New Guide for Sampling and Characterization of Municipal Single-Stream Recyclable Material
1. Scope
1.1 This guide describes procedures for measuring the composition of unprocessed single-stream recyclables (SSR) by using manual sorting. This guide applies to the determination of the composition of SSR based on the collection and manual sorting of a number of samples of SSR over a selected time period covering a minimum of one week. 1.2 This guide includes two procedures for the collection of a representative sorting sample of unprocessed SSR, manual sorting of the sample into individual SSR components, data reduction, and reporting of the results. 1.3 This guide may be applied at material recovery facilities (MRF), conversion facilities, and transfer stations. 1.4 Procedures and apparatus other than those stated in this guide may be used by agreement of the investigator and affected parties. 1.5 Units-The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warnings related to this test method are found in Section 7.
Keywords
14.1 composition; recycling; single-stream recycling, metal, glass, plastic, paper
Rationale
The recent growth of residential single-stream recycling has resulted in a rapidly growing industry based on the community desire to divert volumes of solid waste from landfills. Resultingly, the need for accurate characterization of a heterogeneous recyclable material stream is necessary for the purpose of valuation of mixed material streams, process design, and management, as well as regulatory compliance. Sampling methods specific to those materials collected from municipal residential sources are needed to provide a standard method for use by industry, government, or academic organizations where such data is required.
