Supplying these data to us also pro-
vides important benefits to you. By knowing the amount of recyclables collected in the {state, city,
or county} we can determine where additional mills or processors might be needed to develop
markets for specific materials. This could mean more business opportunities and better markets for
you in the future.
To assist us in our recycling measurement efforts, please fill out the enclosed survey form and
return it to us by {date of deadline}. Before completing the survey, please take time to read all of the
instructions carefully. It is essential that you provide us with the most complete and accurate infor-
mation available. To ensure confidentiality, please mark any sensitive or proprietary information as
“confidential.” Please understand that we will not release any confidential information used to cal-
culate our recycling rate.
If you have any questions regarding the Recycling Measurement Survey Form, please contact
{name of contact person} at {phone number}. This person is available to provide you with any tech-
nical assistance you may need and can also be reached at the following electronic mail address
{address}. The results of this survey can be obtained by contacting {name of person} after {date}.
Measuring recycling in our {state, city, or county} is an important endeavor. We hope that you
will fill out the survey form carefully and return it to us by the date above.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
{Name of Recycling Measurement Official}
Sample Cover Letters 145
{Date}
{Name}
{Address}
Dear {Name of County or City Recycling Coordinator}:
The {name of department/agency} would appreciate your assistance in calculating the official
199_ recycling rate. As you know, {name of state or locality} has set a recycling goal of {percentage}
percent by 199_. To measure our progress toward achieving this goal, we are collecting data on the
amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) recycled in the {state, city, or county}. In addition, these
data will help us expand markets for recyclable materials, better allocate resources, make effective
solid waste management decisions, and gauge our disposal capacity.
By completing the enclosed Recycling Measurement Survey Form, you will provide us with
valuable information. This information will be combined with data from other {cities or counties}
to calculate a recycling rate and to help us plan for the future of solid waste management in {name
of state or locality}. Supplying these data to us also provides important benefits to you. You can use
these data to supplement your local solid waste planning efforts, public education and outreach,
and local market development.
To assist us in our recycling measurement efforts, please fill out the enclosed survey form and
return it to us by {date of deadline}. Before completing the survey, please take time to read all of the
instructions carefully. It is essential that you provide us with the most complete and accurate infor-
mation available.
If you have any questions regarding the Recycling Measurement Survey Form, please contact
{name of contact person} at {phone number}. This person is available to provide you with any tech-
nical assistance you may need and can also be reached at the following electronic mail address
{address}. In addition, we are conducting a training seminar on the reporting requirements on
{date} at {location}. Additional information about the training session will be mailed to you short-
ly. Technical assistance materials including {name(s) of guidebook, documents, etc.} are also avail-
able. For more information about the recycling measurement program, contact {contact person} at
the number above. The results of this survey can be obtained by contacting {name of person} after
{date}.
Measuring recycling in our {state, city, or county} is an important endeavor. We hope that you
will fill out the survey form carefully and return it to us by the date above.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
{Name of Recycling Measurement Official}
146 Appendix G
{Date}
{Name}
{Address}
Dear {Waste Disposal Facility}:
The {name of department/agency} would appreciate your assistance in calculating the official
199_ recycling rate. As you know, {name of state or locality} has set a recycling goal of {percentage}
percent by 199_. To measure our progress toward achieving this goal, we are collecting data on the
amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) recycled and disposed of in the {state, city, or county}. In
addition, these data will help us expand markets for recyclable materials, better allocate resources,
make effective solid waste management decisions, and gauge our disposal capacity.
By completing the enclosed Waste Disposal Survey Form, you will provide us with valuable
information. This information will be combined with data from other landfills, incinerators, waste-
to-energy facilities, transfer stations, and waste haulers to determine the amount of waste generat-
ed in the area and calculate a recycling rate. Supplying these data to us voluntarily can prevent us
from having to mandate reporting in the future.
To assist us in our waste disposal measurement efforts, please fill out the enclosed survey form
and return it to us by {date of deadline}. Before completing the survey, please take time to read all
of the instructions carefully. It is essential that you provide us with the most complete and accurate
information available. To ensure confidentiality, please mark any sensitive or proprietary informa-
tion as “confidential.” Please understand that we will not release any confidential information used
to calculate our recycling rate.
If you have any questions regarding the Waste Disposal Survey Form, please contact {name of
contact person} at {phone number}. This person is available to provide you with any technical assis-
tance you may need and can also be reached at the following electronic mail address {address}. The
results of this survey can be obtained by contacting {name of person} after {date}.
