ASTM D5231-92(2008)
(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.
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Designation: D5231 − 92(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed
Municipal Solid Waste
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5231; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.3 sorting sample—a 200 to 300-lb (91 to 136-kg)
portion deemed to represent the characteristics of a vehicle
1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring the
load of MSW.
composition of unprocessed municipal solid waste (MSW) by
employing manual sorting. This test method applies to deter-
2.1.4 unprocessed municipal solid waste—solid waste in its
mination of the mean composition of MSW based on the
discarded form, that is, waste that has not been size reduced or
collection and manual sorting of a number of samples of waste
otherwise processed.
over a selected time period covering a minimum of one week.
2.1.5 waste component—a category of solid waste, com-
1.2 This test method includes procedures for the collection
posed of materials of similar physical properties and chemical
of a representative sorting sample of unprocessed waste,
composition, which is used to define the composition of solid
manual sorting of the waste into individual waste components,
waste, for example, ferrous, glass, newsprint, yard waste,
data reduction, and reporting of the results.
aluminum, etc.
1.3 This test method may be applied at landfill sites, waste
processing and conversion facilities, and transfer stations. 3. Summary of Test Method
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1 The number of samples to be sorted is calculated based
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
on statistical criteria selected by the investigators.
information only.
3.2 Vehicle loads of waste are designated for sampling, and
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
a sorting sample is collected from the discharged vehicle load.
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.3 The sample is sorted manually into waste components.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- The weight fraction of each component in the sorting sample is
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
calculated from the weights of the components.
statements, see Section 6.
3.4 The mean waste composition is calculated using the
results of the composition of each of the sorting samples.
2. Terminology
2.1 Definitions:
4. Significance and Use
2.1.1 composite item—an object in the waste composed of
4.1 Waste composition information has widespread applica-
multiple waste components or dissimilar materials, such as
tions and can be used for activities such as solid waste
disposable diapers, bi-metal beverage containers, electrical
planning, designing waste management facilities, and estab-
conductors composed of metallic wire encased in plastic
lishing a reference waste composition for use as a baseline
insulation, etc.
standard in both facility contracts and acceptance test plans.
2.1.2 solid waste composition or waste composition—the
characterization of solid waste as represented by a breakdown
4.2 The method can be used to define and report the
of the mixture into specified waste components on the basis of
composition of MSW through the selection and manual sorting
mass fraction or of weight percent.
of waste samples. Where applicable, care should be taken to
consider the source and seasonal variation of waste.
4.3 After performing a waste composition analysis, labora-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.06 on
tory analyses may be performed on representative samples of
Analytical Methods.
waste components, or mixtures of waste components, for
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2008. Published December 2008. Originally
purposes related to the planning, management, design, testing,
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D5231-92(2003). DOI:
10.1520/D5231-92R08. and operation of resource recovery facilities.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5231 − 92 (2008)
5. Apparatus 8. Procedure
5.1 Metal, Plastic, or Fiber Containers, sufficient for stor- 8.1 Secure a flat and level area for discharge of the vehicle
ing and weighing each waste component, labeled accordingly. load. The surface should be swept clean or covered with a
For components that will have a substantial moisture content clean, durable tarp prior to discharge of the load.
(for example, food waste), metal or plastic containers are
8.2 Position the scale on a clean, flat, level surface and
recommended in order to avoid absorption of moisture by the
adjust the level of the scale if necessary. Determine the
container and thus the need for a substantial number of
accuracy and operation of the scale with a known (that is,
weighingstomaintainanaccuratetareweightforthecontainer.
reference) weight.
5.2 Mechanical or Electronic Weigh Scale, with a capacity
8.3 Weigh all empty storage containers and record the tare
of at least 200 lb (91 kg) and precision of at least 0.1 lb (0.045
weights.
kg).
8.4 Determine the number of samples to be sorted. The
5.3 Heavy-Duty Tarps, Shovels, Rakes, Push Brooms, Dust
determination is a function of the waste components to be
Pans, Hand Brooms, Magnets, Sorting Table, First Aid Kit,
sorted and the desired precision as applied to each component.
MiscellaneousSmallTools,TraffıcCones,TraffıcVests,Leather
Weights of 200 to 300 lb (91 to 136 kg) for sorting samples of
Gloves, Hardhats, Safety Glasses, and Leather Boots.
unprocessed solid waste are recommended. The number of
samples is determined using the calculational method de-
6. Hazards
scribed in 9.1.
