As the waste stream continues to evolve, solid waste managers across the U.S. are examining different metrics to more accurately measure recycling program performance and identify areas for improvement. One metric that continues to gain appeal is the recycling capture rate, which measures the percentage of eligible recyclables recovered through the recycling program. Capture rate studies can be coupled with educational intervention to do pre- and post-program measurement. This presentation touches on study results including a 2019 study for the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), an authority serving the 1.3 million residents within the 40+ jurisdictions in Franklin County, including the City of Columbus. Of particular interest, this study is the first known to the presenters to perform a side-by-side comparison of two different methods to measure capture rates. A trending educational intervention method is to conduct multiple passbys of recycling setouts and assessing the cleanliness of the material and leaving specific feedback for the resident. This cart (or bin) monitoring approach is proving beneficial in swinging route loads that were previously being rejected to be accepted. This saves the municipality costs and keeps materials in the correct direction for processing rather than rejected and sent to landfills. Case studies and approaches will be discussed and audience participation encouraged to share their experiences and current challenges.

Contributor/Source

Cynthia Mormile, MBA

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