United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Solid Waste
and Emergency Response
(5306W)
EPA530-R-97-011
September 1997
http://www.epa.gov
Measuring Recycling
A Guide for State and Local
Governments
> Printed on paper that contains at least 20 percent postconsumer fiber.
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Measuring Recycling
A Guide for State and Local
Governments
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List of Tables iii
About This Guide v
Acknowledgments vii
Section I Introduction I
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 j
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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 I07
Appendix E: Resources I37
Appendix F: Sample Language for Freedom of Information I43
Act Exemption
Appendix G: Sample Cover Letters I45
Appendix H: Adjusting Waste Generation I49
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Tabl
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 I. 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 II. Survey Forms 40
Table 12. Examples of Source Reduction Activities 46
Table 13. Survey Forms 64
List of Tables jjj
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J
About This
This 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
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J
owledgments
V ^^
Many 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
Laura Kliewer Foster, Midwestern Office
Ellen Pratt, Northeast Recycling Council
Peer Review Group
Kip Eagles, Washington Department of
Ecology
Tony Hainault, Minnesota Office of
Environmental Assistance
Carl Hursh, Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection
Mark Lennon, New Hampshire Department
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
Focus Group
Harry Benson, Wellman, Inc.
Tim Breneisen, Lancaster County Solid Waste
Management Authority, Pennsylvania
Phil Carnevale, Schiavone-Bonomo
Pablo Collins, The Davidson Colling Group
Robert Davis, Browning-Ferris Industries
Michael Poland, Environmental Recycling, Inc.
Bob Reichard, Laidlaw Waste Systems
Carlos Rovelo, Rock-Term Company
Nathan Tyler, Glass Packaging Institute
Acknowledgments yjj
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National Recycling Coalition
Workshop
Nancy Carr, California Integrated Waste
Management Board
Ron Henricks, Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Mitra Khazi, Indiana Department of
Environmental Management
Peter Spendaloe, Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality
Vicki Viens, Vermont Department of
Environmental Conservation
Other State and Local Government
Representatives Who Assisted
Dave Benke, Minnesota Office of
Environmental Assistance
Ann Bernstein, Minnesota Office of
Environmental Assistance
Esther Bo wring, Montgomery County,
Maryland, Department of Environmental
Protection
William Golden, New York Department of
Environmental Conservation
Gerry Geiger, Indiana Department of
Environmental Management
Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County, Maryland,
Office of Solid Waste and Recycling
Karen Harrington, Minnesota Office of
Environmental Assistance
Ed Harris, Fairfax County, Virginia,
Department of Public Works
Judy Henderson, Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality
Suzanne Laland, Onondaga County, New
York, Resource Recovery Agency
Virginia Lipscomb, Maryland Department of
the Environment
Jacquie Moon, Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality
Raymond Moreau, Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Scott Mouw, North Carolina Office of Waste
Reduction
Kerry Overlee, Mecklenberg County, North
Carolina, Department of Engineering and
Building Standards
Lynn Schramel, Monroe County, New York,
Department of Environmental Services
Caroline Smith, Anoka County, Minnesota,
Integrated Waste Management Unit
Phil Spranger, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources
David White, Ohio Environmental Protection
Agency
viii Acknowledgments
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Recycling 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
local governments have set recy-
cling goals and implemented
systems for determining their
progress in meeting those goals. As
of 1993, approximately 40 states
were collecting and maintaining
data on recycling; 26 of these calcu-
lated an actual recycling rate.1
"Measuring recycling" typically
entails surveying generators,
collectors, processors, and end
users of MSW and recyclables to
collect data on one or more of the
following:
Overall tonnages of municipal
waste discarded and materials
recycled.
Tonnages of broad categories
of materials, such as paper,
recycled.
Tonnages of specific categories
of materials, such as newsprint,
recycled.
Recycling measurement is dif-
ferent from the measurement of
waste diversion in that data are col-
lected on the amount of materials
recycled or composted rather than
on the amount of disposed solid
waste.
Currently, not everyone defines
recycling or the processes that con-
stitute recycling in the same way.
Definitions of MSW also vary.
There is no standard approach for
how or where to collect the needed
data. The methods used to calcu-
late a recycling rate also differ from
one area to another. All of these fac-
tors can make it difficult to collect
and analyze data and to compare
the effectiveness of recycling pro-
grams from one region to another.
From 1992 to 1994, the Council
of State Governments conducted
the State Data Collection project
under a U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) grant.
The project identified current and
future state plans for data collec-
tion and opportunities for consis-
tency in recycling measurement.
The project concluded that a
uniform, national method for
measuring recycling rates be devel-
oped. Subsequent interviews with
state officials indicated states are
open to switching to a standard
'Council of State Governments. 1993. Data
Collection for Recyclable Materials Collection and
Marketing: Interim Report.
Introduction
-------
national system if the new
approach gives them flexibility and
guidance on important data collec-
tion and measurement issues.
Moreover, state officials bound to
their existing data collection sys-
tems, generally due to legislated
requirements, indicated they were
willing to recalculate their recy-
cling rate using a standard
methodology if one were devel-
oped. Officials in states that do not
currently collect data indicated that
the development of standard recy-
cling measurement techniques
could assist in convincing decision-
makers to support future data col-
lection efforts and would provide
an off-the-shelf tool for creating a
recycling measurement program.
As a result of these conclusions,
EPA worked with state and local
officials to develop this recycling
measurement guide.
This guide is designed to help
promote consistency in the way
recycling data are collected, mea-
sured, and reported by state and
local governments. In order to
achieve uniformity and address
wide variations in what is counted
as MSW and recycling from one
area to another, a standard scope of
materials to be measured is need-
ed. EPA reviewed a wide range of
scopes when developing the stan-
dard measurement methodology
presented in this guide. The select-
ed scope relies on EPA's historical
definition of MSW as contained in
the EPA report, Characterization of
Municipal Solid Waste in the United
States. This scope was chosen
because it is broadly accepted and
understood, the data are familiar
and accessible throughout the 50
states, and default values can be
extracted from the report if mea-
surers have incomplete data. For
practical purposes, the standard
scope is wholly consistent with the
definitions and distinctions made
in this report.
Not all types of solid waste are
included in the scope. Various
items, including construction and
demolition debris, manufacturing
waste, and overissue newspapers
to name a few, are excluded from
the standard scope. Although
recovery of these materials is not
factored into the standard calcula-
tion used to determine a recycling
rate, EPA encourages state and
local governments to continue their
efforts to promote the recycling of
these items. In addition, space for
collecting these data is provided on
the survey forms included with
this guide, which are designed to
help obtain data on MSW disposal
and recycling.
For those agencies desiring to
perform recycling measurement
for the first time, this guide pro-
vides a straightforward, cost-effec-
tive, and standardized system for
compiling and calculating the nec-
essary data. A step-by-step process
for developing a recycling mea-
surement program is outlined,
complete with tips and case stud-
ies. This guide also provides infor-
mation for those agencies with a
measurement program already in
place but interested in switching to
the standardized approach. In
addition, agencies interested in
simply recalculating an overall
recycling rate to be consistent with
the standardized methodology will
find this guide helpful.
Although numerous tips are
offered in the guide for obtaining
accurate data, EPA recognizes the
need to balance the resources spent
on recycling measurement against
the larger goal of advancing inte-
grated solid waste management.
For this reason, EPA allows for the
estimation of data in certain
instances, providing that estimates
are based on good, solid knowl-
edge of the sources and flow of
MSW within a region.
The methodology and recom-
mendations presented in this guide
represent the practical experience
of many states and localities cur-
rently measuring recycling. Aside
from establishing a voluntary, uni-
form method for calculating recy-
cling rates, this guide offers state
and local governments a number of
benefits, including advice and rec-
ommendations for:
Obtaining accurate data.
Minimizing double counting.
Identifying possible errors or
omissions in data.
Establishing relationships with
the private sector to obtain com-
mercial recycling information.
Ensuring the private sector's
confidentiality when reporting
data.
Using national waste characteri-
zation data to estimate waste
generation when disposal data
are not available.
Accounting for imports and
exports of MSW and recyclable
materials.
Streamlining and improving
data collection.
Reducing recycling measure-
ment costs.
Although state and local gov-
ernments can benefit from the
information contained in this guide
without adopting the standard
recycling measurement methodol-
ogy, doing so has many advan-
tages. Standard data collection and
calculation methods (including the
Section 1
-------
use of the survey forms included
with this guide) can help achieve:
Greater cooperation from infor-
mation sources supplying data,
who appreciate efforts to stream-
line and standardize reporting
requirements.
More opportunities to exchange
information and advance recy-
cling measurement techniques,
since similar methods are
employed nationwide.
Fewer opportunities for manipu-
lation of recycling data in order to
meet recycling goals.
Time and cost savings for every-
one involved in data collection
and analysis.
Enhanced ability to improve
waste handling and recycling
programs, since standard recy-
cling rates are produced that
can be tracked against other
programs.
In addition, standardization ben-
efits the businesses and industry
representatives that supply recy-
cling and waste disposal data to
state and local agencies. A recycling
measurement system that involves
standard definitions, survey forms,
and reporting requirements simpli-
fies and streamlines the reporting
process for these data sources and
reduces the amount of time and
resources they must expend.
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laments ol
^^^^^_^^^
tandardizatio
In 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:
Include only the standard scope of MSW.
Include only standard recycling activities.
Use the standard equation for calculating a recycling rate.
Account for imports and exports of materials.
Obtain data on a calendar year basis.
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:
WHY to measure recycling.
WHEN to collect the necessary data.
WHO should collect and compile the information.
WHERE to collect the information.
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
MSW Recycling Rate
'O/ \ _
/o)
Total MSW Recycled
xlOO
Total MSW Generated*
*Total MSW Generated = Total MSW Recycled + Total MSW Disposed of
Elements of Standardization
-------
Standard
Elements
The six elements detailed below
comprise the standard methodolo-
gy for measuring recycling. As
such, they are required for states
and localities that choose to imple-
ment the methodology.
1. Include only the
standard scope of
MSW.
Only MSW as defined in Table A
(page 11) is included when calcu-
lating a recycling rate using the
standard methodology presented
in this guide. MSW is generated
from residential, commercial, insti-
tutional, and industrial sources.
Examples of waste from these
sources are provided in Table 1,
and a detailed description of the
standard scope of MSW is provid-
ed in Table A.
While definitions of MSW differ
from region to region, EPA has
defined and characterized MSW in
a consistent way for over a decade.
The scope of MSW employed in the
standard methodology is consis-
tent with EPA's Characterization of
Municipal Solid Waste in the United
States, a study based on data col-
lected since 1960. The definition of
MSW contained in this report is
based on the historical manage-
ment of municipal solid waste.
Although it is common practice to
landfill materials such as munici-
pal sludge, nonhazardous industri-
al process wastes, and construction
and demolition (C&D) debris
along with MSW, these materials
are not included in the standard
scope of MSW or in calculating a
standard recycling rate. Such
wastes are referred to as Other
Solid Waste in this guide. (Refer to
the Glossary in Appendix A for
complete definitions.)
Defining the scope of MSW in
the same way it is defined in EPA's
characterization study ensures that
recycling rates are comparable
from year to year since they are
based on historical continuity. This
study also provides a source of
default values that can be utilized
in calculating a recycling rate if
necessary. Finally, use of the
study's definition of MSW pro-
motes consistency by establishing a
common language for recycling
discussions.
2. Include only
standard recycling
activities.
Recycling of MSW is defined as
the series of activities by which dis-
carded postconsumer materials are
collected, sorted, processed, con-
verted into raw materials, and
used in the production of new
products. Some examples of recy-
cling activities included are recy-
cling old newspaper into new
paper, recycling discarded alu-
minum cans into new ones, offsite
composting of leaves, and mulching
old pallets into wood chips. (Refer
to the Glossary in Appendix A for a
complete definition.)
TABLE I. SOURCES OF NSW
SOURCES
Residential
(single- and multi-family homes).
Commercial
(office buildings, retail and
wholesale establishments, and
restaurants).
Institutional
(schools, libraries, hospitals, and
prisons).
Industrial
(packaging and administrative, but
not process wastes).
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF NSW
Old newspapers, clothing, packaging, cans and bottles, food scraps, and
yard trimmings.
Old corrugated containers (OCC), office papers, yard trimmings, food scraps,
disposable tableware, paper napkins, and cans and bottles.
Office papers, books, yard trimmings, and cafeteria wastes (food scraps,
disposable tableware, paper napkins, and cans and bottles).
OCC, plastic film, wood pallets, office papers, and cafeteria wastes (food
scraps, disposable tableware, paper napkins, and cans and bottles).
Section 2
-------
Preconsumer recycling, such as
recycling trimmings from paper
converting operations, is not
included in calculating a standard
recycling rate. Also omitted is the
recycling of all non-MSW materi-
als, such as C&D debris and used
oil. Source reduction activities,
including reuse practices and back-
yard composting, also are excluded
from the standard recycling rate.
Combustion for energy recovery,
like other types of MSW disposal, is
excluded. The scope of MSW recy-
cling is described in detail in Table B
(page 13).
The definition of recycling
employed by the standard method-
ology is consistent with the defini-
tion used in EPA's Characterization
of Municipal Solid Waste in the
United States. The use of the same
definition over time promotes con-
sistency and comparability among
recycling rates.
3. Use the standard
equation for
calculating a
recycling rate.
The standard methodology uses
the equation shown on page 5 for
calculating a recycling rate.
The MSW recycling rate is calcu-
lated by dividing the total amount
of MSW recycled (including offsite
composting) in the measurement
year (the previous calendar year)
by the total amount of MSW gener-
ated. MSW generation is equal to
the total amount of MSW recycled
plus the total amount of MSW dis-
posed of, in tons. Both MSW gener-
ation and recycling totals are
adjusted to account for imports
and exports of waste and recy-
clables. Methods for obtaining
recycling and waste disposal data
are described in Section 4. Also,
methods for using waste character-
ization data to estimate MSW gen-
eration (when disposal data are not
available or reliable) are provided
in Section 5.
4. Account for
imports and
exports of MSW
and recyclables.
MSW and recyclables often
move across jurisdictional lines for
economic and practical reasons.
Current recycling measurement
systems do not always account for
the exporting and importing of
materials resulting from the free
movement of waste and recy-
clables between states or localities.
The standard methodology
requires that your recycling rate
include only materials generated in
your state or locality. This allows
for a more accurate account of
waste generated and materials
recycled within your jurisdiction.
For this reason, when calculating
the amount of MSW recycled, be
sure to add to the total any recy-
clable materials that were exported
from your state or locality, and sub-
tract any recyclables that were
imported into your state or locality.
Likewise, when calculating the
amount of MSW disposed of, any
MSW that was exported from your
jurisdiction should be added to the
total, and any MSW imported
should be subtracted. Section 4 of
this guide provides suggestions for
how to track exports and imports.
5. Obtain data on a
calendar year basis.
Some existing measurement sys-
tems use calendar year data, while
other systems employ fiscal year
data. An important aspect of stan-
dardization, therefore, is setting a
uniform measurement year.
Private recyclers and disposal facil-
ities supplying more than one
jurisdiction with data will appreci-
ate such uniformity. To be consis-
tent, the standard methodology
requires collection of data for the
previous calendar year (January to
December).
6. Report data in tons.
Another important aspect of
standardization is a uniform unit
of measurement. Data sources are
asked to report quantities in tons
and to use conversion factors if the
tonnage is not available. Volume-
to-weight conversion factors are
provided to allow for standard
conversions (see Appendix B).
Alternatively, respondents can use
their own conversion factors pro-
vided they are based on actual data
and not estimates.
Flexible Elements
Below are the elements of recy-
cling measurement that will differ
among jurisdictions. Although the
standard methodology does not
prescribe a single method for
addressing these elements, this
guide does provide preferred
approaches based on the experi-
ence of many state and local
governments.
1. When to collect
data.
Although the standard method-
ology requires you to collect data
from the previous calendar year,
exactly when you choose to collect
and compile these data is entirely
Elements of Standardization
-------
Benefits To Using
The Survey Forms
I. The survey forms
ensure you will get the
data needed to calcu-
late an MSW recycling
rate.
2. Survey respondents
serving more than one
state or locality will
appreciate receiving a
standard form.
3. The survey forms also
allow agencies to track
recycling and disposal
of other solid wastes
(e.g., C&D debris).
4. You will have enough
data from the survey
forms to calculate
other performance
measures if you
choose, such as per
capita waste generation
and recycling rates, and
to track reductions in
waste disposal (waste
diversion rates).
5. The survey forms
are easy to read and
include clear, simple
instructions.
6. The survey forms
have been tested and
refined through a
peer review process
and demonstration
projects.
up to you. Section 3 contains a rec-
ommended timeline that suggests
dates for distributing survey forms
and requesting responses. While
you can adjust this schedule to
meet your needs, keep in mind that
companies serving more than one
state or locality will appreciate
having only one due date to
remember.
2. How to obtain the
necessary data.
Survey forms are typically used
for obtaining the data needed to
calculate a recycling rate. Although
there are many benefits to all states
and localities using the same
survey form, this is not always
practical. Some state and local gov-
ernments have developed a form
over years of surveying that works
well for them, while others have
unique information needs that pre-
clude using a standard form.
Therefore, the use of a standard form
is not a required element of
standardization.
Appendix C contains six survey
forms (see Table 2 on page 9). You
can reproduce these forms directly,
modify them to fit your needs, or
use your own forms. The first three
survey forms seek data from spe-
cific points in the recycling chain
collection, processing, and
remanufacturing. The remaining
three survey forms seek waste dis-
posal information from waste
haulers, transfer stations, and dis-
posal facility operators. In each set
of three, one or more of the forms
can be used depending on where
you choose to get your data.
Appendix D contains four recy-
cling rate worksheets (see Table 3
on page 9). The worksheets are
designed for state and local gov-
ernments that have never mea-
sured recycling as well as those
already collecting data who want
to either switch to the standard
methodology or recalculate their
recycling rate according to the
standard method.
3. Who is responsible
for collecting the
data.
Any entity within a state or
locality can collect recycling and
waste disposal information from
data sources. Typically, the depart-
ment in charge of recycling takes
on the data collection responsibili-
ty. However, state or local recycling
organizations, trade associations,
or other government agencies
(such as permitting divisions that
are compiling data from annual
permit reports) also can collect the
necessary data. Alternatively, some
states enlist the help of their city or
county governments, who survey
data sources and then report back.
Who is responsible for directly sur-
veying data sources will not affect
your ability to calculate a standard
recycling rate for MSW.
4. Where to survey
for the needed data.
The recycling and waste dispos-
al data needed to calculate a recy-
cling rate can be obtained from
numerous sources, including
collectors, processors, recycling
plants, and disposal facilities.
Section 4 explains the different
options for surveying these
sources. While there are advan-
tages and disadvantages to survey-
ing each of the sources, where you
choose to obtain your data is not a
required element of the standard
measurement methodology.
Section 2
-------
TABLE 2. SURVEY FORMS AND RESPONDENTS
SURVEY FORM
Form 1
Form 2
Form 3
Form 4
Form 5
Form 6
RESPONDENT TYPE
Collectors of Recyclables
Processors of Recyclables
End Users of Recyclables
Collectors of MSW
Transfer Stations
Waste Disposal Facilities
TABLE 3. RECYCLING RATE WORKSHEETS
WORKSHEET
WHO SHOULD USE
PURPOSE
Converting to the Standard
Recycling Rate.
State and local governments that are
already collecting data and have
previously calculated a recycling rate.
To recalculate a recycling rate using the
standard MSW recycling rate equation.
B1
Determining the Amount of
MSW Recycled.
B2
Determining Waste
Generation.
B3
Calculating Your MSW
Recycling Rate.
State and local governments that have
not measured recycling previously.
State and local governments already
measuring recycling that want to switch
to the standard methodology.
To compile recycling data and calculate the
numerator of the equation, total MSW
recycled.
To compile disposal data and calculate the
denominator of the equation, total MSW
generated.
To calculate the standard recycling rate.
Elements of Standardization
-------
Using the Scope Tables
Tables 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.
Section 2
-------
TABLE A. SCOPE OF MATERIALS INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD NSW RECYCLING RATE
MATERIAL1
Food Scraps
Glass Containers
Lead-Acid
Batteries
Tin/Steel Cans
and Other
Ferrous Metals
Aluminum Cans
and Other
Nonferrous Metals
Paper
Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood
Yard Trimmings
Other
WHAT IS NSW
Uneaten food and food preparation wastes from
residences and commercial establishments
(restaurants, supermarkets, and produce stands),
institutional sources (school cafeterias), and industrial
sources (employee lunchrooms).
Containers; packaging; and glass found in appliances,
furniture, and consumer electronics.
Batteries from automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles.
Tin-coated steel cans; strapping; and ferrous metals
from appliances (refrigerators), consumer electronics,
and furniture.
Aluminum cans; nonferrous metals from appliances,
furniture, and consumer electronics; and other
aluminum items (foil and lids from bimetal cans).
Old corrugated containers; old magazines; old
newspapers; office papers; telephone directories; and
other paper products including books, third-class
mail, commercial printing, paper towels, and paper
plates and cups.
Containers; packaging; bags and wraps; and plastics
found in appliances, furniture, and sporting and
recreational equipment.
Fiber from apparel, furniture, linens (sheets and
towels), carpets3 and rugs, and footwear.
Tires from automobiles and trucks.
Pallets; crates; barrels; and wood found in furniture
and consumer electronics.