6.1 Review the hazards and procedures with the operating
8.5 Acomprehensive list of waste components for sorting is
and sorting personnel prior to conducting the field activities.
giveninTable1.Adescriptionofsomeofthewastecomponent
6.2 Sharp objects, such as nails, razor blades, hypodermic
categories is given in Table 2. Other waste components can be
needles, and pieces of glass, are present in solid waste.
defined and sorted, depending on the purpose of the waste
Personnel should be instructed of this danger, and they should
composition determination. The list in Table 1 is comprised of
brush waste particles aside while sorting rather than projecting
those components most commonly used to define and report
their hands with force into the mixture. Personnel handling and
the composition of solid waste. It is recommended that, at a
sorting solid waste should wear appropriate protection, such as
minimum, the complement of left-justified categories in Table
heavy leather gloves, dust masks, hardhats, safety glasses, and
1 be sorted. Similar breakdowns of solid waste composition are
safety boots.
therefore available for purposes of comparison, if desired.
6.3 During the processes of unloading waste from collection
Label the storage containers accordingly.
vehicles and handling waste with heavy equipment, projectiles
8.6 Vehicles for sampling shall be selected at random during
may issue from the mass of waste. The projectiles can include
each day of the one-week sampling period, or so as to be
flying glass particles from breaking glass containers and metal
representative of the waste stream as agreed upon by the
lids from plastic and metal containers that burst under pressure
affected parties. With respect to the random selection of
when run over by heavy equipment. The problem is particu-
vehicles, any method is acceptable that does not introduce a
larly severe when the waste handling surface is of high
bias into the selection. An acceptable method is the use of a
compressive strength, for example, concrete. Personnel should
random number generator. For a weekly sampling period of k
be informed of this danger and wear eye and head protection if
days, the number of vehicles sampled each day shall be
in the vicinity of either the collection vehicle unloading point
approximately n/k, where n is the total number of vehicle loads
or heavy equipment, or both.
to be selected for the determination of waste composition. A
6.4 Select a location for the discharge of designated loads,
weekly period is defined as 5 to 7 days.
manual sorting activities, and weighing operations that is flat,
8.7 Direct the designated vehicle containing the load of
level, and away from the normal waste handling and process-
waste to the area secured for discharge of the load and
ing areas.
collection of the sorting sample.
6.5 Weigh storage containers each day, or more frequently,
if necessary, in order to maintain an accounting of the tare
TABLE 1 List of Waste Component Categories
weight.
Mixed paper Other organics
6.6 Loss of mass from the sorting sample can occur through
High-grade paper Ferrous
the evaporation of water. Samples should thus be sorted as
Computer printout Cans
soon as possible after collection. Other office paper Other ferrous
Newsprint Aluminum
6.7 Containers of liquids or other potentially dangerous
Corrugated Cans
Plastic Foil
wastes shall be put aside and handled by the crew chief.
PET bottles Other aluminum
HDPE bottles Glass
7. Calibration
Film Clear
7.1 All weigh scale equipment shall be calibrated according Other plastic Brown
Yard waste Green
to the manufacturer’s instructions. Take appropriate corrective
Food waste Other inorganics
action if the readings are different from those of the calibration
Wood
weights.
D5231 − 92 (2008)
TABLE 2 Descriptions of Some Waste Component Categories
Where impractical, segregate the composite items for classifi-
Category Description cation by the crew chief according to the following order:
Mixed paper Office paper, computer paper, magazines, glossy paper, 8.12.1 If there are many identical composite items (for
waxed paper, and other paper not fitting the categories
example, plastic-sheathed aluminum electrical conductor),
of newsprint and corrugated
place them into the waste component containers corresponding
Newsprint Newspaper
Corrugated Corrugated medium, corrugated boxes or cartons, and
to the materials present in the item, and in the approximate
brown (kraft) paper (that is, corrugated) bags
proportions according to the estimated mass fraction of each
Plastic All plastics
material in the item.
Yard waste Branches, twigs, leaves, grass, and other plant material
Food waste All food waste except bones 8.12.2 If there are only a few of the identical composite
Wood Lumber, wood products, pallets, and furniture
item, place them in the storage container corresponding to the
Other organics/ Textiles, rubber, leather, and other primarily burnable
material that comprises, on a weight basis, the majority of the
combustibles materials not included in the above component
categories
item (for example, place bi-metal beverage cans in the ferrous
Ferrous Iron, steel, tin cans, and bi-metal cans
container).
