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2016 Material Characterization and Processing Diversion Studies
CWS - City of Oakland Residential Recycling Program
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Summary................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Material Characterization Study .............................................................................................. 2
2.1 Objective ....................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Methodology .................................................................................................................. 2
2.3 Results .......................................................................................................................... 4
3. Processing Diversion Study .................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Objective ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Facility Inspection .......................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Selection of Materials and Routes for the Study ........................................................... 8
3.4 Recording of Route Weights ....................................................................................... 10
3.5 Processing of Collected Materials ............................................................................... 10
3.6 Data Collection ............................................................................................................ 10
4. Analysis of the Study Data .................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Incoming Material Characteristics ............................................................................... 11
4.2 Processing Diversion Study ........................................................................................ 13
4.3 Comparison of Study Data .......................................................................................... 13
4.4 Calculation of the Material Diversion Rate .................................................................. 14
Appendix 1 Details of the Samples Taken for the Material Characterization Study
Appendix 2 Procedure for Selecting and Sorting Samples for the Material Characterization Study
Appendix 3 8-Cell Grid
Appendix 4 Routes Selected for the Material Characterization Study
Appendix 5 Processing Diversion Study - Data Recorded
Appendix 6 Routes Selected for the Processing Diversion Study
2016 Material Characterization and Processing Diversion Studies
CWS - City of Oakland Residential Recycling Program
1. Summary
The agreement between California Waste Solutions (CWS) and the City of Oakland (the
City) for servicing of the Oakland residential recycling program requires that a material
characterization study and a processing diversion study be conducted twice each year to
determine CWS's compliance with the waste diversion standard specified in the agreement.
The first of these two studies for 2016 was conducted between July 25 and August 1 at
CWS's Wood Street processing facility.
For the material characterization study, 52 samples were selected from trucks serving routes
in West Oakland, East Oakland, hard-to-service areas, and multifamily units. The samples
were sorted into eleven (11) recyclable material categories. The residual/non-recyclable
materials were sorted into two (2) categoriesbulky items removed prior to table sorting,
and residual remaining on the sorting table after all of the recyclable materials had been
removed.
There was considerable variance in the percent of each sample that consisted of recyclable
materials, with values ranging from 37% to 91%. The average recyclable percent for all
materials sorted was 69%. Table 1 provides an illustration of the overall composition of the
samples.
Newspaper
Mixed paper
Corrugated
Metal cans
Aseptic containers
Plastics containers
Rigid plastics
Textiles
Metals
Residual - bulk
Residual - table
While the characterization plan was not designed to produce results that were statistically
valid for each collection area, a general comparison can be made between the results for
the West Oakland and East Oakland routes.
The processing diversion study was designed to estimate the percent of the materials
received at the Wood St. facility that are recovered during normal operations. For this study,
thirteen (13) loads from the week of July 25 - 29 were selected from the four (4) service
categories. When these loads arrived at the Wood St. facility, the gross weight of each truck
was recorded. The loads were then dumped in a corner of the facility yard designated as a
holding area for this study. The tare weight of each truck was recorded after it was
unloaded.
The material accumulated from the 13 loads was processed at the beginning of the shift on
August 1. The results were as follows:
2.2 Methodology
2.2.1 Location: Wood Street Processing Facility
2.2.2 Sampling Days: July 25 -29, 2016
2.2.3 Selection of routes to be sampled
The objective was to sample at least 10 loads per sampling day, and no less than 50
loads for the sampling week. The loads to be sampled were selected proportionally,
based on the approximate weight of materials received at the Wood Street facility from
the two zones of single family homes (East and West Oakland), routes serving
multifamily residences, and the two routes that service the hard-to-serve areas of the
city. For the period February 1 to June 10, 2016, the distribution of incoming materials
at Wood St. was as follows:
Based on this distribution, the number of daily and weekly samples selected from each
source was as follows:
The loads from each source to be sampled daily were selected by assigning a random
number to each route for all of the sampling days, and then sorting the random numbers
in numerical order. For the West Oakland routes, the first four (4) routes in the sort
order were selected each day. For the East Oakland routes, the first five (5) routes in
the sort order were selected for each sampling day.
For the multifamily routes, the first route in the sort order was selected. Since route 703
was not selected through this process, loads from route 703 were sampled from the two
days on which it was assigned the lowest random number, so that a total of seven
multifamily routes were sampled for the week.