WHAT IS NOT NSW2
Food processing waste from agricultural and
industrial operations.
Glass from transportation equipment
(automobiles) and construction and
demolition (C&D) debris (windows).
Batteries from aircraft, military vehicles,
boats, and heavy-duty trucks and tractors.
Ferrous metals from C&D debris and
transportation equipment.
Nonferrous metals from industrial
applications and C&D debris (aluminum
siding, wiring, and piping).
Paper manufacturing waste (mill broke) and
converting scrap not recovered for recycling.
Plastics from transportation equipment.
Textile waste generated during manufacturing
processes (mill scrap) and C&D projects.
Tires from motorcycles4, buses, and heavy
farm and construction equipment.
Wood from C&D debris (lumber and tree
stumps5) and industrial process waste
(shavings and sawdust).
Grass, leaves, brush and branches, and tree stumps.5 Yard trimmings from C&D debris.
Household hazardous waste (HHW)6, oil filters,
fluorescent tubes7, mattresses, and consumer
electronics.
Abatement debris, agricultural waste,
combustion ash, C&D debris, industrial
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
-------
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.
6HHW 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.
Section 2
-------
TABLE B. SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD NSW RECYCLING RATE
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Food Scraps
Glass
Lead-Acid
Batteries
Metals
Paper
Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood
Yard
Trimmings
Other
WHAT COUNTS
AS RECYCLING
Composting of food scraps from grocery stores, restaurants,
cafeterias, lunchrooms, and private residences, and the use of
food scraps to feed farm animals.
WHAT DOES NOT COUNT
AS RECYCLING1
Backyard (onsite) composting of food scraps, and the use of
food items for human consumption (food banks).
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,
appliances, and consumer electronics into new glass products
such as containers, packaging, construction materials
(aggregate), or fiberglass (insulation).
Recycling of lead-acid batteries found in cars, trucks, or
motorcycles into new plastic and lead products.
Recycling of aluminum and tin/steel cans, and recycling of
metals found in appliances and packaging into new metal
products.
Recycling of paper products (old newspapers and office
papers) into new paper products (tissue, paperboard,
hydromulch, animal bedding, or insulation materials).
Recycling of plastic products (containers, bags, and wraps), and
recycling of plastic from furniture and consumer electronics
into new plastic products (fiber fill and plastic lumber).
Recycling of textiles into wiper rags, and recycling of apparel
and carpet fiber2 into new products such as linen paper or
carpet padding.
Recycling of automobile and truck tires into new products
containing rubber (trash cans, storage containers, and
rubberized asphalt), and use of whole tires for playground and
reef construction.
Recycling of wood products (pallets and crates) into mulch,
compost, or similar uses.
Offsite recycling of grass, leaves, brush or branches3, and tree
stumps4 into compost, mulch, or similar uses; and
landspreading of leaves5.
Household hazardous waste (HHW)6, oil filters, fluorescent
tubes7, mattresses, circuit boards, and consumer electronics8.
construction and demolition (C&D) debris, recycling of
preconsumer glass or glass from industrial processes, and
reuse of refillable glass bottles.
Recycling of lead-acid batteries used in large equipment,
aircraft, military vehicles, boats, heavy-duty trucks and
tractors, and industrial applications.
Reuse of metal containers, packaging, furniture, or consumer
electronics, and recycling of metals found in transportation
equipment (autobodies) and C&D debris.
Reuse of paper products, recycling of preconsumer or
manufacturing waste (trimmings, mill broke, print overruns,
and overissue publications), and combustion of paper for
energy recovery.
Reuse of plastic products (storage containers and sporting
equipment), recycling of preconsumer plastic waste or
industrial process waste, and combustion of plastics for
energy recovery.
Reuse of apparel.
Recycling of tires from motorcycles, buses, and heavy farm
and construction equipment, retreading of tires, and
combustion of tire chips for energy recovery.
Repair and reuse of pallets, combustion of wood for energy
recovery, recycling of industrial process waste (wood shavings
or sawdust), and recycling of wood from C&D debris.
Mulching of tree stumps4 from C&D debris, backyard (onsite)
composting, grasscycling, landspreading of leaves5, and
combustion of yard trimmings for energy recovery.
Recycling of used oil, C&D debris (asphalt, concrete, and
natural disaster debris), transportation equipment
(autobodies), municipal sewage sludge, and agricultural,
industrial, mining, and food processing waste.
Elements of Standardization
-------
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 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 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.
6HHW 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 Fluorescent tubes 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.
Section 2
-------
Like 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
Define Your Program
Goals.
State and local governments
measure recycling for a number of
reasons. One of the key reasons to
collect recycling and waste genera-
tion data is to assist with planning
and decision-making. Such data
can help solid waste managers:
Set waste reduction or diversion
goals and track progress toward
achieving those goals.
Identify trends in waste genera-
tion and recycling that could
impact local, state, or regional
planning.
Make decisions or changes in
collection crews, route sched-
ules, and equipment needed for
waste pickups and recycling
collection.
Assess and choose among waste
management options based on
the amount and type of waste
and recyclable materials.
Determine the viability and
capacity of existing solid waste
recycling and disposal facilities,
including transfer stations and
material recovery facilities
(MRFs).
Measurement can also assist
with market development by pro-
viding a clear understanding of the
supply and demand of different
recyclable materials in a given
area. Specific information on the
type and amount of recyclables
being generated within a jurisdic-
tion might be useful in a variety of
ways, such as:
Linking buyers and sellers of a
particular material.
Identifying the need for added
processing capacity at the local
or regional level.
Indicating that marketing efforts
need to be increased for a partic-
ular recyclable material.
Planning Steps
I. Define your program
goals.
2. Determine if useful
data are already being
collected.
3. Ascertain your
authority to survey
and collect data.
4. Determine who will
collect recycling
measurement data.
5. Decide on reporting
requirements.
6. Establish program staff
and budget.
7. Establish a timeframe
for system
development.
-------
Attracting an established recy-
cling industry to locate a facility
in the area.
Assisting local entrepreneurs in
starting small-scale recycling
businesses.
Encouraging local manufactur-
ers to use or to increase their use
of locally generated recycled
materials in their products.
Collecting recycling measure-
ment data also can help officials
establish or expand community
collection programs. Reporting the
recycling progress being achieved
within a particular state or commu-
nity can help raise public aware-
ness of recycling, encourage
participation in collection efforts,
and promote buy recycled cam-
paigns. The data might also sug-
gest a need to expand residential or
commercial collection programs,
particularly if there are large gener-
ators of certain recyclable materials
in the area.
Step Two
measuring recycling
will determine the
kind of information you
collect. (See Section 4,
step 3, for further
details.)
Determine if Useful
Data Are Already
Being Collected.
Once you have determined your
measurement goals, investigate
which departments, agencies, or
organizations are already collect-
ing data. Sometimes different
agencies collect similar data.
Identifying and eliminating such
redundancies can streamline your
recycling measurement efforts.
For instance, in states with a
bottle deposit law, the revenue or
tax department might have data on
the number of bottles returned
for redemption. Similarly, the
health department might have data
on household hazardous waste
collections.
other agencies,
^^departments, or
organizations that are
collecting data related to
recycling measurement
and consider the
possibility of combining
efforts.
At one point in New
Hampshire, four entities
were maintaining informa-
tion needed for recycling
measurementthe New
Hampshire Resource
Recovery
Association, the
Governor's
Recycling Program,
the Department of Environmental
Services (DES), and the University
of New Hampshire. Presently, the
Governor's Recycling Program com-
piles recycling data from municipali-
ties, while the DES compiles disposal
data reported by permitted solid
waste facilities.
Step Three
Ascertain Your
Authority to Survey
and Collect Data.
Since compiling data often
involves soliciting information
from private and public sources,
establishing your authority to
engage in data collection might be
required. First, consult with the
appropriate counsel within your
agency or examine statutes such as
solid waste and recycling laws to
determine if special authority is
required. If so, work within your
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
Section 3
-------
compiling some of the data you
need. Local or regional solid waste
management plans are also a good
source of data. Another possibility
is to approach your state or local
recycling organization or related
trade associations about taking on
recycling measurement.
Montgomery
County, Maryland,
receives data on ton-
nages recycled and dis-
posed of through haulers, who
must submit this information every
6 months as a requirement of their
permits.
have authority to
collect the data you
need, research the
reporting requirements
solid waste and recycling
facilities already comply
with to help you
determine what types of
data you can access
through these means.
Step Four
Determine Who Will
Collect Recycling
Measurement Data.
There are two basic options for
collecting data: 1) go directly to
recycling and disposal facilities for
the information, or 2) work with
the appropriate local government
units to compile data and report
back. Often, a combination of these
approaches is used. While there is
no prescribed method for who col-
lects and compiles data, there are
definite advantages and disadvan-
tages to the different approaches,
which are detailed below and in
Table 4.
Direct Surveying
In some areas, the private sector
and local government agencies
report directly to the principal
measuring agency. Since the
overall costs of recycling measure-
ment increase when many agencies
are engaged in data collection, it is
often more cost-efficient for the
measuring agency to distribute
surveys and compile data directly.
This approach has the added
advantage of reducing the paper-
work burden on recycling and
disposal facilities. When the mea-
suring agency surveys data sources
directly, this can result in more staff
costs, but it also reduces the bur-
den on local government agencies
and streamlines the reporting
process for the private sector.
Counties in Maryland
compile recycling data
and submit annual reports
to the Maryland Department of the
Environment. The work accom-
plished at the county level enables
the state to use less than a quarter
of a staff person's time per year to
distribute surveys to counties and
compile data.
TABLE 4. DIRECT VS. INDIRECT SURVEYING
MEASURING AGENCY
SURVEYS FOR DATA
ADVANTAGES
Overall measurement costs are lower.
Streamlines reporting process for
private sector.
Reduces burden on local
governments.
LOCAL AGENCIES SURVEY AND
REPORT BACK
DISADVANTAGES
Overall measurement costs are higher.
Increases burden on local governments.
Reporting process for private sector
is less streamlined.
DISADVANTAGES
Measuring agency may incur
additional staff costs.
ADVANTAGES
Local agencies are more familiar with
waste management infrastructure.
Planning
-------
Indirect Surveying
City or county governments can
survey data sources and report the
data to the principal measuring
agency. Local governments often
are in the best position to collect
data directly since they are more
familiar with how waste flows in
their area and who the key players
are. The disadvantages of this
approach are that the overall cost
of recycling measurement goes up
and data collection may overbur-
den local governments. In addi-
tion, survey respondents (recycling
and disposal facilities) must deal
with many requests for similar
information from every jurisdiction
they service. This problem, howev-
er, can be alleviated somewhat by
using standard survey forms and
reporting deadlines.
Other Options
In addition to the two approach-
es discussed above, many other
options for data collection exist.
For example, the measuring agency
can collect some data directly, such
as waste disposal facility data,
while local governments could sur-
vey waste haulers for information
on waste exports. Or, the measur-
ing agency can compile those data
most easily obtained within their
agency, such as information on tire
and lead-acid battery recycling (in
the case of states), and complete
this portion of the survey form for
the local governments. The mea-
suring agency also could distribute
survey forms to processors on
behalf of local governments. In this
case, respondents can be asked to
fill out a separate form for each
jurisdiction they service. This
approach is useful when local-level
recycling rates are also being
sought. Local governments can
also collect and analyze data on
[ermine \
agencies will
collect data based
on available resources,
timing, streamlining, and
your knowledge of the
waste management
infrastructure.
their own if their state program is
new or undeveloped.
Step Five
Decide on Reporting
Requirements.
The reporting requirements of
your recycling measurement pro-
gram can be voluntary or mandato-
ry. Legislation often dictates what
your reporting requirements will
be. If you can choose the kind of
program to implement, available
resources will be a chief considera-
tion, but other issues must be
weighed as well (see Table 5 on
page 19).
Mandatory reporting is general-
ly less expensive and usually leads
to a higher response rate, but can
result in less accurate data and
fewer opportunities to interact
with the recycling community.
Voluntary reporting, on the other
hand, requires additional staff and
resources, but generally provides
benefits beyond simple data collec-
tion such as chances to build posi-
tive relationships with survey
respondents.
The decision to adopt a volun-
tary or mandatory program can
also be affected by resource avail-
ability. States and localities with
mandatory indirect surveying and
reporting have the lowest program
implementation costs (at the mea-
suring agency level). This approach
is beneficial for agencies with min-
imal resources for recycling mea-
surement. The local governments,
however, shoulder high implemen-
tation costs because they bear the
burden of data collection.
Agencies with voluntary indi-
rect data collection incur relatively
high costs because such programs
require extensive follow-up. The
cost burden to local governments,
however, is lower than with
mandatory data collection because
they can gather whatever data their
resources allow. If you institute a
voluntary program and contact
data sources directly, costs can vary
depending on the number of
reporting entities. In this approach,
local governments bear negligible
costs.
Officials in two New York coun-
ties have adopted
different reporting
systems but have
similar
data col-
lection success. Monroe County,
with a mandatory reporting sys-
tem, enjoys a high response rate
but has only limited time to devel-
op close working relationships with
the respondents or monitor the
accuracy of the information provid-
ed. Onondaga County, with a
voluntary reporting system, has a
business recycling specialist who is
able to track businesses with high
recycling rates, build relationships
with them, and encourage them to
report.
-------
TABLE 5. REPORTING OPTIONS AND TYPICAL COST AND RESPONSE IMPLICATIONS
TYPE OF
DATA SURVEYING AND
COLLECTION
Direct
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
MANDATORY (M)
OR
VOLUNTARY (V)
(M)
(V)
(M)
(V)
COST
+ = MORE EXPENSIVE
- = LESS EXPENSIVE
Measuring Agency (MA)
Local Governments (LG)
+ or - (MA)
~(LG)
- (MA)
+ (LG)
+ (MA)
-(LG)
RESPONSE RATE
H = HIGHER
L = LOWER
H
L
H
L
Step Six
Establish Program
Staff and Budget.
Recycling measurement takes
time and resources. Costs are
incurred during startup (planning
and design) and implementation
(operation).
Startup costs include the cost of
setting up the data collection sys-
tem, such as developing survey
forms and determining informa-
tion sources, public relations and
outreach, and staff training. Once
up and running, the biggest cost
element is staff time to operate and
maintain the program. Other costs,
such as telephone, postage, print-
ing, and travel costs, are minimal
in comparison.
Depending on the size and com-
plexity of your program, expect
that at least one person will be ded-
icated (half to full time) to this
effort for at least part of the year.
f Stai
a problem, consider
making reporting
mandatory to reduce
the time required for
developing and
maintaining public and
private sector
relationships.
Step Seven
Establish a Timeframe
for System
Development.
While this guide will help you
get started, organize your pro-
gram, and make key decisions,
adequate startup time is still need-
ed to obtain input and design a
program that works best for you.
It is important to establish a
timeline for your program during
the planning phase. If you have
never measured recycling, allow 1
year to get the program up and
running. This time is needed to
define responsibilities, do the nec-
essary legwork, and solicit feed-
back from appropriate sources.
Simply switching to the stan-
dard approach will take less time,
but you should plan for at least 3 to
6 months to make the necessary
adjustments and promote the new
program. You may find, for exam-
ple, that you want to modify your
survey forms to collect data on
Oregon con-
vened a work-
group to advise
program devel-
opment in
January. To
work out the details, the group
met every 4 weeks at the start of
the project and then every 6 to 8
weeks toward the end of the pro-
ject. Surveys were ready and dis-
tributed in December.
Planning
-------
recyclable materials counted in the
MSW recycling rate but excluded
from your own. On the other hand,
if you decide to continue with your
existing approach, it could require
as little as 1 day to make adjust-
ments and recalculate your recy-
cling rate according to the standard
method.
The sample timeline in Table 6
on page 21 illustrates the amount
of time needed to complete the
planning, design, and implementa-
tion phases of a typical recycling
measurement system. While the
exact steps and allotted times will
vary from one jurisdiction to
another, the timeline serves as a
guide to help you establish a time-
frame of your own.
The sample timeline suggests
distributing survey forms on
January 15 and asking that they be
returned by April 15. While not
required, adhering to these dates
will help to improve the efficiency
with which data are collected
across the United States. Survey
respondents servicing more than
one jurisdiction will become accus-
tomed to when they receive survey
forms and when they need to
return them.
NOW at
for planning and
^designing a new
recycling measurement
system before sending out
survey forms.
Section 3
-------
TABLE 6. RECYCLING MEASUREMENT TIMELINE
PLANNING:
Month
12
January 15
15
April 15
18
July 15
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.
-------
This 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.
Step One
Learn About Your
Terrain.
The more you know about the
waste management infrastructure
in your state or locality, the easier it
will be to design a recycling mea-
surement program that meets your
specific needs. MSW and recy-
clables can flow in many directions
through a region. The more com-
plicated the flow, the greater the
risk that materials will be counted
more than once in your survey
(double counting) or missed entire-
ly (leakage). These risks can be
avoided by developing a thorough
understanding of the major players
that handle MSW and recyclables
in your area. Many agencies
develop a database of the key play-
ers in solid waste management
and recycling in their area to
assist in measuring efforts. At a
minimum, make a list of the key
players detailed in Table 7 on
page 24.
Many information sources can
help you better understand the
waste management infrastructure
in your state or locality and locate
key players. These include:
Trade associations. National recy-
cling and solid waste manage-
ment associations can provide
details on their state and local
chapters. These chapters usually
offer technical assistance and
resources that can help you bet-
ter understand your terrain.
They can also identify upcom-
ing conferences that might pro-
vide networking opportunities
for identifying key players and
soliciting information.
I. Learn about your
terrain.
2. Solicit input into the
system design.
3. Determine what type
of information is
needed.
4. Determine whom to
survey.
5. Address confidentiality
guarantees.
6. Determine how to
manage and analyze
the information.
-------
TABLE 7. IDENTIFYING THE KEY PLAYERS IN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN YOUR STATE OR LOCALITY
RECYCLING
Collectors and haulers that handle materials in
the area.
Large generators that self-haul their recyclables
(government facilities, corporate office complexes,
and grocery stores).
Drop-off and buy-back centers.
Processors and material recovery facilities.
Recycling mills and end users.
NSW DISPOSAL
Any additional collectors and haulers, not already
identified, that handle MSW.
Transfer stations.
Disposal facilities (landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, and
incinerators).
Manufacturers of products contain-
ing recycled materials. Recycling
facilities are good sources of
information on the overall sup-
ply and demand of recyclable
materials in your area. The
information they provide can
help you identify major genera-
tors, collectors, and processors.
Other government agencies,
departments, or permitting agen-
cies. As mentioned earlier, differ-
ent government agencies might
already be involved in some
kind of data collection effort that
could be useful to recycling
measurement. Additionally,
since waste haulers and recy-
cling businesses are often
licensed at the local level, you
might contact the bigger cities or
counties in your area for infor-
mation on key players.
Nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit
organizations operating drop-off
centers and collection programs
often have many years of
experience in recycling. They can
be a good source of information
about the waste management
infrastructure in your area.
Standard Industrial Classification
(SIC) Codes. You can use SIC
codes to quickly search for
major players in the waste and
recycling industries. The codes
will help you locate waste
haulers, recycling companies,
manufacturers, and large gener-
ators. Use the codes for super-
markets, retail stores, and other
types of businesses to find large
generators in the area.
Each individual or company
identified is a potential source of
assistance as you develop your
recycling measurement system.
Most importantly, each is a possi-
ble data source once you begin
implementing your measurement
system.
Onondaga
County,
New York,
._ officials con-
duct site vis-
its to gather information about
local generators and recycling busi-
nesses. The county has found that
the visits provide information on
recycling practices that is not readi-
ly available through other methods.
Working With
Chambers of
Commerce
Local governments might find
an excellent source of
information in their chambers
of commerce. Chambers can
often help identify recycling
businesses, waste management
companies, and manufacturers.
They might also have
information about the types of
materials local recyclers handle
and the services they provide.
Additionally, speaking at
chamber meetings or providing
articles for chamber
newsletters can be an excellent
way of providing a large
segment of the affected
business community with
useful recycling information.
Section 4
-------
MSW and
recyclable
materials are collected,
processed, consolidated,
and transported in your
region will help you design
an effective recycling
measurement program.
Step Two
Solicit Input Into the
Design of Your System.
To gain support for your system,
solicit input from key stakeholders.
This can be accomplished through
a formal workgroup or advisory
council comprised of potential sur-
vey respondents and other affected
parties. Including government
agency, nonprofit organization,
recycling industry, and waste
industry representatives in the
decision-making process will foster
a cooperative spirit and the
exchange of ideas. Additionally,
providing potential respondents
with a sense of ownership in the
reporting process might result in a
higher response rate.
relationships with
potential
respondents before you
begin surveying by
forming workgroups or
advisory councils.
Step Three
Determine What
Type of Information
Is Needed.
Your information needs for mea-
suring recycling include data relat-
ed to the amount of material
recycled and disposed of in your
state or locality, plus any informa-
tion necessary for meeting your
specific measurement goals. In
order to perform the recycling rate
calculation (see page 5 for the stan-
dard equation), you will first need
data on MSW generation and recy-
cling for the measurement year, as
listed in Table 8 on page 26. MSW
generation is equal to the total
amount of MSW recycled plus the
total amount of MSW disposed of,
in tons.
In addition to these data, you
also will need the following infor-
mation from survey respondents:
Company or agency name,
address, phone number, and
contact person.
Type of company or agency,
such as hauler, processor, manu-
facturer, or municipality.