Aluminum Aluminum, aluminum cans, and aluminum foil
8.12.3 If composite items represent substantial weight per-
Glass All glass
Other inorganics/ Rock, sand, dirt, ceramics, plaster, non-ferrous non-
cents of the sorting sample, a separate category should be
non-combustibles aluminum metals (copper, brass, etc.), and bones
established, for example, composite roofing shingles.
8.12.4 If none of the above procedures is appropriate, place
the item(s) (or proportion it (them)) in the storage container
labeled“ other non-combustible” or “other combustible,” as
appropriate.
8.8 Collect any required information from the vehicle op-
8.13 Sorting continues until the maximum particle size of
erator before the vehicle leaves the discharge area. Direct the
the remaining waste particles is approximately 0.5 in. (12.7
vehicle operator to discharge the load onto the clean surface in
mm). At this point, apportion the remaining particles into the
one contiguous pile, that is, to avoid gaps in the discharged
storage containers corresponding to the waste components
load in order to facilitate collection of the samples.
represented in the remaining mixture. The apportionment shall
8.9 Using a front-end loader with at least a 1-yd (0.765-
be accomplished by making a visual estimate of the mass
m ) bucket, remove the material longitudinally along one
fraction of waste components represented in the remaining
entire side of the discharged load in order to obtain a
mixture.
representative cross-section of the material. The mass of
8.14 Record the gross weights of the storage containers and
materialshallbesufficienttoformamassofmaterialwhich,on
of any waste items sorted but not stored in containers. The data
a visual basis, is at least four times the desired weight of the
sheet shown in Fig. 1 can be used to record both gross and tare
sorting sample (that is, approximately 1000 lb (454 kg)). Mix,
weights.
cone, and quarter the material, and select one quarter to be the
sorting sample, using a random method of selection or a
8.15 After recording the gross weights, empty the storage
sequence agreed by all affected parties, for the purpose of
containers and weigh them again, if appropriate. Re-weighing
eliminating or minimizing biasing of the sample. If an oversize
is important and necessary if the containers become moisture-
item (for example, water heater) composes a large weight
laden, for example, from wet waste.
percent of the sorting sample, add a notation on the data sheet
8.16 Clean the sorting site, as well as the load discharge
and weigh it, if possible. Unprocessed solid waste is a
area, of all waste materials.
heterogeneous mixture of materials. Care must thus be taken
during application of the procedures for sample collection in
9. Calculation
order to obtain a representative sample.
9.1 Number of 200 to 300-lb (91 to 136-kg) Samples:
8.10 One sorting sample is selected from each collection
9.1.1 The number of sorting samples (that is, vehicle loads)
vehicle load designated for sampling. All handling and ma-
(n) required to achieve a desired level of measurement preci-
nipulation of the discharged load and longitudinal and sorting
sion is a function of the component(s) under consideration and
samples shall be conducted on previously cleaned surfaces. If
the confidence level. The governing equation for
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5231 − 92 (Reapproved 2008) D5231 − 92 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed
Municipal Solid Waste
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5231; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. 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.
2. Terminology
2.1 Definitions:
2.1.1 composite item—an object in the waste composed of multiple waste components or dissimilar materials, such as disposable
diapers, bi-metal beverage containers, electrical conductors composed of metallic wire encased in plastic insulation, etc.
2.1.2 solid waste composition or waste composition—the characterization of solid waste as represented by a breakdown of the
mixture into specified waste components on the basis of mass fraction or of weight percent.
2.1.3 sorting sample—a 200 to 300-lb (91 to 136-kg) portion deemed to represent the characteristics of a vehicle load of MSW.
2.1.4 unprocessed municipal solid waste—solid waste in its discarded form, that is, waste that has not been size reduced or
otherwise processed.
2.1.5 waste component—a category of solid waste, composed of materials of similar physical properties and chemical
composition, which is used to define the composition of solid waste, for example, ferrous, glass, newsprint, yard waste, aluminum,
etc.
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The number of samples to be sorted is calculated based on statistical criteria selected by the investigators.
3.2 Vehicle loads of waste are designated for sampling, and a sorting sample is collected from the discharged vehicle load.
