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SBT 4635
Waste Management and Usage : Characterization of Solid
Waste

Objectives
Determine why quantification and
characterization of MSW is important
} Understand the methodology used to
quantify MSW
}

Explain why it is important to characterize

MSW.
} Become familiar with MSW descriptors.
} Describe the physical, chemical, and biological
properties associated with MSW.
} Perform calculations using waste composition
and properties.
}

Why reliable data on waste composition

and quantities are essential?

Why reliable data on waste composition and

quantities are essential?
Recycling
Material recovery facilities/ incinerator
Waste as fuel
Leachate composition and treatment
Transportation
Combustion characteristics
Processing requirements
Landfill lifetime

Composition studies
}
}
}
}

Direct sampling
Material flows
Surveys
Multipliers for projecting waste quantities

Direct sampling
Useful on small scale
} Involves physical sampling and sorting MSW at the source
of generation
} Accurate judgements
}

}
}

conduct at several randomly selected locations within the

community
Different locations-single and multifamily homes, commercial
establishments, institutions

@ direct sampling at centralized tipping point (transfer

station
} ASTM method D5231- sample size 91-136kg
}

Direct sampling
}

Disadvantage
}
}
}

Limited number of samples

Misleading data-unexpected circumstances such as severe wet
or dry season.
Did not provide accurate information about trends-unless
consistent sampling over a long period of time

Direct sampling protocol

}
}
}
}
}

Vehicle Unloading
Sample Selection and Retrieval
Container Preparation
Sample Placement
Sorting

Direct sampling

Material flows
Useful (waste composition and trends) for regional basis
} Based on production data (by weight) for materials and
products
} Oversimplification, need to consider that the community
is an open system having numerous imports and exports
}

Surveys
}

Distributing questionnaires to waste producers

}
}
}
}

Detailed questions
Quantities
Composition-category
Others- seasonal variation of waste generation, recycling
program

Disadvantage
}
}

no accurate record
Companys confidential data

Multipliers
Use to estimate waste quantities from sources in a
particular region
} Value of multipliers-based on surveys, published data and
direct sampling for an area. E.g population size, number
and type of livestock, number of employees
} The value varied widely. Estimate of households waste
production based on per capita generation.
}

Chemical composition of waste

}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}

Ultimate analysis
Proximate analysis
Energy content
Fusion point of ash
Content of nutrients and other substrate
Carbohydrates
Crude fibers
Proteins
Lipids
Biodegradability

Ultimate analysis
Total elemental analysis
} % of molecular composition (C, H, N, O, P, etc.) of the
organic fraction
} The oxygen value is calculated by subtracting the other
components including ash and moisture, from 100%
} Usage }

}
}
}

Waste as fuel
Emission from combustion
Suitable nutrient ratios (e.g., C/N) for biological conversion composting

Physical properties of MSW

}
}
}
}
}

Density
Moisture content
Particle size distribution
Field capacity
Hydraulic conductivity