Whether conversion factors
were used.
Whether data were based on
estimates.
The sample survey forms pro-
vided in Appendix C are designed
to ensure that you obtain the infor-
mation required to calculate the
standard MSW recycling rate. The
forms also allow for the collection
of ancillary data related to other
solid wastes (e.g., C&D debris or
used oil) for those wishing to track
The
Maryland
Department of the
Environment (DOE)
formed a workgroup that
met for 18 months to streamline
recycling measurement reporting
procedures. Each county is respon-
sible for gathering recycling mea-
surement data. Previously, each
sent surveys to the recycling
processors operating within their
county. Because the processors
received multiple information
requests, they were less likely to
adequately complete each request.
As a result, the state agreed to dis-
tribute a single survey to every
processor. In addition, the state
requested that processors supply
each county with the necessary
information. The new procedure
has increased the response rate.
DOE sends the survey forms to all
counties on January 1 and to
processors on January 15. The
counties must report by April 1,
while processors must report by
February 15.
Florida
formed a technical
advisory committee com-
prised of state and local
officials and recycling indus-
try representatives. One of
the main issues the committee
addressed was confidentiality. The
committee decided that processors
would report directly to the state,
and their data would be exempted
from the state's Freedom of
Information Act Florida's recycling
legislation was amended to incorpo-
rate these provisions. (See Appendix
F for an excerpt of this legislation.)
-------
this information. Some states or
localities, for example, might desire
additional information to meet leg-
islative requirements, to measure
other performance criteria, or for
other purposes. Be aware, howev-
er, that collecting and compiling
additional information requires
more time and resources. Lengthy
survey forms also can intimidate
respondents and, in some cases,
affect their willingness to partici-
pate in the effort.
Avoid the tendency to request
more information than you actual-
ly need. For example, if you intend
to use data for market develop-
ment purposes, information on
specific commodities, such as
newspaper, steel cans, and plastic
bottles, is essential. If, however,
you are tracking your progress
toward mandated recycling goals,
then collecting overall MSW and
recycling tonnages might be suffi-
cient. Table 9 on page 28 provides
some examples of data require-
ments based on a number of differ-
ent program goals and purposes.
The table illustrates the important
link between your recycling mea-
surement goals and the types of
data that must be collected in order
to meet those goals. To help define
your data needs, consider con-
structing a similar table based on
your identified goals.
Minnesota uses
data collected annual-
ly from counties to
evaluate progress
toward recycling
goals, to assess the availability of
recycling opportunities for all state
residents, and to promote buy
recycled programs. For this reason,
the state collects data on individual
recyclable commodities at the
county level.
Both the New Jersey
and Pennsylvania
Departments of
Environmental Protection
use total recycling ton-
nages, reported annually
by municipalities, to calculate the
annual disbursement of recycling
grants. Municipalities receive a
distribution
from this fund
for every ton
of material
recycled.
and needs will help
determine the type
of information you
request.
Step Four:
Determine Whom to
Survey.
Once you know your terrain and
the types of data you need, you can
begin designing the actual survey.
At this point you have to decide
whom to survey. Possible survey
respondents include the following
chain of material handlers:
Generators.
MSW and recyclables haulers.
MRFs, processors, recycling
plants.
Transfer stations.
Disposal facilities.
Illustration 1 depicts the typical
process by which recyclables move
from the point of generation to
final remanufacturing. While the
process often differs by commodity
and local situation, there are essen-
tially three main stepscollection,
processing, and remanufacturing.
First, recyclable materials are gen-
erated by a consumer or business
(generator) and then collected by a
private hauler or government enti-
ty. Next, the materials are trans-
ported by the collector to a
processing facility, such as a MRF
or paper processor. At the process-
ing facility, the recyclables are sort-
ed, cleaned of contaminants, and
TABLE 8. DATA NEEDED TO CALCULATE AN OVERALL RECYCLING RATE
NSW
Tonnage of MSW disposed of in your jurisdiction.
Tonnage of MSW exported from your jurisdiction.
Tonnage of MSW imported into your jurisdiction.
RECYCLABLES
Total tonnage of materials recovered from MSW in
your jurisdiction.
Tonnage of glass, metals, paper, plastics, yard
trimmings, textiles, and wood recovered from the
MSW stream in your jurisdiction.
Section 4
-------
ILLUSTRATION I. THE RECYCLING CHAIN
Collection
Processing
Remanufacturing
/fci
OQ on Oo
oo do D5
Glass
-a
\ JL ^
>r
\
Paper
-------
TABLE 9. DATA COLLECTION NEEDS
PURPOSE OF DATA
COLLECTION
Market
development
DATA
REQUIREMENTS
Commodity-specific data for recyclable
materials1.
Total tonnage by commodity for state or
local recyclables.
Evaluate and reward
state or local
recycling programs.
Data on broad categories of recyclable
materials2.
Total tonnage for state or local recyclables.
Total tonnage of MSW disposed of.
Set or meet recycling Total tonnage for state or local recyclables.
goals.
Make changes in
collection services.
Assess future landfill
and waste-to-energy
capacity.
Total tonnage for state or local recyclables
and MSW disposed of.
Total tonnage for state or local recyclables.
Total tonnage of MSW disposed of.
DATA CAN BE
USED TO...
Identify gaps in market availability and
strength.
Attract new processors and end users.
Encourage manufacturers to utilize recyclable
commodities in their production processes.
Link processors and end users.
Support buy recycled campaigns.
Determine if state or local governments are
in compliance with recycling laws.
Help allocate grants and/or recognize
residents, businesses, or industries that
promote recycling.
Track progress.
Identify localities that might need assistance
in meeting goals.
Determine best management strategies.
Predict changes and trends in the amount of
waste and recyclables generated.
1 Commodity-specific data refers to information on specific products in the waste stream (old newspaper), or specific resins or grades (HOPE).
2Broad categories data refers to general classifications of recyclables (paper, plastic, glass, metals).
prepared for final recycling. Some
commodities may require addi-
tional processing beyond sorting
and decontamination. Glass and
plastic, for example, are often sent
to glass beneficiation plants and
plastics reclaimers, respectively,
where they are processed into
mill-ready forms. After all neces-
sary processing has been complet-
ed, recyclables are made into new
products at a recycling plant or
other facility, such as a compost
facility or animal bedding plant.
MSW discarded in dumpsters or
left at the curb by residents is usu-
ally picked up by a public or pri-
vate MSW hauler. Typically, the
waste is then transported to a
transfer station to be consolidated
with other waste before being sent
to a disposal facility, such as a land-
fill or incinerator. In other cases,
waste moves directly from the col-
lection point to a disposal facility.
Sometimes MSW is exported by
waste haulers and transfer stations
to facilities in a neighboring
- potential respondents
about whom to
survey can help determine
from whom you are likely
to get the best response
and most accurate data.
-------
jurisdiction. In the same way, land-
fills and other disposal facilities
often accept MSW imported from
other states or localities.
Determining whom to survey
will depend on:
Program goals and your specific
data needs.
Resources available for recy-
cling measurement.
Legislative authority to survey
and collect data.
Likely accuracy of information
provided.
Existing reporting requirements
for haulers, processors, and end
users.
Type and number of recycling
operations.
Type and number of disposal
facilities.
The approach presented in this
guide is designed to streamline
data collection, obtain the best pos-
sible data, and minimize the
chances of double counting.
Basically, this system approaches
data collection in two ways. First, it
involves the collection of recycling
data separately from MSW dispos-
al data. Second, residential recy-
cling data are obtained differently
than commercial recycling data.
For recycling data, it is most effi-
cient to collect information at only
one point in the chain. The specific
point in the chain differs for resi-
dential and commercial recycling
data. For residential recyclables,
data is best acquired at the point of
collection (the haulers). For com-
mercial recyclables, data is best col-
lected at the point where materials
are processed (the processors). By
obtaining data from one point in
the recycling chain, state and local
agencies will minimize the number
of survey respondents and the
possibility for double counting
materials.
For MSW disposal data, infor-
mation is collected from disposal
facilities, transfer stations, and
waste haulers. While disposal facil-
ities comprise the primary source
of data, transfer stations and waste
haulers also can supply important
information about MSW imports
and exports.
An overview of the approach
suggested for each type of data is
provided in Table 10. A more
detailed discussion of these pre-
ferred approaches follows.
TABLE 10. OVERVIEW OF PREFERRED APPROACHES FOR DATA
COLLECTION
Material
Residential Recycling Data
Various recyclables.
Commercial Recycling Data
Paper.
Glass.
Aluminum cans.
Plastic.
Food scraps and yard trimmings.
Miscellaneous items.
Waste Disposal Data
MSW.
Preferred Surveying Approach
Collectors.
Processors.
Beneficiation plants.
Nonprofits and buy-back centers.
Large generators.
Composting facilities.
Large generators.
Waste disposal facilities, transfer stations,
and waste haulers.
f yo.
more than one point in
the chain, ask data
sources for information
about only the general
geographic origin and
destination of the
materials they manage to
help avoid double
counting.
-------
Recycling Data
Residential
Municipally operated or con-
tracted programs generally collect
residential recyclables. Such pro-
grams include curbside and/or
drop-off collections. These pro-
grams have grown rapidly over the
past decade, and accurate data
about the types and quantities of
materials collected often are readi-
ly available. For this reason, resi-
dential recycling data are best
obtained from the point of collec-
tion. In addition, collectors of recy-
clables know better where
materials originated than proces-
sors or end users.
Residues
Not all materials recovered
through residential collection pro-
grams are recycled into new prod-
ucts. Some materials are lost when
the materials are prepared for mar-
ket. These residues are difficult to
account for and can vary in amount
depending on the specific collec-
tion and processing methods used.
Therefore, the standardized mea-
surement methodology does not
require that these residues be
tracked. While accounting for
residues results in more accurate
data, the time and resource com-
mitment necessary to track
residues for all commodities may
not be warranted.
Leakage
Some residential recyclables can
escape municipal collection pro-
grams. For example, nonprofit
groups and private recyclers some-
times operate drop-off locations,
buy-back centers, and collection
routes outside of municipal pro-
grams. Thus, materials go directly
to the processor or end users with-
out ever entering a municipal col-
lection system. Being aware of
community recycling activities will
assist agencies in accounting for
residential recyclables collected
outside of the municipal system.
Examples of recyclables that can
escape municipal collection pro-
grams, and thereby go undetected
by data collection efforts, include:
Newspaper collected by non-
profit groups during periodic
fundraising drives.
Beverage containers returned to
redemption centers in states
with deposit legislation (exclud-
ing refillable containers).
Telephone directories collected
during special drives often orga-
nized by telephone companies
and nonprofit organizations.
Paint collected at household haz-
ardous waste sites for recycling.
Obtaining
Residential
Recycling Data
1. Obtain data on municipal
programs from cities or
counties.
2. Contact nonprofit and
private recyclers for
additional data.
3. Obtain data as close to the
point of collection as
possible to ensure
accuracy.
4. Cross-check collection
figures with data from
processing facilities and end
users, if necessary.
Commercial
Materials from commercial
sources constitute a significant por-
tion of the recycling stream. For
this reason, it is important to obtain
commercial data to get an accurate
recycling rate. Materials generated
by office buildings, wholesale and
retail establishments, schools, air-
ports, and other institutions are
often not handled by local govern-
ments and do not commonly travel
through multimaterial operations
such as MRFs. Instead, paper,
glass, aluminum cans, and other
items from commercial sources are
generally handled, processed, and
marketed separately from residen-
tial recyclables. Because every
surveyed material travels along
a different path from collection
point to final use, designing an
approach specific to each material
is recommended.
In general, the preferred
approach for obtaining data on
commercial recyclables is to survey
at the processing point. If you are
unable to obtain accurate data from
the processors in your area, howev-
er, consider surveying large gener-
ators of recyclables or recycling
plants. Examples of large genera-
tors include government facilities,
corporate office complexes, grocery
stores, and warehouse operations.
Because these facilities recycle a
large quantity of materials, they
can be excellent sources of com-
mercial recycling data. In addition,
some large generators may have
their own processing capabilities,
which should not be overlooked
when you are locating the proces-
sors in your area.
An alternative to surveying
processors is to survey recycling
plants or other end users. Because
recycling plants are generally
Section 4
-------
larger than processors and service
a wider area, there will be fewer
plants than processors to survey.
However, end users might not be
able to determine the place of ori-
gin of the materials they purchase.
Also, if you are obtaining commer-
cial data from recycling plants, it is
important not to include data from
residential recycling programs.
Survey Form 3, for end users of
recyclables, allows residential and
commercial data to be reported
separately for this reason.
Approaches for gathering
commercial data for the most
commonly collected categories of
recyclables are described on the
following pages.
Aluminum Cans
Survey nonprofit recycling
facilities and buy-back centers.
Restaurants, bars, airports, and
large facilities such as shopping
malls generate large quantities of
aluminum cans, most of which are
taken to nonprofit recycling facili-
ties or buy-back centers.
If you are unable to obtain data
from these facilities, contact alu-
minum companies directly. These
companies are often involved with
the collection, processing, ship-
ping, and remanufacture of alu-
minum cans; they also frequently
lease compaction equipment and
trailers to recycling programs.
Aluminum companies can assist
with identifying large generators
of aluminum cans in your area.
Food Scraps and Yard
Trimmings
Survey composting facilities.
The majority of food and yard
waste collected for recycling is sent
to public or private composting
facilities. Many restaurants, super-
markets, and institutions generate
food scraps. Recycled food scraps
include both food scraps used as
pig feed, as well as leftover food
composted by prisons, schools,
and other facilities.
Many institutions and business-
es that maintain their lawns gener-
ate yard trimmings, including
grass, leaves, and tree branches.
Yard trimmings that are composted
or mulched off site should be
included in your data. Yard trim-
mings processed through backyard
composting, grasscycling, or other
onsite efforts, however, should not,
as these are considered source
reduction activities.
Contact state or local permitting
offices to help identify permitted
composting facilities that accept
food scraps and yard trimmings
from residential or commercial
sources. The permit requirements
of some localities might mandate
that the facilities report the ton-
nage of material processed. Since
not all composting facilities are
permitted, identifying all the facili-
ties that process food scraps and
yard trimmings might take addi-
tional research. Also, a few types of
yard trimmings, namely tree trim-
mings, may be sent to wood waste
processing facilities. These facili-
ties should be contacted for data,
as wood waste recycling can be
included in the recycling rate.
Remember, however, to include
only wood from trimmings, pal-
lets, and other wood packaging,
like crates. Tree stumps are includ-
ed only if they are recovered from
MSW; stumps from C&D projects
are excluded.
Glass
Survey beneficiation plants.
These large glass processing facili-
ties convert street glass into mill-
ready cullet and are the primary
markets for glass in many regions.
These processing facilities often
have commercial glass receipts
detailing tonnages received from
particular localities. Restaurants
and bars, institutions (schools),
and large facilities (airports and
shopping malls) all generate glass
recyclables that may be sent to
these processing facilities.
If no beneficiation plants exist in
your area, you can collect data from
a variety of other sources. In some
areas, municipalities pick up glass
from commercial establishments as
part of their residential recycling
collection program. In other areas,
nonprofit recycling organizations
collect glass. Determine who col-
lects commercial glass in your area
and survey these individuals using
Survey Form 1. Remember that
only container glass and glass from
packaging, furniture, consumer
electronics, and appliances can be
counted in the recycling rate calcu-
lation. Glass from transportation
equipment and C&D projects is
excluded.
If you are unable to obtain accu-
rate data at the collection or pro-
cessing point, survey large
generators, recycled glass plants,
or appropriate trade associations.
Remember, the further down the
recycling chain you survey (the
closer to end use) the more difficult
it will be to determine where the
materials originated and to
account for imports or exports.
Again, make certain not to
include glass from residential recy-
cling programs with the commer-
cial glass.
-------
Paper
Survey paper processors. Because
processors handle paper at its last
stage before leaving a particular
jurisdiction, they usually have
accurate information about which
county or municipality generated
the paper and can identify what
paper has been imported.
Processors collect paper from gov-
ernment offices, schools, office
buildings, and a wide variety of
other institutions. The processors
clean and bale these materials, then
transport them to local recycling
plants or export them.
Keep in mind that only postcon-
sumer waste paper is counted
in the MSW recycling rate.
Preconsumer paper, such as manu-
facturing and converting waste
and overissues of newspapers and
magazines, is not counted (see
Table B on page 13). Also, only
paper that was originally generat-
ed in your jurisdiction is counted.
Ask processors to exclude all
imports of paper received from
outside your area. Use Survey
Form 2, for processors of recy-
clables, which requests that only
data on materials generated within
a particular jurisdiction be reported.
Plastics
Survey large generators. The
majority of commercial plastics recy-
cling is conducted by businesses
with multiple locations who gener-
ate large quantities of a particular
plastic item and self-haul directly to
processors or end users. Examples of
plastic items commonly recycled by
commercial sources include stretch
wrap, grocery sacks, and dry clean-
ing bags. Stretch wrap is the materi-
al used by product manufacturers
and distributors to bind shipping
cartons to pallets. Retail store distri-
bution centers and manufacturing
plants generate large amounts of
stretch wrap and should be contact-
ed for information on recycling
efforts. For information on plastic
bag recycling, contact large dry
cleaners and grocery store chains.
If you are unable to obtain accu-
rate data from large generators,
survey plastics reclaimers or end
users. Trade associations may be
able to help you locate reclaimers
and end users in your area.
Other Miscellaneous Items
Survey large generators. As
recycling technology develops,
more and more items are recovered
from MSW and developed into
new products. Many companies
have taken the lead and are
expanding their recycling pro-
grams to include such items as
computer parts, microfilm, poly-
styrene, and other materials.
Examples include government
agencies (office products), univer-
sities and schools (polystyrene and
computers), and manufacturing
plants (pallets). While some of
these materials may be a small per-
centage of the waste stream,
including them will increase the
accuracy of your recycling rate and
help remind recycling officials that
these materials can be part of a new
or expanded recycling program.
'can help you account
for additional sources of
commercial recycling data.
Waste Disposal Data
In order to determine total MSW
generation for the recycling rate
calculation, data are needed on the
amount of MSW disposed of in
your jurisdiction. Because each
community's waste stream is
different, surveying local disposal
facilities can ensure accurate waste
disposal data and help you account
for imports of waste. Disposal facil-
ities include private and public
landfills, waste-to-energy facilities,
and incinerators. It is critical to
include only MSW.
In addition, be careful to account
for imports and exports of waste,
and exclude from the data any
natural disaster materials and waste
defined as Other Solid Waste. (See
the Glossary in Appendix A for
complete definitions.)
Disposal facilities are good
sources of information on MSW
imports, while transfer stations
and haulers can supply data on the
amount of MSW exported from
your jurisdiction. Disposal facilities
and transfer stations will have an
easier time differentiating between
MSW and other solid waste
because they have the capability to
inspect each incoming load and
determine how much of the waste
is MSW. On the other hand, waste
haulers can estimate the percentage
of MSW on the basis of customer
lists. These points are important to
keep in mind as you decide whom
to survey.
Other Sources of NSW
Disposal Data
Disposal facilities, transfer sta-
tions, and waste haulers are the main
sources of waste disposal data, but
they are not the only sources. Keep in
-------
mind that waste disposal data can be
obtained from two additional
sources: (1) processing facilities that
are preparing recovered materials,
such as tires or wood waste, for fuel
markets, and (2) large generators
that dispose of waste on site or self-
haul waste to facilities out of your
jurisdiction. While they might not
significantly impact your recycling
rate, knowing the extent of these
activities will help you in your plan-
ning efforts.
In several states and locali-
ties, disposal facilities are
required to report tonnage
information in order
to hold a permit. In
Minnesota,
Texas, Ohio, and
New York, for exam-
ple, disposal facilities
report the quantity of
waste handled to fulfill
permit requirements.
In Oregon, landfill
operators report
tonnage data in con-
junction with a per
ton disposal fee levied
by the state.
Step Five
Address
Confidentiality
Guarantees.
Understanding and addressing
the confidentiality concerns of the
recycling and MSW industries is
critical to ensuring a high response
rate, especially if you are relying
on a voluntary reporting system.
Confidentiality is an important
concern to many haulers and
processors who might be reluctant
to share proprietary information.
Although confidentiality concerns
present potential roadblocks, a
number of programs have success-
fully addressed this issue. Some
suggestions for ensuring confiden-
tiality include:
Avoid asking for customer lists
on survey forms.
Obtain a legislative exemption
from your state's Freedom of
Information Act. (See Appendix
F for sample legislation from the
state of Florida.)
Agree not to release proprietary
information used to compute a
recycling rate.
Ask survey respondents to
mark sensitive information as
"confidential."
Use a third-party (accounting
firm or trade association) to
aggregate data, while keeping the
sources of material confidential.
If necessary, collect recycling
information from recycling plants,
which tend to be less reluctant than
other data sources to share aggre-
gate tonnage information.
Step Six
Determine How to
Manage and Analyze
the Information.
Information is not useful unless
it is meaningful and easy to access.
Be sure to invest sufficient time
and effort into developing an infor-
mation management system that
allows you to use the information
you gather. There are numerous
software packages, including data-
bases and spreadsheets, that can
help you manage and analyze the
data you collect.
Using computers to compile and
maintain data improves the efficien-
cy of data analysis and management.