3.3 The sample is sorted manually into waste components. The weight fraction of each component in the sorting sample is
calculated from the weights of the components.
3.4 The mean waste composition is calculated using the results of the composition of each of the sorting samples.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.06 on Analytical
Methods.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2008. Published December 2008. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D5231-92(2003). DOI:
10.1520/D5231-92R08.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5231 − 92 (2008)
4. Significance and Use
4.1 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.
4.2 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.
4.3 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.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Metal, Plastic, or Fiber Containers, sufficient for storing and weighing each waste component, labeled accordingly. For
components that will have a substantial moisture content (for example, food waste), metal or plastic containers are recommended
in order to avoid absorption of moisture by the container and thus the need for a substantial number of weighings to maintain an
accurate tare weight for the container.
5.2 Mechanical or Electronic Weigh Scale, with a capacity of at least 200 lb (91 kg) and precision of at least 0.1 lb (0.045 kg).
5.3 Heavy-Duty Tarps, Shovels, Rakes, Push Brooms, Dust Pans, Hand Brooms, Magnets, Sorting Table, First Aid Kit,
Miscellaneous Small Tools, Traffıc Cones, Traffıc Vests, Leather Gloves, Hardhats, Safety Glasses, and Leather Boots.
6. Hazards
6.1 Review the hazards and procedures with the operating and sorting personnel prior to conducting the field activities.
6.2 Sharp objects, such as nails, razor blades, hypodermic needles, and pieces of glass, are present in solid waste. Personnel
should be instructed of this danger, and they should brush waste particles aside while sorting rather than projecting their hands with
force into the mixture. Personnel handling and sorting solid waste should wear appropriate protection, such as heavy leather gloves,
dust masks, hardhats, safety glasses, and safety boots.
6.3 During the processes of unloading waste from collection vehicles and handling waste with heavy equipment, projectiles may
issue from the mass of waste. The projectiles can include flying glass particles from breaking glass containers and metal lids from
plastic and metal containers that burst under pressure when run over by heavy equipment. The problem is particularly severe when
the waste handling surface is of high compressive strength, for example, concrete. Personnel should be informed of this danger
and wear eye and head protection if in the vicinity of either the collection vehicle unloading point or heavy equipment, or both.
6.4 Select a location for the discharge of designated loads, manual sorting activities, and weighing operations that is flat, level,
and away from the normal waste handling and processing areas.
6.5 Weigh storage containers each day, or more frequently, if necessary, in order to maintain an accounting of the tare weight.
6.6 Loss of mass from the sorting sample can occur through the evaporation of water. Samples should thus be sorted as soon
as possible after collection.
6.7 Containers of liquids or other potentially dangerous wastes shall be put aside and handled by the crew chief.
7. Calibration
7.1 All weigh scale equipment shall be calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Take appropriate corrective
action if the readings are different from those of the calibration weights.
8. Procedure
8.1 Secure a flat and level area for discharge of the vehicle load. The surface should be swept clean or covered with a clean,
durable tarp prior to discharge of the load.
8.2 Position the scale on a clean, flat, level surface and adjust the level of the scale if necessary. Determine the accuracy and
operation of the scale with a known (that is, reference) weight.
8.3 Weigh all empty storage containers and record the tare weights.
8.4 Determine the number of samples to be sorted. The determination is a function of the waste components to be sorted and
the desired precision as applied to each component. Weights of 200 to 300 lb (91 to 136 kg) for sorting samples of unprocessed
solid waste are recommended. The number of samples is determined using the calculational method described in 9.1.
