ASTM D5231-92(2003)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste
Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Waste composition information has widespread applications and can be used for activities such as solid waste planning, designing waste management facilities, and establishing a reference waste composition for use as a baseline standard in both facility contracts and acceptance test plans.
The method can be used to define and report the composition of MSW through the selection and manual sorting of waste samples. Where applicable, care should be taken to consider the source and seasonal variation of waste.
After performing a waste composition analysis, laboratory analyses may be performed on representative samples of waste components, or mixtures of waste components, for purposes related to the planning, management, design, testing, and operation of resource recovery facilities.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring the composition of unprocessed municipal solid waste (MSW) by employing manual sorting. This test method applies to determination of the mean composition of MSW based on the collection and manual sorting of a number of samples of waste over a selected time period covering a minimum of one week.
1.2 This test method includes procedures for the collection of a representative sorting sample of unprocessed waste, manual sorting of the waste into individual waste components, data reduction, and reporting of the results.
1.3 This test method may be applied at landfill sites, waste processing and conversion facilities, and transfer stations.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D 5231 – 92 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed
Municipal Solid Waste
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5231; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.4 unprocessed municipal solid waste—solid waste in its
discarded form, that is, waste that has not been size reduced or
1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring the
otherwise processed.
composition of unprocessed municipal solid waste (MSW) by
2.1.5 waste component—a category of solid waste, com-
employing manual sorting. This test method applies to deter-
posed of materials of similar physical properties and chemical
mination of the mean composition of MSW based on the
composition, which is used to define the composition of solid
collection and manual sorting of a number of samples of waste
waste, for example, ferrous, glass, newsprint, yard waste,
over a selected time period covering a minimum of one week.
aluminum, etc.
1.2 This test method includes procedures for the collection
of a representative sorting sample of unprocessed waste,
3. Summary of Test Method
manual sorting of the waste into individual waste components,
3.1 The number of samples to be sorted is calculated based
data reduction, and reporting of the results.
on statistical criteria selected by the investigators.
1.3 This test method may be applied at landfill sites, waste
3.2 Vehicle loads of waste are designated for sampling, and
processing and conversion facilities, and transfer stations.
a sorting sample is collected from the discharged vehicle load.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.3 The sample is sorted manually into waste components.
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
The weight fraction of each component in the sorting sample is
information only.
calculated from the weights of the components.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.4 The mean waste composition is calculated using the
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
results of the composition of each of the sorting samples.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
4.1 Waste composition information has widespread applica-
statements, see Section 6.
tions and can be used for activities such as solid waste
2. Terminology planning, designing waste management facilities, and estab-
lishing a reference waste composition for use as a baseline
2.1 Definitions:
standard in both facility contracts and acceptance test plans.
2.1.1 composite item—an object in the waste composed of
4.2 The method can be used to define and report the
multiple waste components or dissimilar materials, such as
composition of MSW through the selection and manual sorting
disposable diapers, bi-metal beverage containers, electrical
of waste samples. Where applicable, care should be taken to
conductors composed of metallic wire encased in plastic
consider the source and seasonal variation of waste.
insulation, etc.
4.3 After performing a waste composition analysis, labora-
2.1.2 solid waste composition or waste composition—the
tory analyses may be performed on representative samples of
characterization of solid waste as represented by a breakdown
waste components, or mixtures of waste components, for
of the mixture into specified waste components on the basis of
purposes related to the planning, management, design, testing,
mass fraction or of weight percent.
and operation of resource recovery facilities.
2.1.3 sorting sample—a 200 to 300-lb (91 to 136-kg)
portion deemed to represent the characteristics of a vehicle
5. Apparatus
load of MSW.
5.1 Metal, Plastic, or Fiber Containers, sufficient for stor-
ing and weighing each waste component, labeled accordingly.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
For components that will have a substantial moisture content
Disposal and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.06 on Analytical
(for example, food waste), metal or plastic containers are
Methods.
recommended in order to avoid absorption of moisture by the
Current edition approved July 31, 1992. Published September 1992.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 5231 – 92 (2003)
container and thus the need for a substantial number of 8.3 Weigh all empty storage containers and record the tare
weighingstomaintainanaccuratetareweightforthecontainer. weights.
