ABSTRACT
Before we can decide how we can increase the current level of recycling, we need to know what materials there are in the household waste stream which are capable of being recycled and for each of these materials, how much is available. As indicated in Chapter 1, there is very little reliable data available on the amount of waste arising. There is, however, quite detailed information available on the composition of household waste. Such waste is collected both directly from the household in the form of ‘dustbin’ waste and indirectly through householders taking their waste to civic amenity sites. Household waste also includes bulky waste which is collected from households as a special service, street sweepings and littet. It has been estimated 14 that of the 20m tonnes per annum of household waste, 3–5 million tonnes is civic amenity site waste (apptoximately 20 per cent of the total). The composition of dustbin waste and civic amenity site waste is very different, as shown in Tables 3.1 16 and 3.2. 17 Analysis of household waste (dustbin waste) https://www.niso.org/standards/z39-96/ns/oasis-exchange/table"> Percentage by weight Material Min Max Typical Type or grade Per cent by weight Paper and board 21.6 54.1 33.2 Newspapers 11.4 Magazines 4.6 Other paper 9.5 Liquid containers 0.6 Board packaging 3.8 Other board 3.1 Plasric film 3.4 8.1 5.3 Refuse sacks 1.2 Other 4.1 Dense plastic 2.7 10.1 5.9 Clear beverage bottles 0.6 Coloured beverage bottles 0.1 Other plastic bottles 1.1 Food packaging 1.9 Other 2.1 Glass 2.7 16.9 9.3 Brown glass 1.3 Green glass 2.4 Clear glass 5.4 Other 0.2 Ferrous metal 2.8 10.8 5.7 Beverage cans 0.5 Food cans 3.7 Batteries 0.1 Orher cans 0.4 Other 1.0 Non-ferrous metal 0.3 3.9 1.6 Beverage cans 0.4 Foil 0.5 Other 0.7 Textiles 1.1 3.4 2.1 2.1 Putrescibles 13.9 27.8 20.2 Garden waste 3.4 Other 16.8 Miscellaneous combustibles 1.4 13.6 8.1 Disposable nappies 4.2 Other 3.9 Miscellaneous non-combustibles 0.4 4.2 1.8 1.8 Fines 3.5 12.4 6.8 6.8 TOTAL 100.0 100.0 Analysis of household waste (civic amenity site waste) https://www.niso.org/standards/z39-96/ns/oasis-exchange/table"> Percentage by weight Material January May Paper and board 5.7 2.2 Plastics 0.7 1.8 Glass 1.8 0.7 Metal 14.8 2.8 Textiles 5.2 2.1 Wood 10.9 4.1 Garden waste – small 18.2 54.6 Garden waste – large 1 3.7 9.2 Oil 1.9 0.0 Large household items 2 5.2 8.8 Miscellaneous combustibles 4.2 1.4 Miscellaneous non-combustibles 23.0 9.1 Bagged household waste 4.7 4.8 TOTAL 100.0 100.0
defined as being over 450mm, for example tree branches;
defined as being over 450mm, for example furniture and white goods