The route numbers for the hard-to-serve areas were assigned a set of random numbers
for all sampling days. These random numbers were sorted, and the first two route-day
combinations in the sort order were selected for sampling.
Appendix 4 includes the daily routes and the random numbers that were assigned to
each. The routes selected for sampling are indicated in red. The weekly sampling plan
for the week was as follows:
A total of 54 loads were selected for sampling. Each morning of the sample week the
route assignments for each collection truck were obtained from the CWS dispatcher. A
truck/route selection form was prepared so that the loads designated for sampling that
day could be identified by truck number. A copy of the forms were provided to the CWS
yard manager and the City of Oaklands consultant representative.
On July 26 and 27, route 9W was designated for sampling, but was assigned to another
truck late in the day after the sampling was underway. It was therefore not possible for
the sorting supervisor to identify the truck that actually served that route and select a
sample for sorting. Therefore, a total of 52 routes were sampled throughout the week.
2.3 Results
2.3.1 Sample Weight
The smaller loader at the facility was used to select the samples, with one full bucket
selected for each sample. The volume of material selected for each sample was
approximately the same, but the weight of material varied considerably among the
samples, depending on the density of the material. Details on the weight of the samples
selected for sorting is provided in Appendix 1.
We have observed that for some characterization studies, the sorting supervisor would
attempt to equalize the weight of samples by culling samples that appeared to exceed
the desired sample weight. However, it has also been our observation that this process
introduces bias into the study and negates the other measures taken to eliminate bias,
such as using a random number generator to select routes for sampling and the cells
from which samples are to be selected. Manually culling of samples usually involves the
removal of material from the top of a sample, which generally consist of lighter materials
such as cardboard and paper, and either sorting the material that was removed, or
sorting the material that remained, which tends to be the heavier components of a
sample.
For this study, we attempted to select samples of generally equal volume and then sort
all materials in the samples. The average weight for all samples was 147.4 lbs.
There was not a clear correlation between sample weight and the percent of a sample
that consisted of recyclable materials. However, all samples for which the percent of
recyclable materials was 90% or more weighed less than 180 lbs. Overall, the
recyclable percent of the samples ranged from 91% to 36.8%.
Figure 4: Comparison of Sample Weight and Percent of Sample That Was Recyclable
100%
90%
80%
Percent Recyclable
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Sample Weight (lbs.)
The sort crew was instructed to sort samples as completely as possible and were
instructed to not remove non-recyclable/residual materials from the sorting table until
instructed to do so by the sorting supervisor. The table residual consisted primarily of
food and other organic material, materials contaminated with food, small pieces of paper
(<2), small pieces of miscellaneous plastics, and film plastic. Any appliances or toys
with electrical components were also included in the table residuals.
Newspaper
Mixed paper
Corrugated
Metal cans
Aseptic containers
Plastics containers
Rigid plastics
Textiles
Metals
Residual - bulk
Residual - table
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Recyclable Residual
Residual/Non-recyclable materials
Residual - bulk 11.62% 0.0988 1.74% 14.31%
Residual - table 19.66% 0.0870 10.96% 22.03%
Total residual 31.28% 0.1383 17.45% 35.04%
Program materials
Non-program materials
Residual
3.3.1 The percentages of materials received at CWS from each area were used to
estimate the quantity of materials that should be selected from each area for the
study.
3.3.2 To determine the number of loads required from each source, the average weight of
the loads from each source was used.
3.3.3 The loads for the study were selected by assigning random numbers to lists of all
loads from each source for the week, and then sorting each list by the random
numbers. For the West Oakland routes, the first four (4) loads in the sort order were
selected. For the East Oakland routes, the first six (6) loads in the sort order were
selected. For the multifamily routes, the first two loads in the sort order were
selected, and for the loads from the hard-to-serve areas, the first load in the sort
order was selected.
Appendix 6 includes the list of weekly loads from each source and the random
numbers that were assigned. The loads selected for the study are indicated in red.
Some of the loads initially selected were also selected for the material
characterization study. Because the loads for the processing diversion study would
be tipped in a separate section of the yard, it would have been difficult to retrieve
samples from the loads for the material characterization study. Therefore substitute
loads for the processing diversion study were selected by picking the next route in
the random number sequence from the same collection day.