5.2 Mechanical or Electronic Weigh Scale, with a capacity 8.4 Determine the number of samples to be sorted. The
of at least 200 lb (91 kg) and precision of at least 0.1 lb (0.045 determination is a function of the waste components to be
kg). sorted and the desired precision as applied to each component.
5.3 Heavy-Duty Tarps, Shovels, Rakes, Push Brooms, Dust Weights of 200 to 300 lb (91 to 136 kg) for sorting samples of
Pans, Hand Brooms, Magnets, Sorting Table, First Aid Kit, unprocessed solid waste are recommended. The number of
Miscellaneous Small Tools, Traffıc Cones, Traffıc Vests, Leather samples is determined using the calculational method de-
Gloves, Hardhats, Safety Glasses, and Leather Boots. scribed in 9.1.
8.5 Acomprehensive list of waste components for sorting is
6. Hazards
giveninTable1.Adescriptionofsomeofthewastecomponent
6.1 Review the hazards and procedures with the operating
categories is given in Table 2. Other waste components can be
and sorting personnel prior to conducting the field activities. defined and sorted, depending on the purpose of the waste
6.2 Sharp objects, such as nails, razor blades, hypodermic
composition determination. The list in Table 1 is comprised of
needles, and pieces of glass, are present in solid waste.
those components most commonly used to define and report
Personnel should be instructed of this danger, and they should the composition of solid waste. It is recommended that, at a
brush waste particles aside while sorting rather than projecting
minimum, the complement of left-justified categories in Table
their hands with force into the mixture. Personnel handling and 1besorted.Similarbreakdownsofsolidwastecompositionare
sorting solid waste should wear appropriate protection, such as
therefore available for purposes of comparison, if desired.
heavy leather gloves, dust masks, hardhats, safety glasses, and Label the storage containers accordingly.
safety boots.
8.6 Vehiclesforsamplingshallbeselectedatrandomduring
6.3 Duringtheprocessesofunloadingwastefromcollection each day of the one-week sampling period, or so as to be
vehicles and handling waste with heavy equipment, projectiles
representative of the waste stream as agreed upon by the
may issue from the mass of waste. The projectiles can include affected parties. With respect to the random selection of
flying glass particles from breaking glass containers and metal
vehicles, any method is acceptable that does not introduce a
lids from plastic and metal containers that burst under pressure bias into the selection. An acceptable method is the use of a
when run over by heavy equipment. The problem is particu-
random number generator. For a weekly sampling period of k
larly severe when the waste handling surface is of high days, the number of vehicles sampled each day shall be
compressive strength, for example, concrete. Personnel should
approximately n/k, where n is the total number of vehicle loads
be informed of this danger and wear eye and head protection if to be selected for the determination of waste composition. A
in the vicinity of either the collection vehicle unloading point
weekly period is defined as 5 to 7 days.
or heavy equipment, or both. 8.7 Direct the designated vehicle containing the load of
6.4 Select a location for the discharge of designated loads,
waste to the area secured for discharge of the load and
manual sorting activities, and weighing operations that is flat, collection of the sorting sample.
level, and away from the normal waste handling and process- 8.8 Collect any required information from the vehicle op-
ing areas.
erator before the vehicle leaves the discharge area. Direct the
6.5 Weigh storage containers each day, or more frequently, vehicle operator to discharge the load onto the clean surface in
if necessary, in order to maintain an accounting of the tare
one contiguous pile, that is, to avoid gaps in the discharged
weight. load in order to facilitate collection of the samples.
3 3
6.6 Loss of mass from the sorting sample can occur through
8.9 Usingafront-endloaderwithatleasta1-yd (0.765-m )
the evaporation of water. Samples should thus be sorted as bucket, remove the material longitudinally along one entire
soon as possible after collection.
side of the discharged load in order to obtain a representative
6.7 Containers of liquids or other potentially dangerous cross-section of the material. The mass of material shall be
wastes shall be put aside and handled by the crew chief.
sufficient to form a mass of material which, on a visual basis,
is at least four times the desired weight of the sorting sample
7. Calibration
7.1 All weigh scale equipment shall be calibrated according
TABLE 1 List of Waste Component Categories
to the manufacturer’s instructions. Take appropriate corrective
Mixed paper Other organics
action if the readings are different from those of the calibration
High-grade paper Ferrous
Computer printout Cans
weights.
