|
Chapter 2: Methodology
The Solid Waste Assessment
On November 11, 1997 a solid waste assessment of CVG was conducted. This involved a
thorough analysis of ongoing source reduction, recycling and disposal activities. A waste
assessment is conducted to identify how and where waste is generated, the composition of
the waste, and what currently happens to the waste (Establishing A Waste Reduction
Program: p. 40). This process involved the following four steps:
- A Facilities Walkthrough: The facilities at CVG were evaluated. Some points of
interest included the indoor recycling bins, the cafeteria, the production lines, the
outdoor waste bins, and the outdoor recycling bins. The purpose of the facilities
walkthrough was to develop an understanding of the logistics of CVG’s waste reduction
program.
- Analysis of Waste Hauler Records: Every waste hauler is required to keep disposal
records for each of its clients. These records include frequency of collection, sizes of
containers, weights and costs. This data from Waste Management provided much of the basis
for this case study’s results.
- Analysis of In-house Records: Every year, CVG publishes a State of the
Environmental Program Report. This report details not only solid waste reduction, but all
environmental programs undertaken by CVG for the year. This report includes detailed
information concerning disposal and recycling tonnage and cost.
- Analysis of Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) Applications: The WRAP
applications give a general overview of solid waste reduction programs, and demonstrate
CVG’s progression from 1992-97.
Data
After the solid waste assessment was completed, the data was evaluated. The following
four types of data were used in this case study:
- Raw Data - From the facilities walkthrough, a first hand analysis of the solid
waste flow for a typical day at CVG was obtained. For example, the number of waste bins at
CVG was confirmed from this walkthrough. This raw data helps to support the information in
the hauler records. The calculations in Figure 2.1 demonstrate how annual paper recycling
was computed from the number of bins, the amount of waste per bin, the weight of waste per
cubic yard, and the pickup schedule.
Figure 2.1: Calculations for Annual Paper Recycling
(4 Waste Bins) x (4 cubic yards per bin) x (133.2 lbs.
per cubic yard) x
(156 pick up days per year) = 166.2 tons |
- Monthly Averages - Based on hauler records for 1997, monthly averages were
obtained. This was done by adding the tonnage of waste from the hauler’s records, and
dividing by the number of months in which data was available. Figure 2.2 exemplifies
typical hauler records.
Figure 2.2: Hauler Records
| Location |
Description |
Pickup Date |
Weight (Tons) |
Cost |
| Baxter |
Compactor |
6/10/97 |
7.32 |
$161.19 |
| Baxter |
Compactor |
6/17/97 |
7.45 |
$163.89 |
| Baxter |
Compactor |
5/27/97 |
5.92 |
$130.14 |
| Baxter |
Compactor |
7/8/97 |
4.31 |
$94.82 |
| Baxter |
Compactor |
7/15/97 |
6.46 |
$142.12 |
- Historical Averages - In some cases, CVG did not have sufficient records for 1997
concerning certain waste components. In those cases, a historical average was obtained by
taking amounts from previous years and averaging the amounts to obtain a 1997 estimate.
- Company Estimations – In certain instances, a lack of record keeping for a
certain waste component creates the need for an estimate. Clearly, this is the least
accurate way of gathering data, but necessary to account for a certain waste component.
For example, CVG donates a large amount of office furniture to local schools and
charities. Due to logistical reasons, this office furniture was not weighed prior to the
donation and therefore a conservative estimate of 5 tons per year was used.
Looking Ahead
The purpose of chapter 2 was to show how the data for this report was gathered and
interpreted. Having accomplished this, the next chapter utilizes this data to present a
chronological evaluation of CVG’s solid waste reduction program. This chronological
evaluation will demonstrate the economic benefits and document the evolution of CVG’s
solid waste reduction program.
 
Last updated: October 25, 1999
Waste Reduction Technology http://www.wastereduction.org
707-987-3862
Mike Megremis: WasteReduction@aol.com
©1998-2002 Waste Reduction Technology. All
rights reserved.
|