Measuring recycling in our {state, city, or county} is an important endeavor. We hope that you
will fill out the survey form carefully and return it to us by the date above.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
{Name of Recycling Measurement Official}
Sample Cover Letters 147
H
APPENDIX
Adjusting Waste
Generation
Adjusting Waste Generation 149
Adjusting Waste Generation
Use this methodology if you have waste generation data from a survey conducted in a previous year, but
do not have data from the current measurement year. You will adjust the previous data for changes in
population and economic conditions. This methodology is based on a regression analysis that tested the
predictive power of several variables on waste generation in California. Results showed that population,
employment, and taxable transactions were the strongest predictors of waste generation. Please note
that because the methodology was developed by the State of California using California data, this may
affect its accuracy when used in other states. For more information about the methodology, please
16
contact the California Integrated Waste Management Board at 9 255-2341.
You Will Need:
Population data for both the current measurement and reference years (P)
Employment data for both the current measurement and reference years (E)
Taxable sales receipts for both the current measurement and reference years (TSR)
(Your state’s economic development office might be a source of county-specific data.)
Consumer Price Index for the current measurement year (CPI)
Residential waste generation tonnage for the reference year (R)
Commercial waste generation tonnage for the reference year (C)
Definitions:
m = Current measurement year
ry = Reference year
Reference year = Year of the most recent survey
Adjusted taxable transactions (T) = Taxable sales receipts corrected for inflation
A. Use Worksheet A to determine if your scope of MSW is consistent with the definition used here. If
there are inconsistencies, use Worksheet A to adjust your scope.
B. Adjusted Taxable Transactions (current measurement year):
_________________ _________________ x _________________ = _________________
CPIry CPIm TSRm Adjusted Taxable
Transactions (T)
(current
measurement
year)
8/11/97
C. Commercial Adjustment Factor (CAF):
[(____________ ____________ ) + (____________ ____________ )] 2= _____________
Em Ery TSRm Try Commercial
Adjustment
Factor (CAF)
D. Residential Adjustment Factor (RAF):
[(_______________ _______________ )+ _______________ ] 2= _____________________
Pm Pry CAFm Residential
Adjustment Factor (RAF)
E. Adjusted Waste Generation (current measurement year):
(____________ x ____________) + (____________ x ___________) = _________________________
R RAF C CAF Adjusted Waste Generation
(current measurement year)
(tons)
This is the denominator of the
recycling rate equation.
(for Worksheet B3).
8/11/97
WORKSHEET
Converting to the
A Standard Recycling
Rate
Use this worksheet to calculate a recycling rate based on the standard equation.
The standard recycling rate incorporates standard definitions of municipal solid
waste (MSW) and recycling in addition to the following universal equation:
Municipal Solid Waste Total MSW Recycled
Recycling Rate (%) = x 100
Total MSW Generated
(MSW Recycled + MSW Disposed Of)
This worksheet will help you subtract from your current recycling rate those waste
management activities and waste materials that are outside the scope of the
standard recycling rate. In addition, those waste materials and recycling activities
not included in your current rate, but included in the standard rate and for which
you have data, can be added using this worksheet.
How You Will Use The Information Obtained:
After converting to the standard recycling rate, you will be able to make consistent comparisons
of your recycling efforts and the efforts of others.
Who Should Use This Worksheet:
Recycling Measurement
State and local governments that currently have a recycling measurement system in place and
have previously calculated a recycling rate.
1
8/11/97
What You Will Need:
A
A list of the types of solid waste and recyclables included in your current recycling rate.
WORKSHEET
Your definitions of the following terms:
Municipal Solid Waste
Recyclable materials (e.g., yard trimmings, tires, ferrous metal)
Recycling
Standard definitions of the above terms from the Glossary (found on page 49 of the Guide).
Scope of Materials Included in the Standard MSW Recycling Rate table (Table A, found on
1
page 1 of the Guide).
Scope of Activities Included in the Standard MSW Recycling Rate table (Table B, found on
page 13 of the Guide).
Important Tips:
In order to be consistent with the standard recycling rate, only solid waste defined as municipal
solid waste in the attached Scope of MSW table can be included when calculating the amount of
waste disposed of and recycled.
Only MSW recycled according to the waste management activities outlined in the attached
Scope of MSW Recycling table can be included when calculating the amount of waste recycled.
