Waste characterization ECOGESTUS – WASTE STREAM AUDIT, this guide will walk you through the key steps in

performing a waste stream. Our company has the background and an extend experience in waste

characterization projects. Read on and let us help you to save money respecting the environment.

1. Background

WHAT is a waste characterization?

Waste characterization also called waste stream

audit, is a formal, structured process by which the

quantity and types of different waste streams is

analyzed. Information from audits will help identify

current waste practices and how they can be

improved.

WHY conduct a waste audit?

In order to measure progress towards waste

prevention, reduction, and recycling goals, it is

important that detailed, accurate and up-to-date

information regarding the composition of waste is

maintained.

���� Determine what type and quantities of

waste are being generated will enable target

waste streams to be identified for action, and will

enable the effects of prevention and minimization

policies to be measured.

���� Packaging Waste Recovery: National

targets must be met for recycling and recovery of

packaging waste. In order to measure the

performance the composition of waste being

landfilled and sent for the recovery must be

established.

���� Waste Management Planning: Accurate

and up-to-date information on the waste being

generated is essential for forward planning of waste

management on a national, regional or local

authority level

���� Development of Waste Management

Infrastructure: Identification of waste stream

composition for facilities such as recycling MRFs,

composting plants and waste-to-energy plants is an

important consideration in their design and

operation.

���� Company Specific and Sector Specific

Waste Campaigns: In the commercial and industrial

sectors, the improved data available will be useful

to individual sectors (or companies) in targeting

areas for improved waste management.

HOW to conduct a waste

characterization?

Conducting a waste characterization requires a

qualified team that knows how to proceed

effectively during each phase and be aware of all

the dangers and risks that may arise during the

project (see below for further information about

possible hazards and risk).

To perform an accurate analysis is necessary to

know all possible waste sources and their nature;

control/audit all the present waste flows (if waste is

disposed along unsorted waste and then landfilled,

or if it is recycled and treated effectively); evaluate

all wrongdoings on waste segregation, waste

disposal and waste treatment; and suggest/perform

improvements on the waste management.

Ecogestus has the background and an extend

experience in waste characterization procedures,

with many projects successfully developed in

shopping centers all along Europe (Germany,

Greece, Italy, etc.). Our multidisciplinary team with

experience, nationally and internationally, allows us

to recommend the best solutions.

The four basic

steps to

perform a waste

stream audit

are:

• Plan de audit

• Collect the waste

• Sort the waste

• Analyze the data

But a waste

characterization is

not exempt of risk

and must be always

be performed by

trained and

specialized

personnel.

Waste characterization guide - 2010

2. Waste flow

What is the waste flow? An adequate waste audit should have an extend knowledge of

the general waste flow; determining all the possible sources

and their nature.

Quantifying and identifying waste from municipalities is a

difficult task. This is due to the fact that there are a number of

different waste streams being generated by a variety of

producers. Although systems differ between sites; it is

generally the case that waste from a number of sources is

disposed of via the same route.

Why is important to determine it?

The varying waste streams include urban waste both domestic

and streets paper bins, waste from commercial

establishments, industrial waste, healthcare waste, schools,

etc.

Compliance may involve a desktop review of documentation

and procedures and a visual audit. Operating costs will require

details on exactly what waste is being generated, where and

by whom. Identifying the scope of the project and sample size

will also allow determining easier what equipment and

resources will be needed to conduct the audit. A physical

waste stream audit of the whole waste stream will require

more costs and resources than a visual inspection.

How and What determine in the waste

flow?

Before conducting the waste characterization is important to

make a visual inspection to the area to be audited, and

determine who uses each bin-container, who and when are

emptied, and how is the waste treated/disposed after the

collection. The waste then should be analyzed by stream or

process. It is important to use categories that will be

meaningful to those reviewing the results. The more detailed

description allows estimates of the cost of the waste to be

determined.

At this level, each stream should be recorded by weight and

volume. The weight is a precise measure to make accurate

extrapolations; it will also allow accurate cost savings in terms

of waste disposal to be estimated. Volume is an indicator of

the systems that will be required to contain, transport and

consolidate waste on-site.

Recommendation

The date of the date should be kept secret, otherwise they

waste behaviors may change and the audit will not represent

normal waste practices. Equipment for audits

• Secure, well ventilated work

area, sheltered from sun, wind

and rain

• A large table

• Buckets of different sizes

• Accurate scales

• Data sheets

• Disinfectant and cleaning

tools

• Garbage bags

• Safety equipment, first aid kit

and plenty of water

Waste characterization guide - 2010

3. Steps to do in an audit STEP 1 – Define the study area and collect background

information

In this first step is important to set audit objectives,

determines locations to be audited and determine types and

approximate quantities of waste to be audited. Clearly

identifying what you want out of the audit will determine the

methodology to follow.

It is essential to visit the location to determine the number,

types and locations of bins and containers; determine the

types of waste seen and determine who empties the bins and

when.

STEP 2 – Select representative samples for the waste

characterization

It is necessary a thorough knowledge of all the waste sources

and their nature, and it is essential to be aware of their later

disposal, in order to achieve a global view of the waste flow.