They streamline the process and
minimize the level of effort required
to manage the data. Government
agencies use software packages
such as Foxpro, Paradox, and
Excel. (EPA does not endorse any
particular product.) All of these
packages can be operated on a PC
with standard componentsDOS
or Windows, a 486 PC, 8 MB RAM,
and an 850 MB hard drive. While a
database system is more adept at
organizing information, it usually
has greater design requirements
and calls for a substantial data
entry effort. Also, a database typi-
cally requires that one staff person
be dedicated to its operation due to
its highly technical nature, whereas
several staff members can be
trained to operate a spreadsheet.
A spreadsheet system manages
numerical data more efficiently,
Many state and local
agencies use database and
spreadsheet systems to
compile and manage data.
Florida uses a spreadsheet and
has advised counties to purchase
Excel using state grant money. This
enables Florida to send each coun-
ty a disk to use for reporting data.
The state of
Washington uses
a combination
system of both a
database and a spreadsheet. The
database is used for data entry
purposes, while the spreadsheet is
used to perform calculations.
-------
and it allows agencies to merge
information from individual disks
received from reporting entities
onto a master file, thus minimizing
the need for data entry. A spread-
sheet system, however, does not
allow for the easy manipulation of
text. Therefore, database programs
have emerged as the leading soft-
ware application for recycling mea-
surement.
An alternative to using only a
spreadsheet or a database is to use
a combination of both types of
software. For example, survey
respondents could report data on a
spreadsheet, and you could use
a computer program to convert
the data for importation into a
database.
Exports and Imports
The standard measurement
methodology requires that export-
ed MSW and recyclables be includ-
ed in your recycling rate
calculation, while imported MSW
and recyclables be excluded. When
deciding whom to survey, it is
important to consider how you will
track exports and imports. Tracking
exports and imports will provide
you with an accurate picture of the
total amount of MSW generated
and recycled in your jurisdiction.
Below are some suggestions for
how to accurately account for the
movement of materials in and out
of your state or locality.
Recyclables
Obtaining residential recycling
data from the point of collection
minimizes the danger of missing
exported materials or counting
materials that were imported from
outside your jurisdiction.
If you choose to survey processing
facilities and end users, be aware
that data from these sources are
more likely to include materials
from outside your jurisdiction
(imports). When surveying these
facilities, be very clear in your
instructions that you are seeking
information only on materials that
originated in your state or locality.
The survey forms included with this
guide ask respondents to report
only materials from a particular
jurisdiction.
The best way to obtain commercial
recycling export data is to survey
large generators, because they
might be collecting, consolidating,
or transporting recyclables on their
own. These generators often recy-
cle large quantities of office paper
and old corrugated containers,
yard trimmings, wood packaging
(pallets and crates), scrap metal,
and miscellaneous items such as
microfilm, computers, and
furniture.
If you survey only processors, you
might miss some materials collected
by private haulers and processed
outside of your jurisdiction
(exports). If you have the
resources, consider contacting
private recycling haulers to estimate
the amount of material exported
from your state or locality for pro-
cessing or remanufacture.
NSW
Determining quantities of exports
and imports requires an under-
standing of the waste flow in your
area. If you know the waste man-
agement infrastructure in your
area, you will have a sense of the
amount of exporting and importing
taking place. A good place to start
in determining the amount of
MSW being exported is to survey
waste haulers, since they are the
first point in the disposal chain.
Transfer stations are also good
sources of information on waste
exports.
For imports, accurate data can be
obtained by surveying landfills,
incinerators, and waste-to-energy
facilities. State and local govern-
ments that ask for import data
from disposal facilities have found
that the facilities are not hesitant to
provide this information.
The survey forms included with this
guide are designed to make it easy
for data sources to report informa-
tion on MSW imports and exports.
States gather information about
exports from a variety of sources.
Minnesota deter-
mined the majority of
waste leaving the state
was going through
transfer stations, so
these facilities were surveyed for
this information.
Washington
knows that only
one landfill in the
state receives imported waste and
that all waste exported from the
state is taken to a landfill in
Oregon. Officials in
Mecklenburg
County,
North Carolina, decided to
license waste haulers as a way to
track exports. A court ruling in
Alabama concluded the state could
require reporting of information on
the destination of waste, but could
not mandate where the haulers dis-
posed of waste.
Section 4
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Estimation
Under the standard methodology,
estimation of data on MSW recy-
cling and disposal is acceptable as
long as the estimates are based on
good, solid knowledge of the
sources and flow of MSW in your
area, and the estimates are noted.
Collecting raw data is the preferred
approach for obtaining all data nec-
essary to calculate a recycling rate.
In some cases, however, data
sources may be unable to provide
information on certain materials
that cannot be easily measured due
to the way they are managed. For
example, commercial MSW is often
collected in the same vehicles as
MSW from multifamily residential
buildings due to the use of similar
waste containers. Also, MSW and
materials classified as Other Solid
Waste (C&D debris) are some-
times mixed together during collec-
tion and sent to disposal facilities in
the same vehicle or container. In
these cases, it may be necessary to
estimate separate totals for the dif-
ferent types of waste.
In Arlington County, Virginia,
MSW from multifamily residences
(apartments and condominiums)
and commercial businesses is
aggregated together
during
collection.
Waste haulers are therefore unable
to differentiate between residential
and commercial waste. To estimate
the amount of MSW from multi-
family residences disposed of at
their waste-to-energy facility, offi-
cials multiply the total multifamily
population (obtained from census
data) by the average number of
pounds of MSW generated per
person (obtained from a local
study). This number is added to
the amount of MSW generated by
single-family homes, which is more
easily tracked because it is collected
separately, to arrive at a total resi-
dential MSW figure.
Double Counting
In an attempt to collect compre-
hensive, accurate data on recycling
and waste disposal, many agencies
have encountered instances of dou-
ble counting of data. The best way
to avoid double counting is to col-
lect data from only one point in
the chaineither collectors, proces-
sors, or end users (disposal facilities
or recycling plants).
Florida surveys
only large processors
that handle more than 600
tons of recyclables per year.
Since most of the recyclables
ultimately pass through these large
processors before leaving the state,
complete data are captured with-
out having to consider double
counting.
Washington's approach of only
surveying at the collection point
avoids double
counting while at
the same time pro-
duces reliable information on the
source of materials, which is useful
for tracking recycling at the county
level.
In New Jersey, the scrap
metal industry has developed
a mechanism for reporting
recycling data to the state
that avoids double counting,'
streamlines data collection, and
also ensures confidentiality. The
New Jersey chapter of the Institute
of Scrap Recycling Industries (a
national trade association) sends a
survey form that it developed to all
its members, employs an account-
ing firm to aggregate the data, and
reports the total to the state
directly. The survey form includes
the names of the six major scrap
processors and end users in the
state, through which most of the
scrap metal in the state eventually
passes. These six companies report
the total amount of scrap metal
received from sources within New
Jersey. Other companies report
data only if the metal was sent to a
company other than the six major
processors and end users.
As a result of this system, data is
not counted twice, businesses have
a greater incentive to report accu-
rate data since they do not have to
reveal proprietary information, and
complete data is captured since all
the major players are surveyed. In
addition, the state's recycling mea-
surement costs are reduced. A dis-
advantage of this system, however,
is that the state is unable to verify
the accuracy of the data. In addi-
tion to being used in New Jersey,
this system was recently codified by
the Tennessee legislature.
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Now 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
Institute Measures to
Increase Your Survey
Response Rate.
Mailing survey forms to poten-
tial respondents does not guaran-
tee they will comply with your
information request. A variety of
techniques can be employed to
increase your survey response rate,
and you should pick those that
meet your particular needs. Some
examples include:
Send a cover letter. Attach a cover
letter to the survey forms
explaining the what, why, and
how of your program. Sample
cover letters for three types of
respondents are provided in
Appendix G.
Designate a contact person. Offer
assistance to respondents by
providing a contact name and
telephone number to call if
they have questions. Space
is provided on the survey
forms in Appendix C for this
information.
Fill out survey information in
advance. Filling out as much of
the information on the survey
form for the respondents as pos-
sible will help expedite the sur-
vey process.
Use the media. The media also
can be used to enhance report-
ing. Special events are another
opportunity to showcase posi-
tive results.
Send survey forms with grant
applications. If applicable, attach
survey forms to recycling grant
applications. Indicate that recy-
cling grant applications must be
submitted with a completed sur-
vey form in order to be eligible.
Implementation
Steps
I. Institute measures to
increase your survey
response rate.
2. Educate survey
respondents.
3. Distribute survey forms.
4. Maintain frequent
communication with
survey respondents.
5. Compile data and
calculate an MSW
recycling rate.
6. Verify and double-check
data.
7. Share information.
^p- Minnesota merges its survey mailing list with its survey form so
that the respondent information is already filled in. The state also
fills in recycling data for certain materials, such as lead-acid batteries,
based on statewide figures. If the local government has better data,
it can revise the state's estimate.
Implementation
-------
New York
State publishes
a recycling bul-
letin that lists
6-
each county's
recycling rate. To encourage busi-
nesses to report, Steele County,
Minnesota, and Onondaga
County, New York, both pub-
lish newspaper
columns featuring
recycling business-
es that report
high rates.
Mandatory
Program
Enforcement
Some mandatory reporting
programs carry penalties for
noncompliance. In Monroe
County, New York, for
example, potential liabilities are
written into the county's recy-
cling law. First, the offenders
receive a written warning,
which can be followed by a
$50 fine if the violation occurs
again. Many states and locali-
ties, including Monroe County,
prefer to contact the company
or facility to encourage partici-
pation and rely on the penalty
as a last resort. In many cases,
persistence pays. Letters,
phone calls, or site visits often
encourage reporting.
Step Two
Educate Survey
Respondents.
It is essential to explain to
respondents the purpose, require-
ments, and benefits of your recy-
cling measurement program, as
well as any penalties associated
with noncompliance. If you have a
voluntary reporting system, educa-
tion is the main tool for ensuring a
high response rate. By the same
token, educating survey respon-
dents can reduce the amount of
enforcement necessary under a
mandatory reporting system.
Education can be provided
through training seminars, techni-
cal assistance materials, and fre-
quent communication.
Training can greatly enhance the
quality of the data you receive. It
also gives you an excellent oppor-
tunity to develop relationships
with respondents and explain your
program. Training sessions can be
held around your region, or you
can host a workshop in tandem
with an annual recycling meeting.
You may elect to hold special ses-
sions for different groups of
respondents (waste haulers, recy-
clers, local governments), or divide
the sessions into public and private
sectors. Whatever you decide, your
recycling measurement training
seminar should:
Explain WHY you are engaged
in recycling measurement.
Describe HOW the data you col-
lect will be used.
Promote the BENEFITS of recy-
cling measurement and respon-
dents' participation.
Detail the REQUIREMENTS of
your program.
Explain any PENALTIES for
noncompliance.
Seek attendees' INPUT and sug-
gestions on the program.
Describe any available TECH-
NICAL ASSISTANCE.
Distribute and explain the
SURVEY FORMS.
Recycling measurement training
can be combined with other meet-
ings or training topics. Recycling
organizations are usually eager to
provide state and local agencies
with time for workshops or train-
ing sessions during their annual
conferences.
Providing technical assistance to
respondents also can help ensure
that you obtain the necessary data.
Technical assistance might include
having a staff person available to
answer telephone calls or publish-
ing guidebooks or other printed
materials. It is crucial that staff are
available to answer questions
about the recycling measurement
program. This person's name and
telephone number should be clear-
ly identified on the survey forms,
instructions, and all correspon-
dence from your agency. This con-
tact will be the principal liaison
with the recycling and waste man-
agement community and should
be equipped to answer questions
about reporting requirements and
offer suggestions for collecting
data. Publishing an e-mail address
or starting a recycling measure-
ment bulletin board on the Internet
also helps provide support to
respondents.
Technical assistance can help
increase the response rate in areas
with a voluntary reporting
program. In areas without facility
permit requirements or other types
of mandated reporting, offering
-------
technical assistance with survey
forms might encourage routine
responses from disposal facilities.
In addition, the more these respon-
dents understand about the report-
ing process, the more accurate and
complete their data will be.
Step Three
Distribute Survey
Forms.
The recycling measurement sea-
son begins when the survey forms
are mailed out to respondents.
Distribute survey forms at least 6
months before you wish to arrive at
a final recycling rate determination.
If you survey data sources directly,
respondents should be given 4 to 6
weeks to complete the survey forms
and return them. If you are not sur-
veying directly but are receiving
assistance from county or city gov-
ernments, allow 3 months for them
to fill out the forms. In this case, local
agencies will need additional time to
distribute surveys and compile data
within their boundaries. Regardless
of who is responsible for collecting
data, you will need approximately 3
months to compile data, verify infor-
mation, and calculate the recycling
rate after all survey forms have been
returned.
Table 11 on page 40 outlines the
six survey forms included with this
guide. Each survey form is intend-
ed for a different type of respon-
dent, who can provide information
about the amount of MSW recycled
or disposed of in your jurisdiction.
The table lists the forms, their
intended respondents, and exam-
ples of respondents who should fill
out each form.
A cover page entitled "About
This Form" is attached to each
In Onondaga County, New York, a business recy-
cling specialist on the county's staff offers free services
to area recyclers, including technical assistance on waste
"«'reduction. Providing these services helps the private sec-
tor respondents and assists the county in keeping track of those businesses
that are recycling in the area.
In Minnesota, the Office of Environmental Assistance
(OEA) provides telephone assistance to counties to help
them understand what materials should be tabulated in the
recycling rate. OEA also created a guidebook to help coun-
ties complete the annual survey forms. The guidebook
instructs counties on how to collect and report recycling and MSW data,
and provides guidance on measuring recycling revenues and expenditures.
form. This cover page explains the
purpose of the form, who the form
is intended for, and what you
should do before mailing the form.
This page is for the use of the mea-
suring agency only and should not
be sent out with the form.
It is important to fill out the
relevant information in the "To
Be Completed by the Surveyor"
section before mailing the form.
While each survey form is spe-
cific to the type of respondent, the
following common elements are
found:
Each form allows for the report-
ing of data on MSW as well as
other types of solid waste out-
side the scope of the standard
recycling rate. (See Table A on
page 11 for a description of
Other Solid Waste.)
Respondents are asked to report
data according to the source of
the material, whether residential
or commercial.
Respondents are asked to report
data in tons. Instructions and
standard volume-to-weight con-
version factors are provided for
converting data if necessary.
(See Appendix B.)
In Florida, the
state runs a 2- to 3-
hour session for county
recycling coordinators at
the Recycle Florida! annual
meeting. The meeting gives the
state a chance to explain its recy-
cling grant application process and
reporting requirements.
The state of Washington con-
ducts 2-hour train-
ing workshops for
its 39 county recy-
cling coordinators.
Haulers, collectors, processors,
and others responsible for com-
pleting survey forms also are invit-
ed to participate in the sessions.
The state uses this time to go over
the reporting forms in detail,
explaining each step to survey
respondents and answering ques-
tions.
Implementation
-------
TABLE II. SURVEY FORMS
i/>
O
i/t
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 and
Other Solid Waste.
Form 5 Transfer stations.
Form 6 Waste disposal facilities.
Examples of Respondent
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.
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.
Public and private composting facilities, recycling plants, and disposal
facilities that recover recyclables from waste on site.
Private waste haulers, government agencies with collection crews, and
large generators (grocery stores, retail chains, and government facilities)
that self-haul directly to a disposal facility or transfer station or end
user.
Public and private transfer stations.
Public and private landfills, incinerators, and waste-to-energy facilities.
Imports and exports of waste are
tracked.
Collectors, processors, and end
users of recyclables are asked to
report data only on materials
that originated in the particular
jurisdiction.
Data can be reported either on
broad categories of recyclables
or on specific commodities.
These common elements adhere
to the standard measurement
approach but also allow flexibility
in collecting information on recy-
cling and waste disposal outside
the scope of the standard approach.
Space is provided on the survey
forms for collecting this kind of
information because some jurisdic-
tions may wish to track these data
for planning purposes or may be
required under their legislature to
do so.
If local governments are consoli-
dating data and reporting to you,
the entire set of survey forms
should be sent to the agency con-
ducting the survey. Otherwise, the
forms can be sent directly by the
measuring agency to specific
respondents.
Step Four
Maintain Frequent
Communication With
Survey Respondents.
While respondents are complet-
ing the survey forms, it is impor-
tant to maintain contact with them
in order to encourage timely
response and quality data.
Frequent communication can help
to foster positive relationships with
the survey community, gain
insights into their concerns, and
provide an avenue for clarifying
reporting requirements. This helps
to personalize the recycling mea-
The Oregon
Department of
Environmental
Quality (DEQ)
follows up with
postcards and
phone calls 2 to 3 weeks after its
surveys are distributed. The post-
cards remind respondents to fill
out the survey and mention that
technical assistance is available
from DEQ. Oregon has found this
communication helps to improve
data quality.
surement program and results in a
higher quality of data. Effective
communication vehicles include
telephone calls, postcards, letters,
electronic bulletin boards, e-mail,
and site visits. The methods you
choose will depend on the size of
your survey community and avail-
able staff, budget, and timeframe
for filling out forms.
Section 5
-------
Relationship Between the Worksheets and the
Standard Recycling Rate
MS W Recycling Rate
(Worksheet B3)
Total MSW Recycled
(Worksheet Bl)
Total MSW Generated
(Worksheet B2)
xlOO
Step Five
Compile Data and
Calculate an MSW
Recycling Rate.
After all respondents have sub-
mitted their survey forms, your job
is to organize the data into an
accessible format, determine the
total amount of MSW generated
and recycled, and calculate a recy-
cling rate. The worksheets includ-
ed with this guide in Appendix D
have been designed to allow data
to be compiled in a concise and
organized manner.
Worksheet A
Worksheet A is intended for
those measurers that already have
calculated a recycling rate and sim-
ply want to calculate a revised
recycling rate based on the stan-
dard equation. The standard recy-
cling rate equation uses standard
definitions of MSW and recycling.
To use the standard equation,
therefore, you must include only
those wastes and recycling activi-
ties that are included in the defini-
tions of MSW and recycling.
Worksheet A helps you accomplish
this.
Worksheets B1, B2,
and B3
Worksheets Bl, B2, and B3 are
intended for those measurers that
have never calculated a recycling
rate and those intending to redesign
their measurement systems in order
to calculate an MSW recycling rate.
These worksheets help you assem-
ble recycling and waste disposal
data from the sample survey forms
and calculate your recycling rate.
The relationship between the work-
sheets and the standard recycling
rate equation is depicted above.
Worksheet B1
Compiled From
Survey Forms
I, 2, and 3
The survey forms that corre-
spond to Worksheet Bl are listed
above. This worksheet allows for
the aggregation of data on the
amount of MSW recycled in your
jurisdiction, as reported on Forms
1,2, and 3 by collectors, processors,
and end users, respectively. Total
MSW recycled is the numerator of
the standard recycling rate equa-
tion. If you obtained data from
more than one point in the
recycling chain, Worksheet Bl
explains how to analyze the data in
order to eliminate possible double
counting. In addition, a detailed
method for estimating the compo-
sition of commingled recyclables is
included.
Worksheet B2
Compiled From
Survey Forms
4, 5, and 6
This worksheet is used to total
data on the amount of MSW dis-
posed of in your jurisdiction, as
reported on Forms 4, 5, and 6 by
collectors, transfer stations, and
disposal facilities, respectively. The
worksheet allows you to subtract
waste imports and add exports in
order to arrive at the total amount
of MSW from your state or locality
that was disposed of. In addition,
space is provided to determine
your jurisdiction's total MSW gen-
eration by adding together the total
amount disposed of and the total
amount recycled (from Worksheet
Bl). Total MSW generation is the
denominator of the standard recy-
cling rate equation.
Other features of Worksheet B2
include:
An optional section for extrapo-
lating waste disposal data if you
Implementation
-------
Commingled Materials
Since many residential recycling
programs today are based on
commingled curbside collection,
commodity-specific information
may not be available. The survey
forms included with this guide
allow respondents to report data
on commingled materials as an
individual category, but the data
must be broken down into the
component materials in order to
implement the standard method-
ology. You can estimate the com-
position of commingled
recyclables in one of two ways: by
using national, state, or local
recovery data on recyclable mate-
rials, or by using sampling data.
The preferred approach for
estimating the composition of
commingled recyclables is to use
local, state, or national recovery
data. Although using sampling
techniques may generate more
accurate data in specific locations,
local, state, or national data will
provide comparable recycling
rates among jurisdictions and is
less resource-intensive.
Worksheet B1 includes detailed
instructions on how to estimate
the breakdown of commingled
materials using the national recov-
ery data found in EPA's
Characterization of Municipal Solid
Waste in the United States: 1996
Update. This same methodology
can be employed using recovery
data specific to your area, if avail-
able. In both cases, recovery data
are used as default numbers to
estimate the percentage of each
recyclable material in the commin-
gled mix. These percentages are
then multiplied by the total ton-
nage of the mix to arrive at a
weight for each material.
Another way to determine the
breakdown of the commingled
materials stream is to use the
sampling technique described
below. This method uses actual
tonnage data from the processing
facility where the commingled
materials are separated:
I. Request that the MRF or pro-
cessing facility process your
materials separately on a par-
ticular day so that you can con-
duct sampling.
2. Use a sample size large enough
to accurately reflect the types
of recyclables generated in
your area. This will help to
ensure the precision of your
sampling methodology.
3. From the sample results, deter-
mine the percentage of each
recyclable material in the com-
mingled mix.
4. Identify the total tonnage of
material from your area.