Recycling Measurement
2
8/11/97
A
WORKSHEET
Converting to the Standard Recycling Rate
1. Calculating Waste Disposal
1A. Using the Scope of MSW table and the definition of MSW found in the Glossary, determine if there are
any waste materials not included in your current recycling rate. Add those waste materials for which
you have current disposal data and that are defined as MSW in the standard recycling rate. Enter the
amount disposed of for these wastes below. Remember, add materials only if you already have current
disposal data available.
ADDITIONAL MSW AMOUNT DISPOSED OF (tons)
TOTAL ADDITIONAL MSW (tons)
1B. Only MSW can be included in the standard recycling rate. The wastes listed in the table below are
excluded from the definition of MSW in the standard recycling rate. Using your most recent data on
waste disposal, fill in the annual amount disposed of for each excluded waste included in your current
recycling rate. Refer to the Glossary and Scope of MSW table for further clarification of the terms used
here. If you are unable to disaggregate these excluded wastes from your current data, use Worksheet B2,
Part 3, to estimate the total amount of MSW generated.
1B. ANNUAL AMOUNT
MATERIALS EXCLUDED FROM MSW DISPOSED OF (tons)
Abatement Debris
Agricultural Waste
Asphalt
Recycling Measurement
Batteries From Aircraft, Military Vehicles, Boats, Heavy-Duty Trucks, and Tractors
Combustion Ash
Concrete
Construction and Demolition Debris (C&D)
Contaminated Soil
Ferrous Metals From Transportation Equipment and C&D projects
Food Processing Waste
Glass From Transportation Equipment and C&D Projects
3 Industrial Sludges
8/11/97
1B. ANNUAL AMOUNT
A MATERIALS EXCLUDED FROM MSW
Mining Waste
DISPOSED OF (tons)
Municipal Sludges
WORKSHEET
Natural Disaster Debris
Nonferrous Metals From Industrial or Construction Sources
Oil and Gas Waste
Plastics From Transportation Equipment
Preconsumer Waste
Used Oil
Wood From C&D Activities
TOTAL EXCLUDED WASTES (tons)
1C. Total MSW Disposed Of
__________________ + __________________ – __________________ = ________________
Total Waste Total Total Total
Disposed Of Additional MSW Excluded Wastes MSW Disposed Of
(based on your most (from 1A) (from 1B) (tons)
recent data)
2. Calculating Recycling
2A. Using the Scope of MSW Recycling table, determine if there are recycling activities that can be added to
your current recycling rate. If you have current data for a recycling activity listed in the table, and
it is not included in your current rate, specify the type and amount of material recycled below.
Remember, add materials only if you already have current recycling data available.
2A. TOTAL (tons)
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Recycling Measurement
Commingled Materials
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
4 Lead-Acid Batteries
8/11/97
2A. TOTAL (tons)
A RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
WORKSHEET
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
Subtotal Metals
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Recycling Measurement
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
5
8/11/97
2A. TOTAL (tons)
A
WORKSHEET RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
________________________________________
________________________________________
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
2B. The waste management activities listed in the table below are excluded from the standard recycling rate.
For each excluded activity included in your current recycling rate, fill in the annual amount of waste
recovered in your state or locality according to that method. Use your most recent data. Refer to the
Glossary and Scope of MSW Recycling table for further clarification of the terms used here.
ACTIVITIES EXCLUDED FROM THE AMOUNT RECOVERED (TONS)
STANDARD RECYCLING RATE
Alternative Daily Landfill Cover
Backyard Composting of Yard Trimmings and Food Waste
Combustion
Grasscycling
Mulching of Tree Stumps From C&D Debris
Recycling of Materials Excluded From MSW (from 1B)
Recycling Measurement
Reuse (see Scope of MSW Recycling table)
Source Reduction
TOTAL (tons)
2C. Total MSW Recycled
__________________
+ __________________ – __________________ = ________________
Total Waste Recycled Total Total Total
(based on your most Additional Recycling Excluded Amount MSW Recycled
6 recent data) (from 2A) (from 2B) (tons)
8/11/97
3. Calculating a Standard Recycling Rate
A
3A. MSW Recycling Rate (%)
WORKSHEET
[______________ (________________ ]
+ ______________ ) x 100 = _______________
Total MSW Total MSW Total MSW MSW
Recycled Recycled Disposed Of Recycling Rate (%)
(from 2C) (from 2C) (from 1C)
Recycling Measurement
7
8/11/97
Determining the Amount of
B1
WORKSHEET
Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Recycled
Use this worksheet to compile recycling data repor ted on the survey forms. The
total amount of MSW recycled in your state or locality is the numerator of the
recycling rate equation.
