Waste Sorting Analysis 01

Waste Sorting Analysis and Waste Sampling

  • Gert Morscheck

  • Rostock University

  • Lecture Nr. 63

Waste Sorting Analysis - Overview

Basics of sorting analysis

  1. Sampling techniques

  2. Calculations involved

  3. Practical examples

  4. Heating value considerations

  5. Gas yield determination

  6. Investigation report development

Importance of Waste Sorting Analyses

  • Understand waste composition (types and substance groups)

  • Assess particle size characteristics

  • Identify the type of waste by material group

  • Evaluate recyclability and impurity percentages

  • Gather knowledge on chemical and physical properties:

    • Mass

    • Mass fraction

    • Water content

    • Heating value

    • Loss on ignition

    • Organic fraction presence

    • Fermentability and gas yield

    • Compactability

    • Pollutant content and elutability

    • pH and salinity

    • Nutrient content

Specifications for Conducting Waste Sorting Analyses

  • Follow guidelines set by German federal states (e.g. Saxony)

  • Adhere to European Commission methodologies for solid waste analysis

  • Consult European standards for waste material sampling:

    • CEN/TC292/WG1 standards (EN 14899, TR 15310 series)

Sectors Involved in Waste Sorting Analyses

  • Residual Waste Analysis (Municipal Solid Waste - MSW)

  • Separate collection of Biowaste to measure impurities

  • Assessment of collected packaging waste for impurity types

  • Analysis of waste paper and cardboard for quality of materials

  • Understand different systems in Germany for financing collection and recycling of packaging waste and waste paper/cardboard

Goals of Waste Generation and Composition Studies

  • Determine quantity flows of recyclables and residues

  • Design waste collection systems and collection rhythms

  • Dimension treatment plants appropriately

  • Forecast future waste generation and composition trends

  • Calculate emissions for IPCC reporting

  • Formulate waste management planning strategies

Goals of Studies on Waste Composition

  • Conduct waste sorting analysis to determine waste composition in relevant containers (e.g., residual waste)

Planning - Sorting Basics

  • Direct analysis of total waste typically infeasible; random sampling necessary

  • Ensure samples are representative of the area’s characteristics and composition

  • Acknowledge the heterogeneous nature of waste streams (composition, particle size)

  • Maintain an appropriate sample size (mass and number) for statistical relevance

  • Consider economic and technical limitations

Factors for Effective Planning

  • Regional Layering

    • Assess housing structure, building density, and income levels

    • Understand the proportion of apartment buildings and household sizes

    • Establish waste bin sizes and suitable waste collection systems

    • Examine local heating types and their ash production

  • Seasonal Layering

    • Evaluate seasonal impacts on waste (2-4 seasons)

    • Avoid atypical variations from events like holidays or major sports events

Housing Structure Analysis

  • Define housing structures by type and characteristics:

    • BS 1: Large-scale housing blocks with MGB 1100

    • BS 2: High-density apartment houses with varying MGB sizes

    • BS 3: Smaller units in city and suburbs with MGB 60 - MGB 240

    • BS 4: Detached houses in small towns and villages with variable MGB sizes

Waste Sorting Analysis - Practical Techniques

  • Use standard collection containers for sampling to ensure normal conditions

  • Calculate sample sizes to ensure statistical validity (minimum of 48 samples recommended)

  • Measure specific bulk densities based on container sizes

Technical and Staff Requirements for Sorting

  • Establish sorting hall equipped with necessary safety and operational tools:

    • Trucks for waste transport

    • Mechanical sieving units

    • Sorting tables or belts with appropriate tools

    • Balance for mass determination

    • Sampling containers for analysis

    • Provide proper safety equipment to employees

Health and Safety Considerations

  • Ensure worker protection from waste-related hazards (biological agents, toxic effects)

  • Implement structure, technical, organizational, and personal protective measures

  • Conduct regular cleaning and maintenance of sorting areas

  • Ensure vaccinations for employees (hepatitis, tetanus)

Waste Sorting Procedure

  • Unload collected waste and prepare for sorting

  • Cut open waste bags, followed by mechanical screening

  • Sort waste by hand for higher efficiency

  • Document and weigh each waste fraction post-sorting

Waste Classification into Sorting Categories

  • Classify waste fractions by level of differentiation:

    1. Organic Waste

      • Kitchen waste, garden waste, biodegradable packaging

    2. Paper and Cardboard

      • Different categories based on type and condition

    3. Glass

      • Hollow glass, clear glass, brown glass, other categories

    4. Plastics

      • Packaging, other plastics, various subcategories

    5. Metals

      • Ferrous and non-ferrous metals

    6. Composite Materials

      • Complex products and packaging

    7. Hazardous Waste

      • Batteries, chemicals, materials containing oils

    8. Others

      • General refuse not otherwise classified