5. Apply these percentages to the
total tons of commingled mate-
rials from your jurisdiction to
determine each constituent's
tonnage.
received less than a 100 percent
response rate to your survey.
A methodology for estimating
waste generation using waste
characterization data for those
who do not conduct annual sur-
veys of disposal facilities.
Appendix H
In some cases, a jurisdiction may
have conducted a waste characteri-
zation study or survey of disposal
facilities in the past but does not
have accurate information from a
current survey. Appendix H con-
tains an optional equation for
adjusting waste generation infor-
mation obtained in the past. The
equation enables you to adjust the
past data to account for changes in
population and economic condi-
tions. This method may be used to
estimate waste generation for the
current measurement year.
Worksheet B3
Combines Information
Obtained on Worksheets
Bl and B2
Worksheet B3 is used to com-
bine the information obtained in
Worksheets Bl and B2 to calculate
a recycling rate. This worksheet
contains the standard recycling
rate equation.
Section 5
-------
Using Waste Characterization Data
The preferred approach for determining MSW generation is to obtain
data from surveys of waste haulers, transfer stations, and/or disposal
facilities. If you do not have the resources or legislative authority to
conduct surveys, an alternative is to use data from waste characteriza-
tion studies. These studies determine a per capita annual waste gener-
ation rate that, when multiplied by the current year's population,
yields an estimate of total waste generation. A methodology for esti-
mating waste generation in this way is outlined in Worksheet B2.
Step Six
Verify and Double-
Check Data.
If time and resources permit, it is
a good idea to verify the accuracy
of the data you received before you
calculate a recycling rate. This step
can be performed at the same time
you are compiling data from the
survey forms. Options for verify-
ing data accuracy include:
/ Compare current data with data
from the previous year. If large
discrepancies are noticed, follow
up by contacting survey respon-
dents.
/ Use data from secondary
sources to cross-check data from
primary sources.
/ Compare totals for specific recy-
clable commodities with data
from state or local waste charac-
terization studies.
In addition to verifying the
accuracy of data, it is important to
double-check your data compila-
tions after completing Worksheets
Bl and B2. Examine the data
closely and answer the following
questions:
Was all exported waste counted?
Was all imported waste excluded?
Was only MSW counted? (Was
any Other Solid Waste inadver-
tently included?)
Were all recyclables counted
only once? Was any of the same
MSW reported by more than one
survey respondent?
Were all data reported in tons?
Were the EPA standard volume-
to-weight conversion factors
used by survey respondents?
Were any data omitted due to
leakage?
Depending on the amount of
data you collect and the number of
survey respondents, verifying and
double-checking can be resource-
intensive. This step is important,
however, for ensuring that your
recycling rate is as accurate as
possible and will help give you
confidence in your recycling mea-
surement efforts.
Oregon sur-
veys processors
and end users
directly, while
counties survey
collectors and then report to the
state. Data from processors and
end users are used to verify data
reported by collectors.
Washington
conducts an
informal tele-
phone survey
of end users
in the state in
order to check the accuracy of
data reported by collectors.
Oregon uses a computer pro-
gram that, for each county and
each commodity, multiplies the
population by a projected per capi-
ta generation rate to arrive at a
projected recycling total. The pro-
gram then compares this total with
the total reported by the respec-
tive county to verify the data.
To double-check
its data, Ohio
compares the
national waste
generation rate
of 0.80 tons per person per year
to the average for each of the
reporting solid waste management
districts (SWMD). If there is a
large discrepancy which cannot be
accounted for by the rural or
urban nature of the SWMD, other
factors, such as open dumping of
waste, unreported recycling, or
undetected waste exports, are
investigated.
Implementation
-------
Step Seven
Share Information.
After you have calculated your
MSW recycling rate, it is important
to share the results of your recy-
cling measurement efforts. Not
only is it professional and courte-
ous to share the final results with
survey respondents, but there are
also tangible benefits to providing
such feedback. Communication on
the status of state or local recycling
efforts helps officials assess their
recycling programs and their
progress in meeting recycling
goals. It also can identify potential
areas of improvement and help
communities learn about recycling
activities beyond their immediate
jurisdiction, which could prove
useful in areas such as market
development. Information sharing
also provides opportunities to
share new ideas about recycling
measurement.
Sharing the results of your mea-
surement effort with the public is
also beneficial. If you would like
your recycling rate to be higher,
use the results to educate citizens
and businesses about the impor-
tance of recycling. If, on the other
hand, your measurement results
indicate that recycling is high in
your area, build on that momen-
tum by recognizing people's efforts
and encouraging additional oppor-
tunities for waste reduction.
Florida, a
state that collects
data directly from sources,
keeps in close touch with
local governments throughout'
the year via phone, e-mail, meet-
ings, and conferences. Through
these vehicles, the state updates
local officials on measurement
results, state policy decisions, fund-
ing, and other news.
Section 5
-------
J
nhan
en
After 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:
Expanding or changing your program.
Modifying the survey forms.
Measuring source reduction.
Using electronic reporting.
You might consider implementing one or more of these
kinds of enhancements as your measurement system evolves.
Option One
Expand or Change
Data Collection Efforts.
Consider expanding data collec-
tion efforts by adding more types
of MSW materials to the rate calcu-
lation. (See Table A, page 11.) You
can expand a basic program over
the course of 1 or 2 years to include
more of these materials not cur-
rently being tracked. Data on cate-
gories of waste not considered to
be MSW (see Table A, page 11) also
can be obtained, but remember that
these do not count when calculat-
ing the standard recycling rate. A
separate recycling rate could be
computed, however, for these
other types of solid waste.
Another potential enhancement
is to alter who is surveyed, using
some of the techniques presented
earlier in this guide as a way to
streamline, reduce double count-
ing, increase response rates, or
improve data accuracy.
Option Two
Refine and Modify the
Survey Forms.
You can choose to modify the
forms included with this guide to
assist with special data collection
needs, meet legislative require-
ments, or simply gather informa-
tion about the way waste and
recyclables are generated and man-
aged in an area. Some states and
localities might wish to modify the
forms to request qualitative infor-
mation from respondents. Even
though such information is not
necessary to calculate a recycling
rate, it can be very useful to a state
or local agency. This information
might help you consider imple-
menting changes in the way you
collect MSW or recyclables, pro-
vide the momentum for adding
services or materials to a recycling
program, or help you assess
and possibly modify resource
allocations for various waste
Enhancement
-------
management system components.
Examples of questions you may
want to ask on survey forms are:
Is curbside collection of recy-
clables offered to single-family
homes? If so, estimate how
many homes are serviced.
Is there a program for collecting
recyclables from multifamily
dwelling units? If so, estimate
how many homes are serviced.
Can you provide or estimate the
population served by your recy-
cling program?
Is there a program to promote
source reduction?
Is a pay-as-you-throw system
used for collecting solid waste
disposal fees from residents?
How much money was spent
last year on educating the public
about recycling?
Have recyclable materials been
banned from landfills or the
solid waste collection system? If
so, which materials?
Is yard trimmings collection for
leaves, grass, and brush offered?
If so, estimate the population
served by the yard trimmings
collection program.
Are drop-off opportunities for
household hazardous waste
offered?
Option Three
Consider Measuring
Source Reduction.
Some states and localities are
attempting to measure source
reduction activities to help assess
overall waste reduction progress.
The survey forms can be modified
to request information on such
activities, as long as these data are
kept separate from the recycling
figures. EPA developed the Source
Reduction Program Potential Manual
in 1997 to assist communities in
determining the impacts of various
source reduction activities on the
waste stream. The manual exam-
ines the diversion potential of six
source reduction programs, includ-
ing grasscycling, home compost-
ing, textiles reuse, office paper
reduction, wooden pallet reuse,
and paper towel reduction.
While you might not have the
desire or resources to attempt to
measure source reduction, some
data on source reduction is readily
available and could be useful to
your planning efforts. Examples of
source reduction activities that you
might consider measuring, along
with sources of data, are provided
in Table 12.
Option Four
Take Advantage of
Electronic Reporting.
To speed survey response time
and ease the burden of compiling
data, consider offering respondents
an electronic reporting format.
Information can be provided and
transferred electronically through
computer disks or the Internet.
TABLE 12. EXAMPLES OF SOURCE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES
Category
Paper Products
Rubber
Textiles
Wood
Yard Trimmings
Material
Office paper.
Tires.
Clothing.
Pallets.
Grass clippings,
leaves.
Application
Duplexing.
Retread tires.
Used clothing.
Refurbished pallets.
Backyard compost.
Grasscycling.
Sources of Data
Government agencies and private businesses.
Tire dealers.
National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association.
Local thrift stores.
Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries.
Council for Textile Recycling.
International Association of Pallet Recyclers.
Local government recycling programs.
The Composting Council.
Section 6
-------
Electronic Reporting
Many states and localities are
experimenting with or are now
using electronic reporting. In
Maryland, the state sends
computer disks |
to counties who report1
in a WordPerfect file.
State officials read the
county reports and then com-
pile the information using a
dBase IV database program.
In May 1996,
Pennsylvania
began Internet
training ses-
sions. The goal of these sessions
is to allow counties to report via
e-mail. Several training sessions
were held around the state and
were open to all counties and
cities. In addition, the state pro-
vided free modems to training
session participants. The training
covered basic Internet facts and
how to set up a homepage.
Once local governments become
accustomed to the Internet, the
state will develop a reporting
procedure.
Washington
considered
developing a
version of its
database to be distributed on
disk, but is opting instead to
design something for the
Internet in time to collect 1997
data. One possibility is to
include a form on the state's
homepage. Local officials would
be able to download the form,
enter the data, and send the
information back electronically
to be downloaded into a data-
base.
Florida is also
jumping on the
Internet, but only after
spending several years get-
ting counties accustomed to
submitting data on computer
disks. As of September 1, 1996,
Florida counties are required to
gain Internet access and an e-
mail address as a condition for
receiving grant monies. The
state is considering developing a
form for their Web site, similar
to what the state of Washington
is proposing, so that counties
can download the file, fill in
their data, and return the infor-
mation via computer disk, hard
copy, or e-mail.
Before beginning, first deter-
mine if respondents are comfort-
able with an electronic format.
Electronic reporting also can be
offered as an option, as a way to
gradually introduce it to respon-
dents. If you choose to offer elec-
tronic reporting as an option, make
sure people can still respond by
completing and mailing in survey
forms if they are not equipped or
inclined to do otherwise.
Many state and
local govern-
ments are
finding that the benefits of
recycling measurement are
worth the time and effort
required to plan and design
an effective system. By fol-
lowing the suggestions in
this guide, you can devise
and implement a successful
recycling measurement pro-
gram that is right for you.
Not only can such a pro-
gram advance the status of
recycling in your area, but it
also can reflect well on
your organization overall!
Enhancement
-------
Note: Definitions marked with a "1" were devel-
oped specifically to be used in the context of this
guide, the survey forms, and the worksheets.
Abatement Debris: refers to waste resulting from
remediation activities. (U.S. EPA, 1994d)
Agricultural Waste: refers to solid waste that is
generated by the rearing of animals or the pro-
duction and harvest of crops or trees. (Sullivan,
1993)
Aluminum Cans: refers to containers and pack-
aging such as beverage cans or food and other
nonfood cans. Examples of recycling include
processing cans into new aluminum products
(containers or foil). (U.S. EPA, 1995d)
Backyard Composting: refers to the diversion of
food scraps and yard trimmings from the
municipal waste stream through the onsite con-
trolled decomposition of organic matter by
micro-organisms (mainly bacteria and fungi)
into a humus-like product. Backyard compost-
ing is excluded from recycling activities. Rather,
it is considered source reduction because the
composted materials never enter the municipal
solid waste stream. (U.S. EPA, 1991a)
Broad Categories1: refers to general classifications
of recyclable materials (glass, paper, plastic,
metals).
Broker: refers to an individual or group of indi-
viduals who act as an agent or intermediary
between the sellers and buyers of recyclable
materials. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
Brush and Branches1: refers to the natural woody
material collected from yard trimmings. Whole
trees, such as Christmas trees, are included.
Excludes leaves and grass. Examples of recy-
cling include processing brush and branches
into compost additive or mulch.
Bulky Waste1: refers to those items that are large
enough to warrant special collection services sep-
arate from regular residential curbside collection.
Examples include major appliances and furniture.
Buy-Back Center: refers to a facility where indi-
viduals or groups of individuals exchange recy-
clables for payment. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
Collector1: refers to public or private haulers that
collect nonhazardous waste and recyclable
materials from residential, commercial, institu-
tional, and industrial sources. Also see Hauler.
Combustion Ash: refers to the residual substance
produced during the burning, combustion, or
oxidation of waste material. (U.S. EPA, 1994d)
Commercial Waste: refers to waste generated by
businesses, such as office buildings; retail and
wholesale establishments; and restaurants.
Examples include old corrugated containers,
food scraps, office papers, disposable table-
ware, paper napkins, and yard trimmings. (U.S.
EPA, 1996b)
Commingled Recyclables: refers to a mixture of
several recyclable materials in one container.
(U.S. EPA, 1989)
Composting Facilities: refers to an offsite facility
where the organic component of municipal
solid scraps is biologically decomposed under
controlled conditions; an aerobic process in
which organic materials are ground or shred-
ded and then decomposed to humus in
windrow piles or in mechanical digesters,
drums, or similar enclosures. (U.S. EPA, 1991a,
1994a)
Computer Paper/Printout: refers to a type of
paper used in manifold business forms and
produced in rolls and/or fan folded. It is used
with computers and word processors to print
data, information, letters, advertising, etc. (U.S.
EPA, 1994b)
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris:
refers to waste that is generated during the con-
struction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of
buildings, bridges, pavements, and other struc-
tures. C&D debris includes concrete, asphalt,
lumber, steel girders, steel rods, wiring, dry
wall, carpets, window glass, metal and plastic
-------
piping, tree stumps, soil, and other miscella-
neous items related to the activities listed
above. This category also includes natural dis-
aster debris. (U.S. EPA, 1989,1994d)
Consumer Price Index: refers to an index measur-
ing the change in the cost of typical wage-earn-
er purchases of goods and services expressed as
a percentage of the cost of these same goods
and services in some base period. (Mish et al.,
1988)
Contaminated Soil: refers to the introduction of
micro-organisms, chemicals, toxic substances,
wastes, or wastewater into soil in concentra-
tions that make the soil unfit for its intended
use. (U.S. EPA, 1994d)
Crumb Rubber: refers to ground rubber pieces
the size of sand or silt used in rubber or plastic
products, or processed further into reclaimed
rubber or asphalt products. (U.S. EPA, 1991c)
Disposal Facilities: refers to repositories for solid
waste including landfills and combustors
intended for permanent containment or
destruction of waste materials. Excludes transfer
stations and composting facilities. (U.S. EPA,
1991b and National Recycling Coalition, 1995)
Drop-Off Center: refers to a method of collection
whereby recyclable or compostable materials
are taken by individuals to a collection site and
placed in designated containers. (U.S. EPA,
1989)
End User1: refers to facilities that purchase or
secure recovered materials for the purpose of
recycling. Examples include recycling plants
and composting facilities. Excludes waste
disposal facilities.
Exports1: refers to municipal solid waste and recy-
clables that are transported outside the state or
locality where they originated.
Ferrous Metals: refers to magnetic metals derived
from iron (steel). (U.S. EPA, 1995d) Products
made from ferrous metals include major and
small appliances, furniture, and containers and
packaging (steel drums and barrels). Examples
of recycling include processing tin/steel cans,
strapping, and ferrous metals from appliances
into new products. (U.S. EPA, 1995d)
Food Processing Waste1: refers to food residues
produced during agricultural and industrial
operations.
Food Scraps1: refers to uneaten food and food
preparation wastes from residences and com-
mercial establishments (grocery stores, restau-
rants, and produce stands), institutional
sources (school cafeterias), and industrial
sources (employee lunchrooms). Excludes food
processing waste from agricultural and indus-
trial operations. Examples of recycling include
composting and using food scraps to feed pigs,
but excludes source reduction activities such as
backyard (onsite) composting and use of food
items for human consumption (food banks).
Generators1: refers to producers of municipal
solid waste such as residences, institutions,
commercial businesses, and industry.
Glass Beneficiation Plant: refers to a glass pro-
cessing facility where recovered glass cullet is
cleaned of contaminants and processed into a
form that is ready to be manufactured into a
new product (mill-ready). (U.S. EPA, 1995c)
Glass Containers: refers to containers and pack-
aging such as beer and soft drink bottles, wine
and liquor bottles, and bottles and jars for food,
cosmetics, and other products. For the purpose
of recycling, container glass is generally sepa-
rated into color categories (clear, green, and
amber or brown). Examples of recycling
include processing glass into new containers,
construction materials (aggregate), or fiberglass
(insulation). (U.S. EPA, 1995d)
Grass: refers to lawn clippings. Excludes leaves,
brush, and branches. (Mish et al., 1988)
Grasscycling1: refers to the source reduction activ-
ity whereby grass clippings are left on the lawn
after mowing.
Gross Sales Receipts1: taxable transactions, or the
total dollar value of goods sold in a state that
are subject to state sales tax. The specific goods
subjected to sales tax vary from state to state.
Hauler: refers to a waste collection company that
provides complete refuse removal services.
Many will also collect recyclables. Includes
both private and public entities. Also see
Collector. (U.S. EPA, 1994d)
Appendix A
-------
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene): refers to a
plastic product in which the ethylene molecules
are linked in long chains with few side branch-
es. Examples of products made from HDPE
include milk jugs, detergent bottles, margarine
tubs, and garbage containers. (U.S. EPA, 1995c)
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): refers to
hazardous products that are used and disposed
of by residentialrather than industrialcon-
sumers. These products include some paints,
stains, varnishes, solvents, and pesticides, and
other materials or products containing volatile
chemicals that catch fire, react, explode under
certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or
toxic. HHW is derived from municipal solid
waste (MSW) with the exception of used oil
which is excluded from the category of MSW.
Examples of recycling include processing
HHW components into new products after
they have been diverted from the waste stream.
Diversion from the waste stream only does not
constitute recycling (i.e., through collection or
drop-off programs). (U.S. EPA, 1992,1993b)
Imports1: refers to municipal solid waste and
recyclables that have been transported to a
state or locality for processing or final disposi-
tion, but that did not originate in that state or
locality.
Incinerator: refers to a furnace for burning solid
waste under controlled conditions. (U.S. EPA,
1994d)
Industrial Process Waste: refers to residues pro-
duced during manufacturing operations.
(Sullivan, 1993)
Industrial Sludge: refers to the semiliquid
residue remaining from the treatment of indus-
trial water and wastewater. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
Industrial Waste: refers to nonhazardous wastes
discarded at industrial sites from packaging
and administrative sources. Examples include
corrugated boxes, plastic film, wood pallets,
lunchroom wastes, and office paper. Excludes
industrial process wastes from manufacturing
operations. (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Institutional Waste: refers to waste generated at
institutions, such as schools, libraries, hospi-
tals, and prisons. Examples include cafeteria
and restroom trashcan wastes, office papers,
classroom wastes, and yard trimmings. (U.S.
EPA, 1996b)
Large Appliances: see Major Appliances.
Large Generator1: refers to commercial business-
es, institutions, or industries that generate suf-
ficient quantities of municipal solid waste and
recyclables to warrant self-management of
these materials. Examples of large generators
include supermarkets, restaurants, hardware
stores, shopping malls, warehouses, amuse-
ment parks, convention centers, and office and
apartment complexes.
LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene): refers to a
plastic material in which the ethylene mole-
cules are linked in a random fashion with the
main chains of the polymer having long and
short side branches. LDPE is used for both rigid
containers and plastic film applications. (U.S.
EPA, 1995c)
Lead-Acid Batteries: refers to batteries used in
automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. They
contain plastic, lead (a toxic metal), and sulfu-
ric acid. Excludes lead-acid batteries from large
equipment, heavy-duty trucks and tractors, air-
craft, military vehicles, and boats. (U.S. EPA,
1993a, 1996b)
Leakage1: refers to cases in which residential recy-
clables are collected outside of a municipal col-
lection system. As a result, these materials are
often undetected during the course of normal
data collection efforts.
Leaves: refers to the foliage of a plant. Excludes
brush, branches, and grass. (Mish et al, 1988)
Major (Large) Appliances: refers to many differ-
ent types, sizes, and styles of ovens, microwave
ovens, air-conditioners, refrigerators, freezers,
washers, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters,
dehumidifiers, or trash compactors manufac-
tured for household, commercial, or recreation-
al use. Steel is the predominant material used
in the manufacture of large appliances. Other
materials found in appliances (in varying
amounts) include, copper, brass, aluminum,
glass, rubber, and paperboard. Also see White
Goods and Bulky Waste. (Sullivan, 1993 and
U.S. EPA, 1995d)
Material Recovery Facility (MRF): refers to a
facility where recyclables are sorted into specif-
-------
ic categories and processed, or transported to
processors, for remanufacturing. (U.S. EPA,
1994d)
Medical Waste: refers to any solid waste generat-
ed in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization
of human beings or animals, in research per-
taining thereto, or in the production or testing
of biologicals, excluding hazardous waste iden-
tified or listed under 40 CFR Part 261 or any
household waste as defined in 40 CFR
Subsection 261.4 (b)(l). (U.S. EPA, 1994d)
Mill-Ready Gullet: refers to crushed and whole
contaminant-free scrap container glass that
complies with the proper Institute of Scrap
Recycling Industries, Inc. glass specifications.
(Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc.,
1996)
Mining Waste: refers to residues resulting from
the extraction of raw materials from the earth.
(Sullivan, 1993)
Minor Appliances: see Small Appliances.
Mixed Glass1: refers to recovered container glass
that is not sorted into specific categories (color
and grade).
Mixed Metals1: refers to recovered metal that is
not sorted into specific categories (aluminum
cans, tin/steel cans, other ferrous, and other
nonferrous).
Mixed Municipal Solid Waste1: refers to munici-
pal solid waste that is not sorted into specific
categories (plastics, glass, and yard trimmings).
Mixed Paper1: refers to recovered paper that is not
sorted into specific categories (old magazines,
old newspapers, and old corrugated contain-
ers).
Mixed Plastic1: refers to recovered plastic that is
not sorted into specific categories (HOPE,
LDPE, and PETE).
Mulching1: refers to the process by which the vol-
ume of organic waste is reduced through shred-
ding or grinding.
Municipal Sludge: refers to the semiliquid
residue remaining from the treatment of munic-
ipal water and wastewater. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): refers to wastes
such as durable goods, nondurable goods, con-
tainers and packaging, food scraps, yard trim-
mings, and miscellaneous inorganic wastes
from residential, commercial, institutional, and
industrial sources, such as appliances, automo-
bile tires, old newspapers, clothing, disposable
tableware, office and classroom paper, wood
pallets, and cafeteria wastes. Excludes solid
wastes from other sources, such as construction
and demolition debris, autobodies, municipal
sludges, combustion ash, and industrial process
wastes that might also be disposed of in munic-
ipal waste landfills or incinerators. (U.S. EPA,
1996b)
Natural Disaster Debris1: refers to wastes result-
ing from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, torna-
dos, and other natural disasters. Excludes
wastes resulting from heavy storms. Natural
disaster debris is classified as construction and
demolition debris.
Nonferrous Metals: refers to nonmagnetic metals
such as aluminum, lead, and copper. Products
made from nonferrous metals include contain-
ers and packaging such as beverage cans, food
and other nonfood cans; nonferrous metals
found in appliances, furniture, electronic equip-
ment; and nonpackaging aluminum products
(foil, closures, and lids from bimetal cans).
Excludes lead-acid batteries and nonferrous
metals from industrial applications and con-
struction and demolition debris. (U.S. EPA,
1996b)
Nonhazardous Industrial Process Waste: refers
to waste that is neither municipal solid waste
nor considered a hazardous waste under
Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, such as certain types of manufac-
turing wastes and wastewaters. (U.S. EPA,
1996a)
Office Paper1: refers to high-grade papers such as
copier paper, computer printout, and sta-
tionery. These papers are almost entirely made
of uncoated chemical pulp, although some
amounts of groundwood are used. It should be
noted that this category of paper also is gener-
ated at locations other than offices, such as
homes and institutions (schools).
Oil and Gas Waste: refers to gas and oil drilling
muds, oil production brines, and other wastes
associated with the exploration, development,
Appendix A
-------
or production of crude oil or natural gas. (U.S.
EPA, 1995a)
Old Corrugated Containers (OCC): refers to cor-
rugated containers made from unbleached,
unwaxed paper with a ruffled (corrugated)
inner liner. (U.S. EPA, 1993a)
Old Magazines: refers to dry, coated magazines,
catalogues, and similar printed materials.
(Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc.,
1996)
Old Newspaper: refers to periodicals printed on
newsprint. Includes groundwood inserts
(advertisements). Examples of recycling
include processing old newspapers into new
boxboard,
1996b)
Other Ferrous Metals: refers to ferrous metals
from strapping, furniture, and metal found in
tires and consumer electronics. Excludes the
large quantities of metals found in construction
materials or transportation products, such as
automobiles, locomotives, and ships. (U.S.
EPA, 1996b)
Other Glass: refers to glass from furniture, appli-
ances, and consumer electronics. Excludes glass
from transportation products and construction
and demolition debris. Examples of recycling
include processing glass into new glass prod-
ucts such as containers, construction materials
(aggregate), or fiberglass (insulation). (U.S.
EPA, 1996b)
Other Nonferrous Metals: refers to nonferrous
metals (lead, copper, and zinc) from appliances,
consumer electronics, and nonpackaging alu-
minum products (foil, closures, and aluminum
lids from bimetal cans). Excludes nonferrous
metals from industrial applications and con-
struction and demolition debris. (U.S. EPA,
1996b)
Other Paper: refers to paper from books, third
class mail, other commercial printing, paper
towels, paper plates and cups, other nonpack-
aging paper (posters, photographic papers,
cards, and games), milk cartons, folding boxes
(cereal boxes), bags, wrapping papers, and
other paper and paperboard products. (U.S.
EPA, 1996b)
Other Plastic: refers to plastic from appliances,
furniture, trash bags, cups, eating utensils,
sporting and recreational equipment, and other
nonpackaging plastic products. (U.S. EPA,
1996b)
Other Recyclables1: refers to household haz-
ardous waste, oil filters, fluorescent tubes, mat-
tresses, consumer electronics, circuit boards,
and other miscellaneous recyclable items found
in municipal solid waste that cannot be other-
wise categorized.
Other Solid Waste: refers to nonhazardous solid
wastes, other than municipal solid waste, cov-
ered under Subtitle D of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, such as
municipal sludge, industrial nonhazardous
waste, construction and demolition waste, agri-
cultural waste, oil and gas waste, and mining
waste. (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Other Wood: refers to wood from furniture, cabi-
nets from consumer electronics, and other non-
packaging wood products. Excludes wood
recovered from construction and demolition
activities (lumber and tree stumps) and indus-
trial process waste (shavings and sawdust).
Examples of recycling include processing wood
into mulch, compost additive, or animal bed-
ding. (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Overissue Publications (Overissues)1: refers to
printed publications, such as newspapers and
magazines, that are defined as unsold invento-
ry by the publisher. Overissues are not consid-
ered postconsumer waste.
Pallet: refers to a portable platform made of wood
or plastic lumber used for storing or moving
cargo or freight. (National Wooden Pallet and
Container Association)
Paper: refers to paper products and materials
such as old newspapers, old magazines, office
papers, telephone directories, old corrugated
containers, bags, and some paperboard packag-
ing. Examples of recycling include processing
paper into new paper products (tissue, paper-
board, hydromulch, animal bedding, or insula-
tion materials). (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Paper Processor1: refers to an intermediate oper-
ating facility where recovered paper products
and materials are sorted, cleaned of contami-
-------
nants, and prepared for final recycling.
Examples include paper stock dealers and
paper packers.
PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate): refers to a
thermoplastic material used to manufacture
plastic soft drink containers and rigid contain-
ers. PETE has a high melting point, is clear in its
natural state, and has a relatively high density.
(U.S. EPA, 1995c)
Plastic: refers to plastic containers and packaging
made from various resins, including PETE,
HOPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS. Excludes plas-
tics in transportation (automobiles) and con-
struction products (PVC piping). (U.S. EPA,
1996b)
Plastic Processor1: refers to an intermediate oper-
ating facility where recovered plastic products
and materials are sorted, cleaned of contami-
nants, and prepared for final recycling.
Examples include plastics handlers and plastics
reclaimers.
Plastics Handler: refers to companies that prepare
recyclable plastics by sorting, baling, shred-
ding, granulating, and/or storing plastics until
a sufficient quantity is on hand. (American
Plastics Council, 1996)
Plastics Reclaimer: refers to companies that fur-
ther process plastics after the handling stage by
performing at least one of the following func-
tions: washing/cleaning, pelletizing, or pro-
ducing a new product. (American Plastics
Council, 1996)
Postconsumer Materials/Waste: refers to recov-
ered materials that have been used as a con-
sumer item and are diverted from municipal
solid waste for the purpose of collection, recy-
cling, and disposition (aluminum beverage
cans, plastic bottles, old newspapers, and yard
trimmings). Excludes materials from industrial
processes that have not reached the consumer,
such as glass broken in the manufacturing
process or overissues of newspapers and maga-
zines. (U.S. EPA, 1994d, 1995c)
PP (Polypropylene): refers to a plastic polymer
formed by linking propylene molecules. PP has
good resistance to heat and is used in flexible
and rigid packaging, film, and textiles. (U.S.
EPA, 1995c)
Preconsumer Materials/Waste: refers to materials
generated in manufacturing and converting
processes, such as manufacturing scrap and
trimmings/cuttings. Also includes print over-
runs, overissue publications (newspapers and
magazines), and obsolete inventories. (U.S.
EPA, 1995c)
Print Overruns: refers to a quantity of paper that
is printed beyond the quantity specified.
(Walden-Mott, 1981)
Processors1: refers to intermediate operators that
handle recyclable materials from collectors and
generators for the purpose of preparing materi-
als for recycling (material recovery facilities,
scrap metal yards, paper dealers, and glass
beneficiation plants). Processors act as interme-
diaries between collectors and end users of
recovered materials.
PS (Polystyrene): refers to a plastic polymer
formed by linking styrene molecules. PS is used
to make a variety of products including plastic
cutlery and food containers. It is often used in
its foamed state. (U.S. EPA, 1995c)
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): refers to the family of
plastic copolymers, also known as vinyl. PVC is
used to make products such as pipes, bottles,
upholstery, and automotive parts. (U.S. EPA,
1995c)
Recovery: refers to the diversion of materials from
the municipal solid waste stream for the pur-
pose of recycling or composting. Excludes reuse
and source reduction activities such as yard
trimmings diverted to backyard (onsite) com-
posting, the repair of wood pallets, and the
refilling of beverage containers. (U.S. EPA
1996b)
Recyclables: refers to those materials recovered
from the solid waste stream and transported to
a processor or end user for recycling. (National
Recycling Coalition, 1995)
Recycling: refers to the series of activities by
which discarded materials are collected, sorted,
processed, and converted into raw materials
and used in the production of new products.
Excludes the use of these materials as a fuel sub-
stitute or for energy production. (National
Recycling Coalition, 1995)
Appendix A
-------
Recycling Plant1: refers to a facility where recov-
ered materials are remanufactured into new
products.
Redemption Program1: refers to a program where
consumers are monetarily compensated for the
collection of recyclable materials, generally
through pre-paid deposits or taxes on beverage
containers. In some states or localities, legisla-
tion has been passed to implement redemption
programs to assist in the prevention of roadside
litter (bottle bills).
Residential Waste: refers to waste generated by
single- and multi-family homes including old
newspapers, clothing, disposable tableware,
food packaging, cans and bottles, food scraps,
and yard trimmings. Excludes food scraps and
yard trimmings that are diverted to backyard
(onsite) composting. (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Residues: refers to the materials remaining after
processing, incineration, composting, or recy-
cling have been completed. Residues are usual-
ly disposed of in landfills. (U.S. EPA, 1989)
Respondent1: refers to the state, locality, or indi-
vidual that completes a recycling measurement
survey form.
Reuse: refers to the use of a product or compo-
nent of municipal solid waste in its original
form more than once. Examples include refill-
ing glass or plastic bottles, repairing wood pal-
lets, using corrugated or plastic containers for
storage, and returning milk crates. (U.S. EPA,
1994d)
Scrap Metal Processor1: refers to an intermediate
operating facility where recovered metal is
sorted, cleaned of contaminants, and prepared
for final recycling. Examples include scrap
metal yards and scrap metal dealers.
Small (Minor) Appliances: refers to many differ-
ent types, sizes, and styles of electric fans, cof-
fee makers, electric irons, food mixers, etc.
Aluminum and plastic are the predominant
materials used in small appliances. (U.S. EPA,
1995d)
Source Reduction: refers to the design, manufac-
ture, purchase, or use of materials, such as
products and packaging, to reduce the amount
or toxicity of materials before they enter the
municipal solid waste management system,
such as redesigning products or packaging to
reduce the quantity of materials or the toxicity
of the materials used; reusing products or pack-
aging already manufactured; and lengthening
the life of products to postpone disposal.
Examples include donating food to food banks,
diverting food scraps and yard trimmings
through backyard (onsite) composting, and
reusing plastic pallets. Also referred to as waste
prevention. (U.S. EPA 1996b)
Surveyor1: refers to the state, locality, or individ-
ual responsible for the collection of recycling
measurement data through the use of survey
forms.
Telephone Directories1: refers to telephone direc-
tories printed on paper with high groundwood
content. Other directories, such as zip code and
area code directories, are included in this cate-
gory when they are printed on the same type of
paper.
Textiles: refers to fibers from discarded apparel,
furniture, linens (sheets and towels), and car-
pets. Examples of recycling include converting
apparel and linens into wiper rags and process-
ing textiles into new products (linen paper or
carpet padding). (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Tin/Steel Cans: refers to tin-coated steel contain-
ers such as cans used for food packaging. (U.S.
EPA, 1993a)
Tire Processor1: refers to an intermediate operat-
ing facility where recovered tires are processed
in preparation for recycling.
Tires: refers to passenger car and light- and
heavy-duty truck tires. Excludes high-speed
industrial tires (from airplanes), bus tires,
motorcycle tires, and special service tires, such
as military, agricultural, off-road, and slow-
speed industrial tires (from construction vehi-
cles). Examples of recycling include processing
car and truck tires into new rubber products
(trash cans, storage containers, and rubberized
asphalt), and the use of whole tires for play-
ground and reef construction. (U.S. EPA, 1994b)
Transfer Station: refers to a facility where solid
waste is transferred from collection vehicles to
larger trucks or rail cars for longer distance
transport. (U.S. Congress, 1989)
-------
Tree Stumps: refers to the portion of a tree
remaining after it has been cut. Tree stumps are
categorized as yard trimmings when found in
municipal solid waste. Otherwise, tree stumps
are generally found in, and categorized as, con-
struction and demolition debris. (Mish et al.,
1988)
Unit-Based Pricing/Pay-As-You-Throw: refers to
a system under which residents pay for munic-
ipal solid waste management services per unit
of waste (by weight or volume) collected rather
than through a fixed fee. (U.S. EPA, 1994c)
Used Oil1: refers to spent motor oil from passen-
ger cars and trucks that is collected at specified
locations for recycling. Used oil is excluded from
the category of municipal solid waste.
Waste Characterization Studies: refers to the
identification and measurement (by weight or
volume) of specific categories of municipal
solid waste materials (glass, plastic, and metals)
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
have a similar fiber and filler content. (Institute
of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., 1994)
Wood Packaging: refers to wood products such as
pallets, crates, and barrels. Excludes wood from
furniture and other nonpackaging wood prod-
ucts. Examples of recycling include processing
wood into new products (mulch and compost).
(U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Yard Trimmings: refers to grass, leaves, tree
branches and brush, and tree stumps from resi-
dential, institutional, and commercial sources.
Examples of recycling include processing yard
trimmings into compost, mulch, or other simi-
lar uses, and landspreading leaves (when the
depth of the application allows for degradation
of the organic plant material). (U.S. EPA, 1996b)
Yard Trimmings Processor1: refers to an interme-
diate operating facility where recovered yard
trimmings are sorted, cleaned of contaminants,
and prepared for final recycling.
Appendix A
-------
GLOSSARY REFERENCES
American Plastics Council. 1996. Letter commu-
nicating definitions. October.
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. 1996.
Scrap Specifications Circular 1996: Guidelines
for Nonferrous Scrap, Ferrous Scrap, Glass
Gullet, Paper Stock, Plastic Scrap. Institute of
Scrap Recycling Industries, Washington, DC.
Mish et al, eds. 1988. Webster's Ninth New
Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA:
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
National Recycling Coalition. 1995. Definitions
Approved By the National Recycling Coalition
Board of Directors.
National Wooden Pallet and Container
Association (NWPCA). An Introduction to
Wood Pallets. NWPCA, Arlington, VA.
Sullivan, T.F.P 1993. Environmental Regulatory
Glossary, Sixth Edition. Rockville, MD:
Government Institutes, Inc.
U.S. Congress. 1989. Facing America's Trash:
What Next for Municipal Solid Waste. OTA-O-
424. Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1989. Decision-Makers Guide to Solid
Waste Management. EPA530-SW-89-072.
Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1991a. Environmental Fact Sheet: Yard
Waste Composting. EPA530-SW-91-009.
Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1991b. Solid Waste Disposal Facility
Criteria; Final Rule. Fed. Reg. Part II: 40 CFR
Parts 257 and 258.56(196)50,978-51,119.
October 9.
U.S. EPA. 1991c. Summary of Markets for Scrap
Tires. EPA530-90-074B. Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1992. The Consumer's Handbook for
Reducing Solid Waste. EPA530-K-92-003.
Washington, DC.
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.
U.S. EPA. 1994a. Composting Yard Trimmings
and Municipal Solid Waste. EPA530-R-94-003.
Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1994b. Comprehensive Guideline for
Procurement of Products Containing
Recovered Materials and Issuance of a Draft
Recovered Materials Advisory Notice:
Proposed Rule and Notice. Fed. Reg.
59(76):18,852-18,887. April 20.
U.S. EPA. 1994c. Pay-As-You-Throw: Lessons
Learned About Unit Pricing. EPA530-R-94-004.
Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1994d. Terms of the Environment:
Glossary, Abbreviations, and Acronyms.
EPA175-B-94-015. Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1995a. Crude Oil and Natural Gas
Exploration and Production Wastes:
Exemption from RCRA Subtitle C Regulation.
EPA530-K-95-003. Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1995b. Decision-Makers' Guide to
Solid Waste Management, Volume II.
EPA530-R-95-023. Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1995c. Manufacturing from
Recyclables: 24 Case Studies of Successful
Recycling Enterprises. EPA530-R-95-001.
Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1995d. Methodology for
Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in
the United States: 1994 Update. Report pre-
pared by Franklin Associates, LTD.
Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1996a. Building a New State/EPA
Industrial Solid Waste Initiative. Washington,
DC.
U.S. EPA. 1996b. Characterization of Municipal
Solid Waste in The United States: 1996 Update.
EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC.
Walden-Mott Corporation. 1981. Walden's
Handbook for Paper Salespeople & Buyers of
Printing Paper, Second Edition. Oradell, NJ:
Walden-Mott Corporation.
-------
tandard Volume-to-Weight
onv
^ >^li^^» fc
Category Recyclable Materials
(u/c = uncompacted/
compacted & baled)
FOOD SCRAPSA Food scraps, solid and liquid fats
GLASS Bottles8:
Whole bottles
Semicrushed
Crushed (mechanically)
Uncrushed to manually broken
Refillable Whole Bottlesc:
Refillable beer bottles
Refillable soft drink bottles
8 oz glass container
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES Car0
TruckE
MotorcycleE
METALS Aluminum CansF:
Whole
Compacted (manually)
Uncompacted
Ferrous (tin coated steel cans)G:
Whole
Flattened
Whole
Major AppliancesE:
Air conditioners (room)
Dishwashers
Dryers (clothes)
Volume
55-gal drum
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
55-gal drum
1 case = 24 bottles
1 case = 24 bottles
1 case = 24 bottles
1 battery
1 battery
1 battery
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 full grocery bag
1 case = 24 cans
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 case = 6 cans
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
Estimated Weight
(in pounds)
412
500-700
1,000-1,800
1,800-2,700
300
10-14
12-22
12
39.4 Ib
53.3 Ib lead and
plastic
9.5 Ib lead and
plastic
50-75
250-430
1.5
0.9
150
850
22
64.2
92
130
-------
Category Recyclable Materials
(u/c = uncompacted/
compacted & baled)
METALS (cont'd) Freezers
Microwave ovens
Ranges
Refrigerators
Washers (clothes)
Water heaters
PAPER NewspaperF:
Uncompacted
Compacted/baled
12 in. stack
Old Corrugated Containers'1:
Uncompacted
Compacted
Baled
Computer PaperF:
Uncompacted (stacked)
Compacted/baled
1 case
White LedgerF:
Stacked (u/c)
Crumpled (u/c)
Ream of 20# bond; 8-1/2 in. x 11 in.
Ream of 20# bond; 8-1/2 in. x 14 in.
White ledger pads
Tab CardsF:
Uncompacted
Compacted/baled
Miscellaneous Paper:
Yellow legal padsF
Colored message padsF
Telephone directories'
Mixed Ledger/Office PaperF:
Flat (u/c)
Crumpled (u/c)
Volume
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 yd3
1 yd3
-
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
2,800 sheets
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 ream = 500 sheets
1 ream = 500 sheets
1 case = 72 pads
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 case = 72 pads
1 carton = 144 pads
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
Estimated Weight
(in pounds)
193
50
181.1
267
177
131
360-505
720-1,000
35
50-150 (300)H
300-500
700-1,100
655
1,310
42
375-465/755-925
110-205/325
5
6.4
38
605
1,215-1,350
38
22
250
380/755
110-205/610
60 Appendix B ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H
-------
Category
PLASTICJ
TEXTILES'
TIRES
Recyclable Materials
(u/c = uncompacted/
compacted & baled)
PET (Soda Bottles):
Whole bottles (uncompacted)
Whole bottles (compacted)
Whole bottles (uncompacted)
Baled
Granulated
Granulated
8 bottles (2 L size)
HOPE (Dairy):
Whole (uncompacted)
Whole (compacted)
Baled
HOPE (Mixed):
Baled
Granulated
Granulated
Other Plastic:
Uncompacted
Compacted/baled
Mixed PET and HOPE (Dairy):
Whole (uncompacted)
Film:
Baled
Baled
Mixed textiles
Car Tires:
Volume
Estimated Weight
(in pounds)
1 yd3
1 yd3
gay lord
30 in. x 62 in.
semiload
gay lord
16 L
1 yd3
1 yd3
32 in. x 60 in.