Who Should Use This Worksheet:
State and local governments that do not currently have a recycling measurement system in place
and are calculating a recycling rate for the first time.
State and local governments that are redesigning their recycling measurement system according
to the standard methodology.
What You Will Need:
Completed Survey Forms 1 (Collectors), 2 (Processors), and 3 (End Users).
How You Will Use The Information Obtained:
Recycling data will be used in conjunction with the waste generation data obtained in
Worksheet B2 to calculate a recycling rate in Worksheet B3.
Important Tips:
Before you begin, group all the survey forms together according to number.
Recycling Measurement
If you received incomplete information on any part of a survey form, follow up with the
respondent in order to complete the data.
If you received data from more than one type of respondent (e.g., collectors and processors), use
the tables in Parts 1 and 2 to:
Verify the data received from one source by cross-checking it with data received from
another source.
Identify redundant data and instances of possible double counting.
If you received data on Commingled Materials from respondents, use the procedure provided to
estimate the weight of each component material.
Check to make sure that the data reported on the survey forms is in tons before you begin to
complete this worksheet. If it is not in tons, use the standard volume-to-weight conversion factors
1 to convert the data into tons.
8/11/97
B1 1. Residential Recycling Data
1A. For each recyclable material, total the data reported by each collector in the Residential column of
WORKSHEET
Form 1, Part 2A. Do the same for the data reported by processors (Form 2, Part 2A) and then end users
(Form 3, Part 2A).
To avoid double counting of data, for those materials where you received data from more than one type
of survey respondent, circle the data that you believe is the most complete and accurate. Draw a line
through the other data (you will not use it again). For example, if you received data on residential glass
recycling from both collectors and processors, circle the data that you believe is the least likely to result in
double counting. Remember to circle only one survey respondent for each material. If you surveyed only
one type of respondent, simply fill out the corresponding column below.
1A. Survey Respondent
RECYCLABLE Collectors Processors End Users TOTAL (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) (tons) (tons)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
Subtotal Metals
Recycling Measurement
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
2
8/11/97
1A. Survey Respondent
B1 RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Collectors Processors End Users TOTAL (tons)
(tons) (tons) (tons)
Plastic:
WORKSHEET
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
Recycling Measurement
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
3
8/11/97
1B. If you received data from survey respondents on Commingled Materials for residential programs, use the
B1 following method to estimate the weight of each recyclable material that makes up the commingled
category. Tons for each material should be entered separately into the corresponding category in the table
in Part 1A. You will need to complete this exercise for each different type of commingled mix reported on
WORKSHEET
the survey forms.
Step 1:
Based on the comments received on the survey forms, list the individual recyclable materials that make up
Commingled Materials in Column 1 of the blank table titled Actual Data.
B. Step 2:
Using the national recovery data in the reference table below as default data, estimate the percentage of
each material in the commingled mix, and then enter the percentages in Column 2 of the blank table. For
example, if your mix consists of aluminum cans and steel cans, you would have a total of 2,670 tons of
materials (1,120 + 1,550) according to the reference table. This is equal to a mix consisting of 42%
aluminum cans and 58% steel cans by weight. To arrive at these percentages, divide the tons of each
material by the total tons for the mix (e.g., 1,120/2,670 x 100 = 42%).
B. Step 3:
Apply the percentages calculated in Step 2 to the total commingled tons reported on the survey forms to
arrive at a weight for each recyclable material. For example, if you determined in Step 2 that the
commingled mix is 42% aluminum cans by weight according to the reference table, and the total for
commingled materials reported on the survey forms is 10,000 tons, then the actual amount of aluminum
cans is 4,200 tons (42% x 10,000).
B. Step 4:
Enter the tons from Step 3 in Column 3 of the blank table. Finally, add these amounts to the
corresponding material totals in the table in Part 1A.
Reference Data:
Recovery of Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1 1
995
Product Amount Recovered (in thousands of tons)
Aluminum Cans 990
Recycling Measurement
Corrugated Boxes 18,480
Glass 3,140
Magazines 670
Newspaper 6,960
Office Paper 3,010
Plastic Bottles 490
Steel Cans 1,500
Telephone Directories 60
Third Class Mail 710
1
U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
4 EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC. (Please use the latest available version.)
8/11/97
1B.