Other office paper Other ferrous
Newsprint Aluminum
8. Procedure
Corrugated Cans
8.1 Secure a flat and level area for discharge of the vehicle Plastic Foil
PET bottles Other aluminum
load. The surface should be swept clean or covered with a
HDPE bottles Glass
clean, durable tarp prior to discharge of the load.
Film Clear
8.2 Position the scale on a clean, flat, level surface and Other plastic Brown
Yard waste Green
adjust the level of the scale if necessary. Determine the
Food waste Other inorganics
accuracy and operation of the scale with a known (that is,
Wood
reference) weight.
D 5231 – 92 (2003)
TABLE 2 Descriptions of Some Waste Component Categories
8.12.3 If composite items represent substantial weight per-
Category Description cents of the sorting sample, a separate category should be
established, for example, composite roofing shingles.
Mixed paper Office paper, computer paper, magazines, glossy paper,
waxed paper, and other paper not fitting the categories
8.12.4 If none of the above procedures is appropriate, place
of newsprint and corrugated
the item(s) (or proportion it (them)) in the storage container
Newsprint Newspaper
labeled“ other non-combustible” or “other combustible,” as
Corrugated Corrugated medium, corrugated boxes or cartons, and
brown (kraft) paper (that is, corrugated) bags
appropriate.
Plastic All plastics
8.13 Sorting continues until the maximum particle size of
Yard waste Branches, twigs, leaves, grass, and other plant material
the remaining waste particles is approximately 0.5 in. (12.7
Food waste All food waste except bones
Wood Lumber, wood products, pallets, and furniture
mm). At this point, apportion the remaining particles into the
Other organics/ Textiles, rubber, leather, and other primarily burnable
storage containers corresponding to the waste components
combustibles materials not included in the above component
categories represented in the remaining mixture. The apportionment shall
Ferrous Iron, steel, tin cans, and bi-metal cans
be accomplished by making a visual estimate of the mass
Aluminum Aluminum, aluminum cans, and aluminum foil
fraction of waste components represented in the remaining
Glass All glass
Other inorganics/ Rock, sand, dirt, ceramics, plaster, non-ferrous non- mixture.
non-combustibles aluminum metals (copper, brass, etc.), and bones
8.14 Record the gross weights of the storage containers and
of any waste items sorted but not stored in containers.The data
sheet shown in Fig. 1 can be used to record both gross and tare
weights.
(that is, approximately 1000 lb (454 kg)). Mix, cone, and
8.15 After recording the gross weights, empty the storage
quarter the material, and select one quarter to be the sorting
containers and weigh them again, if appropriate. Re-weighing
sample, using a random method of selection or a sequence
is important and necessary if the containers become moisture-
agreed by all affected parties, for the purpose of eliminating or
laden, for example, from wet waste.
minimizing biasing of the sample. If an oversize item (for
8.16 Clean the sorting site, as well as the load discharge
example, water heater) composes a large weight percent of the
area, of all waste materials.
sorting sample, add a notation on the data sheet and weigh it,
if possible. Unprocessed solid waste is a heterogeneous mix-
9. Calculation
ture of materials. Care must thus be taken during application of
9.1 Number of 200 to 300-lb (91 to 136-kg) Samples:
the procedures for sample collection in order to obtain a
9.1.1 The number of sorting samples (that is, vehicle loads)
representative sample.
(n) required to achieve a desired level of measurement preci-
8.10 One sorting sample is selected from each collection
sion is a function of the component(s) under consideration and
vehicle load designated for sampling. All handling and ma-
the confidence level. The governing equation for n is as
nipulation of the discharged load and longitudinal and sorting
follows:
samples shall be conducted on previously cleaned surfaces. If
n 5 t* s/e·x¯!
~
necessary, remove the sorting sample to a secured manual
(1)
sorting area.The sorting sample may be placed on a clean table
for sorting for the convenience of the sorting personnel. The
where:
sorting area shall be a previously cleaned, flat, level surface.
t* = student t statistic corresponding to the desired level of
8.11 Position the storage containers around the sorting
confidence,
sample. Empty all containers from the sorting sample, such as
s = estimated standard deviation,
capped jars, paper bags, and plastic bags of their contents.
e = desired level of precision, and
Segregate each waste item and place it in the appropriate
x¯ = estimated mean.
storage container. 9.1.1.1 All numerical values for the symbols are in decimal
8.12 In the case of composite items found in th
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.