32 in. x 60 in.
gay lord
semiload
1 yd3
1 yd3
30-40
515
40-53
500-550
30,000
700-750
1
24
270
400-500
900
800-1,000
42,000
50
400-700
1 yd3
32
semiload 44,000
30 in. x 42 in. x 48 in. 1,100
1 yd3 175
Whole tireE
Crumb rubberK
Truck Tires:
Whole tireE
Crumb rubberK
WOOD Wood chips1
PalletsF
1 tire
1 tire
1 tire
1 tire
1 yd3
-
21
12
70
60
625
30-100 (40 avg.)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H Standard Volume-to- Weight Conversion Factors 6 I
-------
Category
YARD TRIMMINGSF
FURNISHINGSE
MUNICIPAL
SOLID WASTEM
Recyclable Materials
(u/c = uncompacted/
compacted & baled)
Grass Clippings:
Uncompacted
Compacted
Leaves:
Uncompacted
Compacted
Vacuumed
Foam rubber mattress
Residential waste
(uncompacted at curb)
Commercial-industrial waste
(uncompacted)
MSW (compacted in truck)
MSW (landfill density)
Volume
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 mattress
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
1 yd3
Estimated Weight
(in pounds)
350-450
550-1,500
200-250
300-450
350
55
150-300
300-600
500-1,000
750-1,250
Conversion Table Sources:
Alnformation 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.
DBattery 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.
GPersonal communication with a representative from the Steel Recycling Institute. November 1, 1995.
Hlnformation obtained from New Jersey and New York States.
' 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.
MSolid Waste Association of North America, Manager of Landfill Operations Training and Certification Course. January 1989.
Revised June 1991 and October 1994.
Appendix B
-------
Introduction to the Survey Forms
The 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
total, each uniquely tailored for a
specific point in the waste manage-
ment system. Forms 1-3 allow for
the collection of data on the
amount of MSW recycled in your
state or locality and address collec-
tors, processors, and end users of
recyclables, respectively. Forms 4-6
allow for the collection of data on
the amount of MSW disposed of in
your state or locality and address
waste collectors, transfer stations,
and disposal facilities, respectively.
In addition to MSW, each survey
form also allows data to be collect-
ed on materials not considered to
be MSW (referred to as "other solid
waste" and "other recyclables").
As discussed in Section 4, deter-
mining who to survey is a critical
step in the design of your recycling
measurement system, and you are
allowed flexibility in selecting
which points in the chain to survey.
In order to obtain data on both
MSW recycling and disposal, you
will want to use two of the survey
forms at a minimum, one from
each group. You may choose, how-
ever, to use more than two or even
all six of the survey forms, depend-
ing on your particular surveying
approach. Table 13 describes each
of the survey forms, including the
purpose and who should complete
the form.
Survey Forms
-------
TABLE 13. SURVEY FORMS
SURVEY
FORM
Form 1
TITLE
Collectors of
WHO SHOULD COMPLETE
THE FORM
Private recycling haulers
PURPOSE
To collect data on
the amount of MSW
Form 2
Form 3
Form 4
Form 5
Form 6
Recyclables
Processors of
Recyclables
End Users of
Recyclables
Collectors of
MSW and
Other Solid
Waste
Transfer
Stations
Waste
Disposal
Facilities
Government agencies with collection
crews or contracts
Large generators that self-haul directly
to a processor or end user
Material recovery facilities (MRFs)
Buy-back centers
Drop-off centers
Scrap metal processors
Paper processors
Glass beneficiation plants
Plastic processors
Tire processors
Yard trimmings processors
Transfer stations that recover recyclables
from waste on site
Public and private composting facilities
Recycling plants
Disposal facilities that recover
recyclables from waste on site
Private waste haulers
Government agencies with collection
crews or contracts
Large generators that self-haul directly
to a processor or end user
Public and private transfer stations
Public and private landfills
Public and private incinerators
Public and private waste-to-energy
facilities
recyclables and other recyclables collected
from residential and commercial sources in
your state or locality during the current
measurement year.
To collect data on the amount of MSW
recyclables and other recyclables from
residential and commercial sources in your
state or locality processed during the current
measurement year by MRFs, buy-back
centers, and other processors.
To collect data on the amount of MSW
recyclables and other recyclables from
residential and commercial sources in your
state or locality accepted during the current
measurement year by recycling mills and
composting facilities.
To collect data on the amount of MSW and
other types of solid waste collected from
residential and commercial sources in your
state or locality during the current
measurement year.
To collect data on the amount of MSW and
other types of solid waste from residential
and commercial sources in your state or
locality processed during the current
measurement year by transfer stations.
To collect data on the amount of MSW and
other types of solid waste from residential
and commercial sources in your state or
locality accepted during the current
measurement year by disposal facilities.
Appendix C
-------
About This Form
Collectors of Recyclables
Use this form to collect information on the amount of recyclable* 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.
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
-------
Collectors of Recyclables
^t^^B
H
^|
^|
I
^H
1
H
H
i
8/11/97
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: D Private Hauler D Large Generator
D Government Agency With a Collection Crew or a Collection Contract
Certification
1 certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
Name and Title Signature Date
-------
I. Instructions
/ 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
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
2
8/11/97
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) recyclables collectec
in during the sta
state or locality ~
MSW Recycling table for specific examples of wha
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Commingled Materials
(describe in Comments section below)
Food Waste
I from residential and commercial sources
ted reporting period. Refer to the Scope of
t to include as recycling.
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
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
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
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
3
8/11/97
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
Other Recyclables:
Subtotal Other Recydables
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:
4
8/11/97
-------
2B. Other types of recyclables collected from
during the stated reporting period.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Agricultural Waste
Automobile Bodies
Combustion Ash
sources in
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors Used?
AMOUNT RECEIVED (tons)
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:
5
8/11/97
-------
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.
Paper Processors.
Glass Beneficiation Plants.
Plastic Processors.
Tire Processors.
Material Recovery Facilities.
Yard Trimmings Processors.
Buy-Back Centers.
Drop-Off Centers.
Transfer Stations 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.
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
8/11/97
-------
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
Telephone: ( }
Name of Contact:
Are You a: D Scrap Metal Processor
D Glass Beneficiation Plant
D Material Recovery Facility
D Tire Processor
Zip
FAX:f ^
Title:
D Paper Processor D
D Plastic Processor D
D Buy-Back Center
D Yard Trimmings Processor
Drop-Off Center
Other
Certification
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
-------
I. Instructions
/ 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
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
2
8/11/97
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) recyclables receivec
in during the s
state or locality
MSW Recycling table for specific examples of wh;
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Commingled Materials
(describe in Comments section below)
Food Waste
from residential and commercial sources
tated reporting period. Refer to the Scope of
it to include as recycling.
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
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
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
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
3
8/11/97
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
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:
4
8/11/97
-------
2B. Other types of recyclables received from s<
during the stated reporting period.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Agricultural Waste
Automobile Bodies
Combustion Ash
Durces in
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion Factors
Used?
AMOUNT PROCESSED (tons)
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:
5
8/11/97
-------
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.
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
8/11/97
-------
End Users of Recyclables
H
1
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^|
I
^H
^H
H
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8/11/97
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: f ^ FAX: ( }
Name of Contact: Title:
Are You a: D Composting Facility D Recycling Plant D Disposal Facility
D Other
Certification
1 certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
Name and Title Signature Date
-------
I. Instructions
/ 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
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
2
8/11/97
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) recyclables received
in during t
state or locality ~
MSW Recycling table for specific examples of wh;
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Commingled Materials
(describe in Comments section below)
Food Waste
from residential and commercial sources
ie stated reporting period. Refer to the Scope of
it to include as recycling.
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
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
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
Paper:
Old Magazines
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
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
3
8/11/97
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Commercial
(tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL
(tons)
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:
4
8/11/97
-------
2B. Other types of recyclables received from
during the stated reporting period.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Agricultural Waste
Automobile Bodies
Combustion Ash
sources in
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors Used?
AMOUNT RECEIVED (tons)
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:
5
8/11/97
-------
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.
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
-------
Collectors of Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) and Other Solid Waste
^1 ^B
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1
1
8/11/97
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: D Private Hauler D Large Generator
D Government Agency With a Collection Crew or a Collection Contract
Certification
1 certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
Name and Title Signature Date
-------
I. Instructions
/ 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
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.
1 2. Waste Data
9
2
8/11/97
2A. Municipal solid waste (MSW) collected from residen!
in dur
state or locality
stations or disposal facilities (e.g., landfills, incinerate
Refer to the attached Scope of MSW table for exam
TYPE OF NSW
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the repor
If they are estimates,
Explanation of estim
Amount Hauled
to a Transfer
Station or Disposal
Facility in
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
tial and commercial sources
ing the stated reporting period and hauled to transfer
rs, and waste-to-energy facilities).
pies of what to include as MSW.
Amount Exported
to a Transfer
Station or Disposal
Facility Outside of
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
TOTAL (tons)
ted quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
explain how they were determined below.
ates:
-------
3
8/11/97
2B. MSW collected from residential and commercial sources outside of
state or locality
during the stated reporting period but hauled to a transfer station or disposal facility
in
state or locality
IMPORTS
TYPE OF MSW Were EPA Conversion
Factors Used?
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (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:
2C. Other types of solid waste collected from sources
stated reporting period. Refer to the attached Sc
Other Solid Waste.
OTHER SOLID WASTE
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)
Amount Hauled
to a
Transfer Station
or Disposal
Facility in
state or locality
in durir
state or locality
ope of MSW table for examples of what to in
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Amount Exported
to a
Transfer Station
or Disposal
Facility Outside of
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
ig the
elude as
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:
-------
2D. Other solid waste collected from sources outside of
state or locality
during the stated reporting period but hauled to a transfer station or disposal facility
in
state or locality
IMPORTS
OTHER SOLID WASTE
Were EPA
Conversion Factors
Used?
TOTAL (tons)
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:
4
8/11/97
-------
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.
8/11/97
-------
Transfer Stations
m
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^H
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8/11/97
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:
Certification
1 certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
Name and Title Signature Date
-------
I. Instructions
/ 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
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 resk
in during
state or locality ~
facilities (e.g., landfills, incinerators, and waste-to
Refer to the attached Scope of MSW table for e>
TYPE OF
NSW
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Are any of the
If they areestirr
Explanation of
Amount Hauled
to a
Disposal Facility in
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
dential and commercial sources
the stated reporting period and hauled to disposal
-energy facilities).
-------
2B. MSW received from residential and commercial sources outside of
during the stated reporting period but hauled to a disposal facility in
state or locality
state or locality
IMPORTS
TYPE OF NSW
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Were EPA Conversion
Factors Used?
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
2C. Other types of solid waste received from sou re
during the stated reporting period. Refer to the
include as Other Solid Waste.
OTHER
SOLID WASTE
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)
Amount
Hauled to a
Disposal
Facility in
state or locality
es in
state or locality
attached Scope of MSW table for examples of what to
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Amount
Exported to a
Disposal Facility
Outside of
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
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:
-------
2D. Other solid waste received from sources outside of
during the stated reporting period but hauled to a disposal facility in
state or locality
state or locality
IMPORTS
OTHER SOLID WASTE
Were EPA Conversion
Factors Used?
TOTAL (tons)
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:
4
8/11/97
-------
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.
4. Fill in the name of your state or locality throughout the form where indicated.
8/11/97
-------
Waste Disposal Facilities
H
1
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^|
I
^H
^H
H
H
i
8/11/97
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: f ^ FAX: ( }
Name of Contact: Title:
Are You a: D Landfill D Incinerator D Waste-to-Energy Facility
D Other
Certification
1 certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information reported in this form is accurate and truthful.
Name and Title Signature Date
-------
I. Instructions
/ 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
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 res
in during
state or locality
TYPE OF NSW
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Were EPA Conversion
Factors Used?
I
dential and commercial sources
; the stated reporting period.
AMOUNT RECEIVED (tons)
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 received from residential and commercial sources outside of
during the stated reporting period.
TYPE OF NSW
Residential
Commercial
TOTAL (tons)
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors Used?
Are any of the reported quantities estimates,
If they are estimates, explain how they were det
Explanation of estimates:
state or locality
AMOUNT RECEIVED (tons)
.e., guesses?
ermined below.
3
8/11/97
2C. Other types of solid waste received during the stated reporting period.
OTHER SOLID WASTE
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)
Natural Disaster Debris (tons)
Other (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
SOURCE
Inside
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Outside of
state or locality
Were EPA
Conversion
Factors
Used?
Are any of the reported quantities estimates, i.e., guesses?
If they are estimates, explain how they were determined below.
Explanation of estimates:
-------
I
ecych
orksheets
Introduction to
the Worksheets
Worksheet A
Use this worksheet if you have
already calculated a recycling rate
for your state or locality and sim-
ply want to calculate a revised
recycling rate based on the stan-
dard equation. Worksheet A helps
you translate your current data on
recycling and disposal so that the
data match the standard defini-
tions of municipal solid waste
(MSW) and recycling outlined in
this guide.
Worksheets B1,
B2, and B3
These three worksheets are
intended both for those states and
localities that are measuring recy-
cling for the first time and want to
use the standard methodology out-
lined in this guide and for those
that wish to redesign their current
recycling measurement system
according to the standard method-
ology. These worksheets allow you
to compile data reported on the
survey forms and calculate an
MSW recycling rate.
Worksheet Bl is used to aggre-
gate data on MSW recycling, as
reported by respondents on Survey
Forms 1, 2, and 3. The worksheet
allows you to determine the total
amount of MSW recycled in your
jurisdiction during the current
measurement year, which is the
numerator of the standard recy-
cling rate equation.
Worksheet B2 is used to aggre-
gate data on MSW disposal, as
reported by respondents on Survey
Forms 4, 5, and 6. The worksheet
allows you to determine the total
amount of MSW disposed of in
your jurisdiction during the cur-
rent measurement year, which
when added to the total amount of
MSW recycled (from Worksheet
Bl) is the total amount of MSW
generated, or the denominator of
the standard recycling rate equa-
tion. Worksheet B2 also can be
used to estimate the total amount
of MSW generated if actual dispos-
al data are not available or reliable.
Worksheet B3
This worksheet is used to com-
bine the totals obtained in
Worksheets Bl and B2 to calculate
a standard recycling rate.
Recycling Rate Worksheets | Q7
-------
Converting to the
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
Recycling Rate (%)
Total MSW Recycled
Total MSW Generated
(MSW Recycled + MSW Disposed Of)
x 100
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:
State and local governments that currently have a recycling measurement system in place and
have previously calculated a recycling rate.
8/11/97
-------
What You Will Need:
A list of the types of solid waste and recyclables included in your current recycling rate.
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
page 11 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.
2
8/11/97
-------
Converting to the Standard Recycling Rate
I. Calculating Waste Disposal
3
8/11/97
1 A. 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 NSW
TOTAL ADDITIONAL NSW (tons)
ANOUNT DISPOSED OF (tons)
1 B. 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.
IB.
NATERIALS EXCLUDED FRON NSW
Abatement Debris
Agricultural Waste
Asphalt
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
Industrial Sludges
ANNUAL ANOUNT
DISPOSED OF (tons)
-------
IB.
MATERIALS EXCLUDED FROM NSW
Mining Waste
Municipal Sludges
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
Disposed Of Additional MSW Excluded Wastes
(based on your most (from 1A) (from 1B)
recent data)
ANNUAL AMOUNT
DISPOSED OF (tons)
Total
MSW Disposed Of
(tons)
4
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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.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Commingled Materials
Food Waste
TOTAL (tons)
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
-------
5
8/11/97
2A.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
TOTAL (tons)
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
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
HOPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
TOTAL (tons)
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
6
8/11/97
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
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 1 B)
Reuse (see Scope of MSW Recycling table)
Source Reduction
TOTAL (tons)
AMOUNT RECOVERED (TONS)
2C. Total MSW Recycled
Total Waste Recycled
(based on your most
recent data)
Total
Additional Recycling
(from 2A)
Total
Excluded Amount
(from 26)
Total
MSW Recycled
(tons)
-------
3. Calculating a Standard Recycling Rate
3A. MSW Recycling Rate (%
Total MSW
Recycled
(from 2Q
Total MSW
Recycled
(from 2Q
Total MSW
Disposed Of
(from 1C)
x 100 =
MSW
Recycling Rate
7
8/11/97
-------
Determining the Amount of
Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Recycled
Use this worksheet to compile recycling data reported 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.
8/11/97
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.
/ 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
to convert the data into tons.
-------
I. Residential Recycling Data
2
8/11/97
1 A. For each recyclable material, total the data reported by each collector in the Residential column of
Form 1, Part 2A. Do the same for the data reported by processors (Form 2, Part 2 A) and then end users
(Form 3, Part 2 A).
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.
IA.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Food Waste
Survey Respondent
Collectors
(tons)
Processors
(tons)
End Users
(tons)
TOTAL (tons)
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
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
-------
IA.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Survey Respondent
Collectors
(tons)
Processors
(tons)
End Users
(tons)
TOTAL (tons)
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
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:
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
3
8/11/97
-------
IB. If you received data from survey respondents on Commingled Materials for residential programs, use the
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 1 A. You will need to complete this exercise for each different type of commingled mix reported on
the survey forms.
Step /:
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.
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%).
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).
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 1 A.
Reference Data:
4
8/11/97
Recovery of Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1995 '
Product
Aluminum Cans
Corrugated Boxes
Glass
Magazines
Newspaper
Office Paper
Plastic Bottles
Steel Cans
Telephone Directories
Third Class Mail
Amount Recovered (in thousands of tons)
990
18,480
3,140
670
6,960
3,010
490
1,500
60
710
U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC. (Please use the latest available version.)
-------
IB.
Example:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1 )
Aluminum Cans
Steel Cans
Glass Bottles
Percentage (from Step 2)
19%
27%
54%
Tons (from Step 3)*
190 tons
270 tons
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)
5
8/11/97
-------
i
2. Commercial Recycling Data
2A. For each recyclable material, total the data reported by each collector in the Commercial column of
Form 1, Part 2A. Do the same for the data reported by processors (Form 2, Part 2A) and then end users
(Form 3, Part 2 A).
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.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Food Waste
Survey Respondent
Collectors
(tons)
Processors
(tons)
End Users
(tons)
TOTAL (tons)
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
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
6
8/11/97
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
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:
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
Collectors
(tons)
Survey Respondent
Processors
(tons)
End Users
(tons)
TOTAL (tons)
7
8/11/97
-------
2B. If you received data from survey respondents on Commingled Materials for commercial programs, use the
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
the survey forms.
Step /:
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.
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%).
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).
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:
8
8/11/97
Recovery of Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1995 '
Product
Aluminum Cans
Corrugated Boxes
Glass
Magazines
Newspaper
Office Paper
Plastic Bottles
Steel Cans
Telephone Directories
Third Class Mail
Amount Recovered (in thousands of tons)
990
18,480
3,140
670
6,960
3,010
490
1,500
60
710
U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC. (Please use the latest available version.)
-------
2B.
Example:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1)
Aluminum Cans
Steel Cans
Glass Bottles
Percentage (from Step 2)
19%
27%
54%
Tons (from Step 3)*
190 tons
270 tons
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)
9
8/11/97
-------
i
3. Total Recycling Data
10
8/11/97
3A. If you used the double counting exercise, in the table below enter the circled data from Parts 1 and 2 for
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.
3A.
Recyclable
Material
Food Waste
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential _i_ Commercial _
(tons) (tons) _^_ Total (tons)
I
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
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
PVC
LDPE
-------
3A.
Recyclable
Material
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential Commercial _
(tons) """ (tons) ~~ Total (tons)
1 ' ii
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
TOTAL (tons)
This is the
numerator of the
recycling rate
equation
(for Worksheet B3).
8/11/97
-------
Determining Waste
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 reported on the
standard survey forms (Parts I and 2), or for estimating waste generation if actual
disposal data are not available or reliable (Part 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 data obtained in Worksheet B1 to calculate a recycling rate in Worksheet B3.
8/11/97
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
complete this worksheet. If it is not in tons, use the standard volume-to-weight conversion factors
to convert the data into tons.
-------
Determining Waste Generation
I. Compiling Waste Disposal Data
Complete this section if you have current survey data on waste disposal.
IA. 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.
NSW REMAINING
INSIDE THE STATE OR
LOCALITY
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
Survey Respondent
Collectors
Transfer
Stations
Disposal
Facilities
TOTAL (tons)
IB. 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.
Repeat the above procedure for commercial MSW.
NSW EXPORTS
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
Survey Respondent
Collectors
Transfer Stations
TOTAL (tons)
2
8/11/97
-------
3
8/11/97
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
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
MCW IMPftRTC
Collectors Transfer Sta
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
TftTAI ftnnc)
tions
1 D. Total Residential MSW Disposed Of
+ - =
MSW Remaining MSW Exports MSW Imports
Inside the State or Locality (from IB) (from 1C)
(from 1A)
Total Residential
MSW Disposed Of
(tons)
1 E. Total Commercial MSW Disposed Of
+ - =
MSW Remaining MSW Exports MSW Imports
Inside the State or Locality (from IB) (from 1C)
(from 1A)
Total Commercial
MSW Disposed Of
(tons)
IF. Total MSW Disposed Of
+ =
Total Residential MSW Total Commercial MSW
(from 1D) (from 1E)
Total MSW Disposed Of
(tons)
IG. Total MSW Generated
+ =
Total MSW Disposed Of Total MSW Recycled
(from 1F) (from Worksheet B1, Part 3)
Total MSW Generated
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation
(for Worksheet B3).