B1 Example:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1) Percentage (from Step 2) Tons (from Step 3)*
WORKSHEET
Aluminum Cans 19% 190 tons
Steel Cans 27% 270 tons
Glass Bottles 54% 540 tons
*Assume a total of 1,000 tons of Commingled Materials.
Actual Data:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1) Percentage (from Step 2) Tons (from Step 3)
Recycling Measurement
5
8/11/97
B1 2. Commercial Recycling Data
2A. For each recyclable material, total the data reported by each collector in the Commercial column of
WORKSHEET
Form 1, Part 2A. Do the same for the data reported by processors (Form 2, Part 2A) and then end users
(Form 3, Part 2A).
To avoid double counting, for those materials where you received data from more than one type of survey
respondent, circle the data that you believe is the most complete and accurate. Draw a line through the
other data. If you surveyed only one type of respondent, simply fill out the corresponding column below.
2A. Survey Respondent
RECYCLABLE Collectors Processors End Users TOTAL (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) (tons) (tons)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
Subtotal Metals
Paper:
Recycling Measurement
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
6
8/11/97
2A. Survey Respondent
B1 RECYCLABLE Collectors Processors End Users TOTAL (tons)
MATERIAL (tons) (tons) (tons)
Plastic:
WORKSHEET
PETE
HDPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
Recycling Measurement
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
7
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2B. If you received data from survey respondents on Commingled Materials for commercial programs, use the
B1 following method to estimate the weight of each recyclable material that makes up the commingled
category. Tons for each material should be entered separately into the corresponding category in the table
in Part 2A. You will need to complete this exercise for each different type of commingled mix reported on
WORKSHEET
the survey forms.
Step 1:
Based on the comments received on the survey forms, list the individual recyclable materials that make up
Commingled Materials in Column 1 of the blank table titled Actual Data.
B. Step 2:
Using the national recovery data in the reference table below as default data, estimate the percentage of
each material in the commingled mix, and then enter the percentages in Column 2 of the blank table. For
example, if your mix consists of aluminum cans and steel cans, you would have a total of 2,670 tons of
materials (1,120 + 1,550) according to the reference table. This is equal to a mix consisting of 42%
aluminum cans and 58% steel cans by weight. To arrive at these percentages, divide the tons of each
material by the total tons for the mix (e.g., 1,120/2,670 x 100 = 42%).
B. Step 3:
Apply the percentages calculated in Step 2 to the total commingled tons reported on the survey forms to
arrive at a weight for each recyclable material. For example, if you determined in Step 2 that the
commingled mix is 42% aluminum cans by weight according to the reference table, and the total for
commingled materials reported on the survey forms is 10,000 tons, then the actual amount of aluminum
cans is 4,200 tons (42% x 10,000).
B. Step 4:
Enter the tons from Step 3 in Column 3 of the blank table. Finally, add these amounts to the
corresponding material totals in the table in Part 2A.
Reference Data:
Recovery of Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1 1
995
Product Amount Recovered (in thousands of tons)
Aluminum Cans 990
Recycling Measurement
Corrugated Boxes 18,480
Glass 3,140
Magazines 670
Newspaper 6,960
Office Paper 3,010
Plastic Bottles 490
Steel Cans 1,500
Telephone Directories 60
Third Class Mail 710
1
U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
8 EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC. (Please use the latest available version.)
8/11/97
2B.
B1 Example:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1) Percentage (from Step 2) Tons (from Step 3)*
WORKSHEET
Aluminum Cans 19% 190 tons
Steel Cans 27% 270 tons
Glass Bottles 54% 540 tons
*Assume a total of 1,000 tons of Commingled Materials.
Actual Data:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1) Percentage (from Step 2) Tons (from Step 3)
Recycling Measurement
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3. Total Recycling Data
B1
3A. If you used the double counting exercise, in the table below enter the circled data from Parts 1 and 2 for
WORKSHEET
each residential and commercial recyclable material. If you did not use the double counting exercise,
simply enter below the available data from Parts 1 and 2. Then, add those numbers to arrive at the total
amount recycled for each material. Finally, add the totals in the last column to arrive at the total amount
of MSW recycled in your state or locality.
Source of Recyclable Material
3A.
