In September 2005, OCRRA conducted a Waste Quantification and Classification study to measure the composition of two components of the waste stream: curbside recyclables, 44,600 tons/year, and municiapl solid waste, 261,000 tons/year, brought to OCRRA’s Waste-to-Energy Facility. Samples were sorted into 50+ categories.

Similar studies in 1993 and 1998 have been used to inform decisions such as the expansion of the list of mandatory recyclables and public communications. Additionally, the 2005 study will allow us to explore trends such as an increase/decrease in PETE/glass beverage containers in the waste stream and to baseline OCRRA’s “3Rs” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) initiatives.

Results from the 2005 study:

1. What’s in the trash?
2. What’s in the blue bin?
3. % of Recyclables in the blue bin
4. % of Recyclable Paper in the blue bin

 

What's in the Trash?

What's in the Blue Bin?

Percentage of Recyclables in Blue Bin

Percentage of Recyclable Paper in Blue Bin