-------
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 NSW generation. In
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
(from 1G)
Estimated Population
(from 2A)
Per Capita Waste
Generation
2D. Extrapolated MSW Generation:
X =
Per Capita Waste Generation Current Measurement Year
(from 1C) Total Population
Extrapolated MSW
Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation
(for Worksheet B3).
4
8/11/97
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3. Using Waste Characterization Data to Determine
Waste Generation
Complete this section if you do not have the resources or authority to conduct annual
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 NSW 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
Generated
(from study)
Total Population
(year of study)
Per Capita Waste
Generation
2) Estimated Waste Generation:
Per Capita Waste
Generation
Current Measurement Year
Total Population
Estimated MSW
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:
Current Measurement Year
Total Population
0.78 tons/person/year*
Estimated Waste
Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation.
(for Worksheet B3).
5
8/11/97
"U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization Study of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC.
-------
Calculating Your
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.
-------
I. Calculating Your Municipal Solid Waste Recycling Rate
Calculate your state or local MSW recycling rate according to the following equation:
x 100 =
Total MSW Recycled
(from Worksheet B1,
Pan 3)
Total MSW Generated
(from Worksheet 82,
Part1G,2D,3A,or3B)
Municipal Solid Waste
Recycling Rate (%)
2
8/11/97
-------
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL
AGENCIES
ALABAMA
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
Land Division - Recycling Office
1751 Congressman Dickinson Drive
P.O. Box 301463
Montgomery, AL 36130-1463
334 270-5651
ALASKA
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Pollution Prevention Office
3601 C Street, Suite 1334
Anchorage, AK 99503
907 269-7500
ARIZONA
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Solid Waste Unit
3033 North Central Avenue, Fifth Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602 207-4123
ARKANSAS
Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and
Ecology
Recycling Division
8101 National Drive
P.O. Box 8913
Little Rock, AR 72219-8913
501 682-0744
CALIFORNIA
California Integrated Waste Management Board
Waste Prevention and Education Division
Residential and Business Education Section/Waste
Prevention Program Development Section
8800 Cal Center Drive
Sacramento, CA 95826
800 553-2962 (Hotline)
916 255-INFO (Information exchange)
COLORADO
Governor's Office of Energy Conservation
1675 Broadway, Suite 1300
Denver, CO 80202-4613
303 620-4292
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Waste Management Bureau
Office of Recycling and Source Reduction
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
860 424-3365
DELAWARE
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control
Division of Air and Waste Management
P.O. Box 455
Dover, DE 19903-0455
302 739-4764
Resources
-------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Department of Public Works
Office of Recycling
65 K Street, NE., Lower Level
Washington, DC 20002
202 727-5856
FLORIDA
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Waste Management
Bureau of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Waste Reduction Section
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, PL 32301
904 488-0300
GEORGIA
Department of Natural Resources
Pollution Prevention Assistance Division
7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 450
Atlanta, GA 30334
404 651-5124
HAWAII
Department of Health
Office of Solid Waste Management
919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Third Floor
Honolulu, HI 96814
808 586-4240
IDAHO
Department of Environmental Quality
1410 North Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
208 334-5860
ILLINOIS
Illinois Department of Commerce and Community
Affairs
Office of Recycling and Waste Reduction
325 West Adams Street, Room 300
Springfield, IL 62704-1892
217 785-2800
INDIANA
Department of Environmental Management
Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical
Assistance
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Avenue
P.O. Box 6015
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6015
312 232-8172
800 451-6027 (Hotline)
IOWA
Department of Natural Resources
Waste Management Assistance Division
Waste Reduction Assistance Program (WRAP)
The Wallace Building
900 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
515 281-8927
KANSAS
Department of Health and Environment
700 SW. Harrison Street, Suite 1300
Topeka, KS 66603
913 296-7483
KENTUCKY
Resources Management Branch
Division of Waste Management
Resource Conservation Section
14 Rilley Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
502 564-6716
LOUISIANA
Department of Environmental Quality
Solid Waste Recycling Section
P.O. Box 82178-2178
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
504 765-0249
I 38 Appendix E
-------
MAINE
Maine Waste Management Agency
Office of State Planning
State House Station 154
Augusta, ME 04333
207 287-5300
MARYLAND
Department of the Environment
Division of Recycling
2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224
410 631-3315
MASSACHUSETTS
Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Solid Waste Management
1 Winter Street, Fourth Floor
Boston, MA 02108
617 556-1079
800 462-0444
MICHIGAN
Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division
Office of Waste Reduction Services
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, MI 48909-7504
517 373-3866
800 NO-2-WASTE (Hotline)
MISSISSIPPI
Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Pollution Control
Waste Reduction/Waste Minimization Program
P.O. Box 10385
Jackson, MS 39289
601 961-5241
MISSOURI
Division of Environmental Quality
Solid Waste Management Program
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
314 751-5401
MONTANA
Montana Department of Health and Environmental
Sciences
Solid Waste Program
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
406 444-1430
NEBRASKA
Department of Environmental Quality
Air and Waste Management Division
Integrated Waste Management Section
P.O. Box 98922
Lincoln, NE 68509-9822
402 471-4210
MINNESOTA
Office of Environmental Assistance
520 Lafayette Road North, Second Floor
St. Paul, MN 55155-4100
612 296-3417
800 657-3843 (Hotline)
NEVADA
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP)
Solid Waste Branch
333 West Nye Lane
Carson City, NV 89710
702 687-4670
Resources
-------
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Governor's Recycling Program
2 V-i Beacon Street
Concord, NH 03301
603 271-1098
NEW JERSEY
Department of Environmental Protection and Energy
Division of Solid Waste Management
Office of Recycling and Planning
Bureau of Source Reduction and Market Development
840 Bear Tavern Road (CN414)
Trenton, NJ 08625-0414
609 984-3438
NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Environmental Department
Solid Waste Bureau
Harold Runnels Building
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87503
505 827-0197
NEW YORK
Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials
Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling
50 Wolf Road, Room 228
Albany, NY 12233-4015
518 457-7337
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Health and Natural Resources
Office of Waste Reduction
3825 Barrett Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609
919 571-4100
NORTH DAKOTA
Division of Waste Management
North Dakota State Department of Health and
Consolidated Laboratories
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58502-5520
701 328-5166
OHIO
Department of Natural Resources
Recycling and Litter Prevention Division
1889 Fountain Square Court, Building F2
Columbus, OH 43224
614 265-6376
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management
Pollution Prevention
1800 WaterMark Drive
P.O. Box 163669
Columbus, OH 43216-3669
614 644-2802
OKLAHOMA
Department of Environmental Quality
Public Information and Education
100 NE. 10th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1212
405 271-7353
OREGON
Department of Environmental Quality
Waste Management and Cleanup Division
811 SW. Sixth Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503 229-6046
I 40 Appendix E
-------
PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Environmental Resources
Waste Minimization and Planning
Source Reduction Section
P.O. Box 8472
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8472
717 787-7382
RHODE ISLAND
Department of Environmental Management
Office of Environmental Coordination
83 Park Street, Third Floor
Providence, RI 02903
401 277-3434
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control
Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803 734-5000
800 768-7348 (Hotline)
SOUTH DAKOTA
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Waste Prevention and Recycling
523 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
605 773-5559
TENNESSEE
Department of Environment and Conservation
Bureau of Resource Management
Division of Solid Waste Assistance
14th Floor, L & C Tower
401 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37243-0455
615 532-0072
TEXAS
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(TNRCC)
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
512 239-1000
UTAH
Department of Environmental Quality
Pollution Prevention Program
P.O. Box 144810
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4810
801 536-4400
VERMONT
Department of Environmental Conservation
Pollution Prevention and Education Division
103 South Main Street
Waterbury VT 05671-0402
802 241-3444
VIRGINIA
Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Litter Prevention and Recycling
P.O. Box 10009
Richmond, VA 23240-0009
804 762-4451
WASHINGTON
Department of Ecology
Solid Waste Services Program
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
360 407-6093
800 RECYCLE or 800 LITTERS
Resources
-------
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
I 42 Appendix E
-------
^^r^^H_
Sample Language for Free
Information Act Exemption
Excerpt From Florida
Statute Section
403.7046, "Regulation
of Recovered Materials"
(1) After January 1, 1994, any
person who handles, purchases,
receives, recovers, sells, or is an
end use of recovered materials
shall annually certify to the depart-
ment on forms provided by the
department. The department may
by rule exempt from this require-
ment generators of recovered
materials, persons who handle or
sell recovered materials as an activ-
ity which is incidental to the nor-
mal primary business activities of
that person, or persons who han-
dle, purchase, receive, recover, sell,
or are end users of recovered mate-
rials in small quantities as defined
by the department. The depart-
ment shall adopt rules for the certi-
fication of and reporting by such
persons and shall establish criteria
for revocation of such certification.
Prior to the adoption of such rules,
the department shall appoint a
technical advisory committee of no
more than nine persons, including
at a minimum, representatives of
the Florida Association of
Counties, the Florida League of
Cities, the Florida Recyclers
Association, and the Florida
Chapter of the National Solid
Waste Management Association, to
aid in the development of such
rules. Such rules shall be designed
to elicit, at a minimum, the amount
and types of recovered materials
handled by registrants, and the
amount and disposal site, or name
of person with whom such dispos-
al was arranged, or any solid waste
generated by such facility. Such
rules may provide for the depart-
ment to conduct periodic inspec-
tions. The department may charge
a fee of up to $50 for each registra-
tion, which shall be deposited into
the Solid Waste Management Trust
Fund for implementation of the
program.
(2) Information reported pur-
suant to the requirements of this
section or any rule adopted pur-
suant to this section which, if dis-
closed, would reveal a trade secret,
as defined in s. 812.081(l)(c), is
confidential and exempt from the
provisions of s. 119.07(1). This
exemption is subject to the Open
Government Sunset Review Act in
accordance with s. 119.14. For
reporting or information purposes,
however, the department may pro-
vide this information in such form
that the names of the persons
reporting such information and the
specific information reported is not
revealed.
(3) Except as otherwise provid-
ed in this section or pursuant to a
special act in effect on or before
January 1,1993, a local government
may not require a commercial
establishment that generates
source-separated recovered materi-
als to sell or otherwise convey its
recovered materials to the local
government or to a facility desig-
nated by the local government, nor
may the local government restrict
such a generator's right to sell or
otherwise convey such recovered
materials to any properly certified
recovered materials dealer who has
satisfied the requirements of this
section. A local government may
not enact any ordinance that pre-
vents such a dealer from entering
into a contract with a commercial
establishment to purchase, collect,
transport, process, or receive
source-separated recovered materi-
als.
(a) The local government may
require that the recovered materi-
als generated at the commercial
establishment be source separated
at the premises of the commercial
establishment.
(b) Prior to engaging in business
within the jurisdiction of the local
government, a recovered materials
dealer must provide the local gov-
ernment with a copy of the certifi-
cation provided for this section. In
addition, the local government
may establish a registration
process whereby a recovered mate-
rials dealer must register with the
local government prior to engaging
in business with the jurisdiction of
the local government.
-------
{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)
-------
{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)
I 46 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)
-------
Adjusting Waste Generation
-------
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
contact the California Integrated Waste Management Board at 916 255-2341.
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):
CPI
ry
CPIr
TSRn
Adjusted Taxable
Transactions (T)
(current
measurement
year)
8/11/97
-------
C. Commercial Adjustment Factor (CAP):
ry
TSR
T
-2=
ry
Commercial
Adjustment
Factor (CAF)
D. Residential Adjustment Factor (RAF):
Pm Pry
CAFm "" Residential
Adjustment Factor (RAF)
E. Adjusted Waste Generation (current measurement year):
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
-------
Converting to the
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
Recycling Rate (%)
Total MSW Recycled
Total MSW Generated
(MSW Recycled + MSW Disposed Of)
x 100
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:
State and local governments that currently have a recycling measurement system in place and
have previously calculated a recycling rate.
8/11/97
-------
What You Will Need:
A list of the types of solid waste and recyclables included in your current recycling rate.
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
page 11 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.
2
8/11/97
-------
Converting to the Standard Recycling Rate
I. Calculating Waste Disposal
3
8/11/97
1 A. 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 NSW
TOTAL ADDITIONAL NSW (tons)
ANOUNT DISPOSED OF (tons)
1 B. 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.
IB.
NATERIALS EXCLUDED FRON NSW
Abatement Debris
Agricultural Waste
Asphalt
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
Industrial Sludges
ANNUAL ANOUNT
DISPOSED OF (tons)
-------
IB.
MATERIALS EXCLUDED FROM NSW
Mining Waste
Municipal Sludges
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
Disposed Of Additional MSW Excluded Wastes
(based on your most (from 1A) (from 1B)
recent data)
ANNUAL AMOUNT
DISPOSED OF (tons)
Total
MSW Disposed Of
(tons)
4
8/11/97
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.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Commingled Materials
Food Waste
TOTAL (tons)
Glass Containers:
Clear
Amber
Green
Mixed Glass
Other Glass
Subtotal Glass
Lead-Acid Batteries
-------
5
8/11/97
2A.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
TOTAL (tons)
Metals:
Aluminum Cans
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
HOPE
PVC
LDPE
PP
PS
Mixed Plastic
Other Plastic
Subtotal Plastic
Textiles
Tires
Wood:
Wood Packaging
Other Wood
Subtotal Wood
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
TOTAL (tons)
Yard Trimmings:
Brush and Branches
Grass
Leaves
Tree Stumps
Mixed Yard Trimmings
Subtotal Yard Trimmings
Other Recyclables:
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
6
8/11/97
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
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 1 B)
Reuse (see Scope of MSW Recycling table)
Source Reduction
TOTAL (tons)
AMOUNT RECOVERED (TONS)
2C. Total MSW Recycled
Total Waste Recycled
(based on your most
recent data)
Total
Additional Recycling
(from 2A)
Total
Excluded Amount
(from 26)
Total
MSW Recycled
(tons)
-------
3. Calculating a Standard Recycling Rate
3A. MSW Recycling Rate (%
Total MSW
Recycled
(from 2Q
Total MSW
Recycled
(from 2Q
Total MSW
Disposed Of
(from 1C)
x 100 =
MSW
Recycling Rate
7
8/11/97
-------
Determining the Amount of
Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Recycled
Use this worksheet to compile recycling data reported 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.
8/11/97
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.
/ 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
to convert the data into tons.
-------
I. Residential Recycling Data
2
8/11/97
1 A. For each recyclable material, total the data reported by each collector in the Residential column of
Form 1, Part 2A. Do the same for the data reported by processors (Form 2, Part 2 A) and then end users
(Form 3, Part 2 A).
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.
IA.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Food Waste
Survey Respondent
Collectors
(tons)
Processors
(tons)
End Users
(tons)
TOTAL (tons)
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
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
-------
IA.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Survey Respondent
Collectors
(tons)
Processors
(tons)
End Users
(tons)
TOTAL (tons)
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
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:
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
3
8/11/97
-------
IB. If you received data from survey respondents on Commingled Materials for residential programs, use the
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 1 A. You will need to complete this exercise for each different type of commingled mix reported on
the survey forms.
Step /:
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.
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%).
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).
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 1 A.
Reference Data:
4
8/11/97
Recovery of Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1995 '
Product
Aluminum Cans
Corrugated Boxes
Glass
Magazines
Newspaper
Office Paper
Plastic Bottles
Steel Cans
Telephone Directories
Third Class Mail
Amount Recovered (in thousands of tons)
990
18,480
3,140
670
6,960
3,010
490
1,500
60
710
U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC. (Please use the latest available version.)
-------
IB.
Example:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1 )
Aluminum Cans
Steel Cans
Glass Bottles
Percentage (from Step 2)
19%
27%
54%
Tons (from Step 3)*
190 tons
270 tons
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)
5
8/11/97
-------
i
2. Commercial Recycling Data
2A. For each recyclable material, total the data reported by each collector in the Commercial column of
Form 1, Part 2A. Do the same for the data reported by processors (Form 2, Part 2A) and then end users
(Form 3, Part 2 A).
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.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Food Waste
Survey Respondent
Collectors
(tons)
Processors
(tons)
End Users
(tons)
TOTAL (tons)
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
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other Paper
Subtotal Paper
6
8/11/97
-------
2A.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIAL
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
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:
Subtotal Other Recyclables
TOTAL (tons)
Collectors
(tons)
Survey Respondent
Processors
(tons)
End Users
(tons)
TOTAL (tons)
7
8/11/97
-------
2B. If you received data from survey respondents on Commingled Materials for commercial programs, use the
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
the survey forms.
Step /:
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.
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%).
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).
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:
8
8/11/97
Recovery of Products in Municipal Solid Waste, 1995 '
Product
Aluminum Cans
Corrugated Boxes
Glass
Magazines
Newspaper
Office Paper
Plastic Bottles
Steel Cans
Telephone Directories
Third Class Mail
Amount Recovered (in thousands of tons)
990
18,480
3,140
670
6,960
3,010
490
1,500
60
710
U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC. (Please use the latest available version.)
-------
2B.
Example:
Recyclable Material (from Step 1)
Aluminum Cans
Steel Cans
Glass Bottles
Percentage (from Step 2)
19%
27%
54%
Tons (from Step 3)*
190 tons
270 tons
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)
9
8/11/97
-------
i
3. Total Recycling Data
10
8/11/97
3A. If you used the double counting exercise, in the table below enter the circled data from Parts 1 and 2 for
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.
3A.
Recyclable
Material
Food Waste
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential _i_ Commercial _
(tons) (tons) _^_ Total (tons)
I
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
Old Newspaper
Old Corrugated Containers
Office Papers
Telephone Directories
Mixed Paper
Other paper
Subtotal Paper
Plastic:
PETE
HOPE
PVC
LDPE
-------
3A.
Recyclable
Material
Source of Recyclable Material
Residential Commercial _
(tons) """ (tons) ~~ Total (tons)
1 ' ii
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
TOTAL (tons)
This is the
numerator of the
recycling rate
equation
(for Worksheet B3).
8/11/97
-------
Determining Waste
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 reported on the
standard survey forms (Parts I and 2), or for estimating waste generation if actual
disposal data are not available or reliable (Part 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 data obtained in Worksheet B1 to calculate a recycling rate in Worksheet B3.
8/11/97
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
complete this worksheet. If it is not in tons, use the standard volume-to-weight conversion factors
to convert the data into tons.
-------
Determining Waste Generation
I. Compiling Waste Disposal Data
Complete this section if you have current survey data on waste disposal.
IA. 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.
NSW REMAINING
INSIDE THE STATE OR
LOCALITY
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
Survey Respondent
Collectors
Transfer
Stations
Disposal
Facilities
TOTAL (tons)
IB. 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.
Repeat the above procedure for commercial MSW.
NSW EXPORTS
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
Survey Respondent
Collectors
Transfer Stations
TOTAL (tons)
2
8/11/97
-------
3
8/11/97
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
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
MCW IMPftRTC
Collectors Transfer Sta
Residential (tons)
Commercial (tons)
TOTAL (tons)
TftTAI ftnnc)
tions
1 D. Total Residential MSW Disposed Of
+ - =
MSW Remaining MSW Exports MSW Imports
Inside the State or Locality (from IB) (from 1C)
(from 1A)
Total Residential
MSW Disposed Of
(tons)
1 E. Total Commercial MSW Disposed Of
+ - =
MSW Remaining MSW Exports MSW Imports
Inside the State or Locality (from IB) (from 1C)
(from 1A)
Total Commercial
MSW Disposed Of
(tons)
IF. Total MSW Disposed Of
+ =
Total Residential MSW Total Commercial MSW
(from 1D) (from 1E)
Total MSW Disposed Of
(tons)
IG. Total MSW Generated
+ =
Total MSW Disposed Of Total MSW Recycled
(from 1F) (from Worksheet B1, Part 3)
Total MSW Generated
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation
(for Worksheet B3).
-------
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 NSW generation. In
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
(from 1G)
Estimated Population
(from 2A)
Per Capita Waste
Generation
2D. Extrapolated MSW Generation:
X =
Per Capita Waste Generation Current Measurement Year
(from 1C) Total Population
Extrapolated MSW
Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation
(for Worksheet B3).
4
8/11/97
-------
3. Using Waste Characterization Data to Determine
Waste Generation
Complete this section if you do not have the resources or authority to conduct annual
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 NSW 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
Generated
(from study)
Total Population
(year of study)
Per Capita Waste
Generation
2) Estimated Waste Generation:
Per Capita Waste
Generation
Current Measurement Year
Total Population
Estimated MSW
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:
Current Measurement Year
Total Population
0.78 tons/person/year*
Estimated Waste
Generation
(tons)
This is the denominator of
the recycling rate equation.
(for Worksheet B3).
5
8/11/97
"U.S. EPA. 1997. Characterization Study of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1996 Update.
EPA530-R-97-015. Washington, DC.
-------
Calculating Your
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.
-------
I. Calculating Your Municipal Solid Waste Recycling Rate
Calculate your state or local MSW recycling rate according to the following equation:
x 100 =
Total MSW Recycled
(from Worksheet B1,
Pan 3)
Total MSW Generated
(from Worksheet 82,
Part1G,2D,3A,or3B)
Municipal Solid Waste
Recycling Rate (%)
2
8/11/97
-------
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