Recyclable
Residential Commercial
Material
(tons)
+ (tons) = Total (tons)
Food Waste
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Major Appliances
Other Ferrous
Other Nonferrous
Mixed Metals
Subtotal Metals
Paper:
Old Magazines
Recycling Measurement
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HDPE
10 PVC
8/11/97 LDPE
Source of Recyclable Material
B1 3A.
Recyclable
Residential Commercial
Material
(tons) + (tons) = Total (tons)
WORKSHEET
Plastic (continued)
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
______________________
______________________
______________________
Subtotal Other Recyclables
________________
Recycling Measurement
This is the
TOTAL (tons)
numerator of the
recycling rate
equation
(for Worksheet B3).
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B2 Determining Waste
WORKSHEET
Generation
Use this worksheet to determine total municipal solid waste (MSW) generation for
your state or locality. Waste generation is equal to the total amount of MSW
recycled plus the total amount of MSW disposed of, in tons. It is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation.
This worksheet can be used for compiling waste disposal data repor ted on the
standard survey forms (Par ts 1 and 2), or for estimating waste generation if actual
disposal data are not available or reliable (Par t 3).
Who Should Use This Worksheet:
State and local governments that do not currently have a recycling measurement system in place.
State and local governments that are redesigning their recycling measurement system according
to the standard methodology.
State and local governments using Worksheet A to convert to the standard recycling rate (Part 3 only).
What You Will Need:
Completed Survey Forms 4 (Collectors), 5 (Transfer Stations), and 6 (Disposal Facilities).
Population data for the current measurement year (Parts 2 and 3 only).
Your state or local waste characterization study, if available (Part 3 only).
How You Will Use The Information Obtained:
The waste generation figure calculated in this worksheet will be used in conjunction with the
Recycling Measurement
recycling data obtained in Worksheet B1 to calculate a recycling rate in Worksheet B3.
Important Tips:
Before you begin, group all the survey forms together according to number.
If you received incomplete information on any part of a survey form, follow up with the
respondent in order to complete the data.
This worksheet contains three sections. Read the description of each to determine which are
applicable to your particular situation. In most cases, only one or two of the sections will be need
to be completed.
Check to make sure that the data reported on the survey forms is in tons before you begin to
1 complete this worksheet. If it is not in tons, use the standard volume-to-weight conversion factors
8/11/97
to convert the data into tons.
B2
WORKSHEET
Determining Waste Generation
1. Compiling Waste Disposal Data
Complete this section if you have current survey data on waste disposal.
1A. In-State Disposal
For each type of survey respondent (i.e., collectors, transfer stations, disposal facilities), total the
amount of residential MSW from sources within your state or locality that remained within your area
(e.g., not hauled to a transfer station or disposal facility outside your state or locality). This data can be
found on Forms 4, 5, and 6, Part 2A, first column. If you used more than one type of survey form to
collect data, be sure to not double count any data, i.e., MSW sent by a surveyed transfer station to a
surveyed disposal facility. If you used only one type of survey form (e.g., Survey Form 5, Transfer
Stations), simply fill out the corresponding column below.
Repeat the above procedure for commercial MSW.
MSW REMAINING Survey Respondent
INSIDE THE STATE OR Transfer Disposal TOTAL (tons)
LOCALITY Collectors
Stations Facilities
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
1B. Exports
For each type of survey respondent, total the amount of residential MSW from sources within your
state or locality that was exported from your area (e.g., hauled by a collector or transfer station to a
disposal facility outside your state or locality). This data can be found on Forms 4 and 5, Part 2A,
second column. Be sure to not double count any data, i.e., MSW sent by a surveyed collector to a
surveyed transfer station.
Recycling Measurement
Repeat the above procedure for commercial MSW.
Survey Respondent
MSW EXPORTS TOTAL (tons)
Collectors Transfer Stations
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
2
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B2 1C. Imports
For each type of survey respondent, total the amount of residential MSW from sources outside your
state or locality that was imported into the area (e.g., hauled by a collector to a transfer station or
WORKSHEET
disposal facility inside your state or locality). This data can be found on Forms 4, 5 and 6, Part 2B. Be
sure to not double count any data, i.e., MSW sent by a surveyed collector to a surveyed disposal facility.
Repeat the above procedure for commercial MSW.
