Step 2 (cont): Waste Generation and Classification Study

Materials: trash bags, safety equipment (mask, gloves and goggles), balance, large barrel, plastic sheet for waste classification

The Waste Generation and Classification study aims to track the generation and characteristics of waste in the community through the study of a sample set of households over a defined period of time. The volume and characteristics of waste dictate what can be done with it and what waste management system will be the most appropriate for the community (Note: this is a really dirty activity)

1. Choose a sample size of households that is representative of the community (for a community of 250 houses, 30 houses); If there a specific sites that generate large amounts of waste (markets, stores, businesses, etc.) conduct separate waste studies


2. Organize a waste study team responsible for collecting samples and analyzing the waste collected (at least 5 people, depending on the size of the community) and explain the purpose of the activity


3. Work with the waste study team to identify households to participate in the study (save all the trash generated in the household daily and give the sample to the waste study team every morning for a week) and confirm the participation of these households


4. Work with the waste study team to collect samples from the selected households every morning for a week


5. Weigh the collected samples to measure the total mass of waste generated per day and approximate an average rate of waste generation per person per day. Also calculate the average density of waste generated.


6. Separate the combined samples into paper, glass, metals, plastics and organic material and weigh each component to determine the percentage


7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for a week and average the calculated values over the week


8. Thank the waste study team

(see APPENDIX D for the results of a waste diagnostic in a rural Peruvian community)