City of Regina Waste Characterization Study 2007/08 Preliminary Results & Overall Goals Christina M. Canart Department of Geography, University of Regina

Project Objectives Complete a 12 month direct waste analysis of land-filled wasteComplete a 12 month direct waste analysis of land-filled waste Establish empirical baseline dataEstablish empirical baseline data Perform a pilot study to:Perform a pilot study to: Confirm sampling methodologyConfirm sampling methodology Ensure categories are comprehensiveEnsure categories are comprehensive Identify research constraintsIdentify research constraints Begin full scale implementation in January of 2008Begin full scale implementation in January of 2008

Pilot Study October to December 2007October to December 2007 Focus on development of methodology and sampling proceduresFocus on development of methodology and sampling procedures Residential waste generationResidential waste generation Front Street AutomatedFront Street Automated Other sourcesOther sources ICI Sector: Shopping mallICI Sector: Shopping mall Small Vehicle Transfer StationSmall Vehicle Transfer Station

Pilot Study Results Nearly 62% of all waste sampled from October to December 2007 was:Nearly 62% of all waste sampled from October to December 2007 was: Non-Meat Organics, Paper, Yard Waste and OtherNon-Meat Organics, Paper, Yard Waste and Other Monthly differences are primarily attributed to seasonal variability, including Fall Yard Work and Christmas ShoppingMonthly differences are primarily attributed to seasonal variability, including Fall Yard Work and Christmas Shopping

October Sampling

November Sampling

December Sampling

Summary of Pilot Confirmation of sampling strategyConfirmation of sampling strategy Identified that the majority of land-filled waste in Regina could be diverted through recycling and composting activitiesIdentified that the majority of land-filled waste in Regina could be diverted through recycling and composting activities More data analysis was required to identify the actual composition of each category relevant to diversion activitiesMore data analysis was required to identify the actual composition of each category relevant to diversion activities Slight alterations needed to be made to existing categoriesSlight alterations needed to be made to existing categories Addition of a household hazardous categoryAddition of a household hazardous category

Full Scale Implementation Full scale sampling began in JanuaryFull scale sampling began in January Residential sampling occurs five times weeklyResidential sampling occurs five times weekly Inclusive of all residential collection typesInclusive of all residential collection types Small Vehicle Transport StationSmall Vehicle Transport Station 3 to 5 samples throughout the week3 to 5 samples throughout the week ICI SectorICI Sector Targeted sourcesTargeted sources Will increase in the upcoming monthsWill increase in the upcoming months

Waste Categories Paper (e.g. newspaper, telephone books, postal) Plastic (e.g. RPC’s, polystyrene, film, bottles) Glass (e.g. glass containers: coloured and clear) Cardboard (e.g. boxes) Metal (Ferrous & Non-ferrous) (e.g. aluminum, tin, beverage containers) Hygienic Waste (e.g. sanitary products) Meat Organics (e.g. meat) Non-Meat Organics (e.g. orange peels, produce, food waste) Yard Waste (e.g. grass clippings, sod, tree stumps) Hazardous (e.g. pesticides) Household Hazardous (e.g. batteries, prescription drugs, paint) Other (e.g. leather, rubber, mattresses, etc) Residual Waste

January Statistics Over 71% of all waste characterized in January was:Over 71% of all waste characterized in January was: Other, Non-Meat Organics, Paper & PlasticOther, Non-Meat Organics, Paper & Plastic Based on 8 samplesBased on 8 samples

February Statistics Approximately 65%of all waste sampled in October was:Approximately 65%of all waste sampled in October was: Non-Meat Organics, Paper, Plastic & CardboardNon-Meat Organics, Paper, Plastic & Cardboard Based on 7 samplesBased on 7 samples

March Statistics More than 66%of waste sampled during the month of March was:More than 66%of waste sampled during the month of March was: Other, Non-Meat Organics, Paper & PlasticOther, Non-Meat Organics, Paper & Plastic Based on 13 samplesBased on 13 samples

April Statistics Approximately 65% of all waste characterized during April was:Approximately 65% of all waste characterized during April was: Other, Paper, Yard Waste, Non-Meat OrganicsOther, Paper, Yard Waste, Non-Meat Organics Based on 13 samplesBased on 13 samples

Summary Material composition of waste generated is comparable throughout the sampling monthsMaterial composition of waste generated is comparable throughout the sampling months Data spikes show seasonal variationsData spikes show seasonal variations A significant proportion of land-filled waste during the pilot and full-scale studies could be diverted through recycling and composting activitiesA significant proportion of land-filled waste during the pilot and full-scale studies could be diverted through recycling and composting activities

Looking Forward Sampling Continue sampling residential and small vehicle transport stationContinue sampling residential and small vehicle transport station Increase ICI sector targeted samplingIncrease ICI sector targeted samplingAnalysis Neighbourhood generation ratesNeighbourhood generation rates Comparative analysis of residential collection typesComparative analysis of residential collection types

Acknowledgements Thanks you to: City of Regina, Engineering & Works Dept.City of Regina, Engineering & Works Dept. Dena McMartin, Project ManagerDena McMartin, Project Manager Dwight Mercer, Project CoordinatorDwight Mercer, Project Coordinator Student Researchers: Dustin, Aaron, DaveStudent Researchers: Dustin, Aaron, Dave Jon Gillies, Project FacilitatorJon Gillies, Project Facilitator