Survey Respondent
MSW IMPORTS TOTAL (tons)
Collectors Transfer Stations
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
1D. Total Residential MSW Disposed Of
_____________________ + ______________ – ______________ = ____________________
MSW Remaining MSW Exports MSW Imports Total Residential
Inside the State or Locality (from 1B) (from 1C) MSW Disposed Of
(from 1A) (tons)
1E. Total Commercial MSW Disposed Of
_____________________ + ______________ – _______________ = __________________
MSW Remaining MSW Exports MSW Imports Total Commercial
Inside the State or Locality (from 1B) (from 1C) MSW Disposed Of
(from 1A) (tons)
1F. Total MSW Disposed Of
_____________________ + _____________________ = _______________________
Recycling Measurement
Total Residential MSW Total Commercial MSW Total MSW Disposed Of
(from 1D) (from 1E) (tons)
1G. Total MSW Generated
______________________ + ______________________ = ______________________
Total MSW Disposed Of Total MSW Recycled Total MSW Generated
(from 1F) (from Worksheet B1, Part 3) (tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation
(for Worksheet B3).
3
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B2 2. Extrapolating Waste Generation Data (optional)
Complete this section if you received less than a 100 percent response rate to your survey.
In this section you will use the partial data received to extrapolate total MSW generation. In
WORKSHEET
other words, it will allow you to calculate a total even though you have data from only a
portion of your state or locality.
2A. Estimate the population represented by the data received in your latest survey:
___________________________
Estimated Population
2B. Complete Part 1 using the data received in your latest survey.
2C. Per Capita Waste Generation:
______________________ ______________________ = ______________________
Total MSW Generated Estimated Population Per Capita Waste
(from 1G) (from 2A) Generation
2D. Extrapolated MSW Generation:
________________________ x ________________________ = ________________________
Per Capita Waste Generation Current Measurement Year Extrapolated MSW
(from 2C) Total Population Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation
(for Worksheet B3).
Recycling Measurement
4
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B2 3. Using Waste Characterization Data to Determine
Waste Generation
Complete this section if you do not have the resources or authority to conduct annual
WORKSHEET
surveys, or if you are not confident in the data generated by your latest survey. This section
will allow you to estimate the total amount of MSW generated in your state or locality using
either national default data or a waste characterization study, if available.
3A. If you have a state or local waste characterization study, use Worksheet A to determine if the scope of
waste in your study is consistent with the scope of MSW used here. If inconsistencies exist, proceed to
Part B to estimate MSW generation. Alternatively, you may complete Worksheet A to arrive at a
recycling rate that has the same scope as the standard recycling rate. If inconsistencies do not exist, then
calculate estimated waste generation using the following method:
1) Per Capita Waste Generation:
______________________
Total Annual MSW
______________________
Total Population
= ______________________
Per Capita Waste
Generated (year of study) Generation
(from study)
2) Estimated Waste Generation:
______________________ x ______________________ = ______________________
Per Capita Waste Current Measurement Year Estimated MSW
Generation Total Population Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation.
(for Worksheet B3).
3B. If you do not have a waste characterization study, or your study does not define MSW in the same way
as the standard definition used here, calculate estimated waste generation using the following equation:
1) Estimated Waste Generation:
Recycling Measurement
________________________ x 0.78 tons/person/year* = ________________________
Current Measurement Year Estimated Waste
Total Population Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation.
(for Worksheet B3).
*U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization Study of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
5.
EPA530-R-97-01 Washington, DC.
5
8/11/97
Calculating Your
B3
WORKSHEET
Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Recycling Rate
Use this worksheet to determine your state or locality’s MSW recycling rate for the
current measurement year.
Who Should Use This Worksheet:
State and local governments that do not currently have a recycling measurement system in place
and are establishing a recycling rate for the first time.
State and local governments that are redesigning their recycling measurement system according
to the standard methodology.
What You Will Need:
Total MSW recycled from Worksheet B1.
Total MSW generated from Worksheet B2.
Recycling Measurement
1
8/11/97
B3 1. Calculating Your Municipal Solid Waste Recycling Rate
Calculate your state or local MSW recycling rate according to the following equation:
WORKSHEET
___________________ ____________________ x 100 = _____________________
Total MSW Recycled Total MSW Generated Municipal Solid Waste
(from Worksheet B1, (from Worksheet B2, Recycling Rate (%)
Part 3) Part 1G, 2D, 3A, or 3B)
Recycling Measurement
2
8/11/97
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
(5306W)
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
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