We generally audit a 24-hour sample of the total waste,

allowing us to relate the quantity generated to productive

hours, and extrapolate the data. Determining the appropriate

sample to audit, is important in order to ensure that

extrapolations of costs and savings are accurate.

STEP 3 – Weigh all the waste in each bag/container to

measure the total bulk of waste, prior to opening and

starting characterization

STEP 4 – Pour out the waste on a table and start separating

the different components

This phase involves many risks, and never should be

performed by non qualified persons. Sharp and needle items

could be present within the mixed waste and they must be

handled carefully.

In this step is crucial to record as much detail as possible to

allow identifying the real reason for the waste being

generated.

STEP 5 – Weigh each category of waste

After every component is segregated, each category is

weighed separately in order to determine the percentage out

of the total waste generated for each component.

STEP 6 – Take notes of excess waste that could be easily

recycled rather than being thrown into garbage, and clean

the working area and equipment.

STEP 7 – Report all the information acquired on the audit,

and propose possible improvements on the waste

management.

With the information collected during the audit is possible to

determine the present situation of the waste management,

determine waste flows, recycling efficiency rates, waste

treatment costs, associated risks, etc.

Knowing the starting point is easier to define targets and goals

in order to improve waste segregation efficiency. In order to

measure progress towards national waste prevention,

reduction, and recycling goals, it is important that detailed,

accurate and up-to-date information regarding the

composition of municipal waste is maintained

The next step will determine possible future scenarios (whit

different increases on the rate of recyclables, better waste

treatments…), and will mark the guidelines to follow and

improvements to perform. The establishment of target and

goals will determine the development of waste management

infrastructure, company specific and sector specific waste

campaigns, and a general waste management planning.

Waste components

• Organics (food leftovers), including

liquids from bottles

• Contaminated Cardboard/Paper

• Cardboard/ Paper (clean/recyclable)

• Various Plastics (Clean/recyclable);

packaging, plastic film...

• Contaminated plastics (cups, plates,

taps...)

• Complex materials, including

Tretapak/brik packaging

• Metals (Aluminium and Ferrous)

• Glass packaging

• WEEE including batteries, tonners and

fluorescent bulbs/tubes

• Textiles

• Hazardous household

• Fines (< 1.5 cm)

Waste characterization guide - 2010

4. Hazards and risks

A waste stream audit is not exempt of risks. Therefore this

practice should be always performed by trained and specialized

personnel.

Auditing on-site is the most convenient, but it presents certain

hazards that must be addressed. The working area should be

free from vehicles and personnel movements; it should be

sheltered from the elements and be large enough to hold the

entire waste sample.

The table below shows the associated hazards of a waste

characterization project:

Task/operation WASTE CHARACTERISATION

HAZARDS RISK Method Adopted to Avoid, Reduce or Control Hazard

Sharps and Needle

stick injury (needles,

syringes,

glass, razor, nails)

Laceration, cuts and bruises,

infection, lockjaw (tetanus)

Hepatitis B,C ,

Vaccinations available. Visually check the work area; wear

anti-syringe gloves and litter picker where possible. latex

gloves, skin barrier creams, disposal clothing, safety shoes.

Supervision is required to ensure that par time workers are

not over exposed, particularly when vaccinations not

practicable.

Slips, trips and falls Low Regular cleaning regime.

Machinery

Low risk of hearing damage.

Microbiological agents and

organic dust. Risk of crushing,

hitting, bruising,

amputation

PPE (Ear defenders) worn around noisy equipment; Dust

mask. Employees shall not enter unauthorised areas of the

facil ity unless under supervision.

TrafficLow risk of Crushing, fractures,

cuts, bruises, head injury.

High visibil ity clothing worn at all times. Staff to be warned

of traffic risks.

Manual HandlingLow risk of sprains, strains and

back injury

Assess the load before lifting; Bend from the knees and keep

the back straight. Carry two lots of buckets as opposed to

one load

Do not l ift the load if you feel it is too heavy, get help from a

colleague

Do not reach into the bins, get help to tip the bin onto the

table or use a l itter picker.

Falling objects Low risk of head injury

Set-up the waste characterisation table away from areas

where there is a possibil ity of fall ing objects from overhead

conveyors.

Temperature LowWear suitable clothing for the weather; warm clothing

usually required when working outside. Source: EPA (Environmental protection agency), Ireland

The following are examples of types of areas that should be

included and taken in mind in the risk assessments before

conducting the audit:

• Hazards associated with the waste itself

• The weight, volume or density of material and equipment

• The working area

• The audit process

• Storage and movement o the waste

• Surrounding environment

The audit is a hazardous process which requires careful

planning to ensure the safety of those conducting the audit,

others on-site and the safety of the environment.

Important: The waste should not be sorted near

environmentally sensitive areas or near storm water drains or

other water ways, to avoid environmental risks in case of

spills.

Safety of staff

Ensuring the safety of the sorters is

crucial. Training, safety equipment and

tetanus shots must be organized to ensure

sorters and safe from potential hazards

associated with handling and sorting

waste.

Before the audit a risk assessment must

be carried out

For further information, please contact us:

ECOGESTUS Lda.

Rua Afonso IV, 23, 2º

Portugal Tel.: +351233109034

e-mail: contacto@ecogestus.com