8.5 A comprehensive list of waste components for sorting is given in Table 1. A description of some of the waste component
categories is given in Table 2. Other waste components can be defined and sorted, depending on the purpose of the waste
composition determination. The list in Table 1 is comprised of those components most commonly used to define and report the
D5231 − 92 (2008)
TABLE 1 List of Waste Component Categories
Mixed paper Other organics
High-grade paper Ferrous
Computer printout Cans
Other office paper Other ferrous
Newsprint Aluminum
Corrugated Cans
Plastic Foil
PET bottles Other aluminum
HDPE bottles Glass
Film Clear
Other plastic Brown
Yard waste Green
Food waste Other inorganics
Wood
TABLE 2 Descriptions of Some Waste Component Categories
Category Description
Mixed paper Office paper, computer paper, magazines, glossy paper,
waxed paper, and other paper not fitting the categories
of newsprint and corrugated
Newsprint Newspaper
Corrugated Corrugated medium, corrugated boxes or cartons, and
brown (kraft) paper (that is, corrugated) bags
Plastic All plastics
Yard waste Branches, twigs, leaves, grass, and other plant material
Food waste All food waste except bones
Wood Lumber, wood products, pallets, and furniture
Other organics/ Textiles, rubber, leather, and other primarily burnable
combustibles materials not included in the above component
categories
Ferrous Iron, steel, tin cans, and bi-metal cans
Aluminum Aluminum, aluminum cans, and aluminum foil
Glass All glass
Other inorganics/ Rock, sand, dirt, ceramics, plaster, non-ferrous non-
non-combustibles aluminum metals (copper, brass, etc.), and bones
composition of solid waste. It is recommended that, at a minimum, the complement of left-justified categories in Table 1 be sorted.
Similar breakdowns of solid waste composition are therefore available for purposes of comparison, if desired. Label the storage
containers accordingly.
8.6 Vehicles for sampling shall be selected at random during each day of the one-week sampling period, or so as to be
representative of the waste stream as agreed upon by the affected parties. With respect to the random selection of vehicles, any
method is acceptable that does not introduce a bias into the selection. An acceptable method is the use of a random number
generator. For a weekly sampling period of k days, the number of vehicles sampled each day shall be approximately n/k, where
n is the total number of vehicle loads to be selected for the determination of waste composition. A weekly period is defined as 5
to 7 days.
8.7 Direct the designated vehicle containing the load of waste to the area secured for discharge of the load and collection of
the sorting sample.
8.8 Collect any required information from the vehicle operator before the vehicle leaves the discharge area. Direct the vehicle
operator to discharge the load onto the clean surface in one contiguous pile, that is, to avoid gaps in the discharged load in order
to facilitate collection of the samples.
3 3
8.9 Using a front-end loader with at least a 1-yd (0.765-m ) bucket, remove the material longitudinally along one entire side
of the discharged load in order to obtain a representative cross-section of the material. The mass of material shall be sufficient to
form a mass of material which, on a visual basis, is at least four times the desired weight of the sorting sample (that is,
approximately 1000 lb (454 kg)). Mix, cone, and quarter the material, and select one quarter to be the sorting sample, using a
random method of selection or a sequence agreed by all affected parties, for the purpose of eliminating or minimizing biasing of
the sample. If an oversize item (for example, water heater) composes a large weight percent of the sorting sample, add a notation
on the data sheet and weigh it, if possible. Unprocessed solid waste is a heterogeneous mixture of materials. Care must thus be
taken during application of the procedures for sample collection in order to obtain a representative sample.
8.10 One sorting sample is selected from each collection vehicle load designated for sampling. All handling and manipulation
of the discharged load and longitudinal and sorting samples shall be conducted on previously cleaned surfaces. If necessary,
D5231 − 92 (2008)
remove the sorting sample to a secured manual sorting area. The sorting sample may be placed on a clean table for sorting for the
convenience of the sorting personnel. The sorting area shall be a previously cleaned, flat, level surface.
8.11 Position the storage containers around the sorting sample. Empty all containers from the sorting sample, such as capped
jars, paper bags, and plastic bags of their contents. Segregate each waste item and place it in the appropriate storage container.
8.12 In the case of composite items found in the waste, separate the individual materials where practical, and place the
individual materials into the appropriate storage containers. Where impractical, segregate the composite items for classification by
the crew chief according to the following order:
8.12.1 If there are many identical composite items (for example, plastic-sheathed aluminum electrical conductor), place them
into the waste component containers corresponding to the materials present in the item, and in the approximate proportions
according to the estimated mass fraction of each material in the item.
8.12.2 If there are only a few of the identical composite item, place them in the storage container corresponding to the material
that comprises, on a weight basis, the majority of the item (for example, place bi-metal beverage cans in the ferrous container).
8.12.3 If composite items represent substantial weight percents of the sorting sample, a separate category should be established,
for example, composite roofing shingles.
8.12.4 If none of the above procedures is appropriate, place the item(s) (or proportion it (them)) in the storage container labeled“
other non-combustible” or “other combustible,” as appropriate.
8.13 Sorting continues until the maximum particle size of the remaining waste particles is approximately 0.5 in. (12.7 mm). At
this point, apportio
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