The following table lists the original routes selected for sampling and the substitute
routes that were selected to avoid routes that would also be sampled for the material
characterization study.
Substitute
Original Route Route Day Avg Load Wt
2E 5E Mon 5.35
3W Mon 5.35
706 Tues 2.17
11E Tues 5.35
4W 7W Tues 5.35
7E Tues 5.35
6W Wed 5.35
7E 2E Wed 5.35
7W Wed 5.35
704 Thurs 5.32
705 702 Thurs 5.32
13E 6E Fri 5.35
1E Fri 5.35
Estimated week total tons 66.31
Approximately three (3) hours were required to process the 65 tons of material that had
been accumulated for the study.
As the materials were being processed, the bins used to accumulate the glass fraction
were weighed as they were filled. Two bins were used and the tare weights of each were
recorded.
The glass fraction consisted primarily of broken glass, small pieces of paper and plastic,
food waste, dirt and other inert materials. This product is removed from the facility by a
company retained by CWS. The company representatives have indicated that 100% of this
product is diverted from disposal.
When all of the materials had been processed, the residual materials were moved to the
baler feed conveyor and baled. Baled residual from the facility is transported to a local
landfill and disposed. The results of the processing diversion study are provided in Figure
13.
As noted in Section 1 of this report, there was considerable variation in the percent of the
materials in each sample that was recyclable. The range was from 36.8% (sample 12) up
to 91.0% (sample 10). As a result, the width of the confidence interval was 7.5%.
Mean percent of all materials sampled that were recyclable ..................... 69.7%
The mean percent increased by almost 1%, but the confidence interval widened to 9%.
The overriding conclusion that can be drawn from the sample results is that there is
considerable variability in the quality of the recyclable materials collected in the city.
There was evidence of variability among collection areas and days of the week, but not
sufficient data to demonstrate a statistically significant difference.
At the conclusion of the processing test, approximately 11.1% of the processed material
was recorded as non-recyclable residual. This percent is the same as the residual level
recorded for the processing diversion study conducted in November 2015. For the
November 2015 study, half as much material was processed.
a. Glass containers were one of the categories sorted for the material characterization
study, and represented 12.5% of all the materials sorted. However, CWS recovers
very few whole glass containers. This material is generally recovered as broken
glass and is included in the glass fraction quantity measured during the processing
diversion study.
b. Loose food waste, small pieces of paper and plastic, and dirt and miscellaneous inert
materials were included in the table residual during the material characterization
study. Most of these materials become part of the glass fraction recovered by CWS.
To properly compare the results of the two studies it is necessary to re-categorize table
residual from the material characterization study as material that would be available for
recovery during the processing diversion study. The suggested re-categorization is
illustrated in Figure 14. For consistency, the glass bottles and jars quantities are shown
in the re-categorization section since most of these materials become part of the glass
fraction.
This method does not perfectly align the results of the two studies. During the material
characterization study, large pieces of plastic sheeting and film plastic were removed as
bulk residual. Smaller pieces of this material and plastic bags were included in the table
residual. When this material is processed through the facility, some becomes part of the
recovered paper and the balance is included in the residual bales. However, given the
lightness of this material, it was deemed to not be factor in making the suggested
adjustment method invalid.
Small electrical appliances were also categorized as table residual during the material
characterization study. When processed through the facility, these materials would likely
become part of the residual bales. However, only small quantities of these appliances
were found during the material characterization study.
2. Newspaper Newspaper
Mixed paper Mixed paper
Corrugated Corrugated
Metal cans Metal cans
Aluminum trays & foil Aluminum trays & foil
Aseptic containers Aseptic containers
Plastic containers Plastic containers
Rigid plastics Rigid plastics
Metals Metals
Wood Wood
Subtotal recovered 58.7% 4,517 Subtotal recovered 64.6% 84,134
3. Materials re-categorized
Glass bottles & jars 13.4% 1,031
Table residual 18.5% 1,424
Quantity of materials received at CWS, Jan - Jun 2016 .................... 28,043 tons
Percent
Sample # Date Route Truck Area Weight Recyclable
Percent
Sample # Date Route Truck Area Weight Recyclable
1. Selection of Samples: When a load designated for sampling arrived at the facility and was
dumped in the facility tipping area, an imaginary 8-cell grid (2 rows lengthwise and 4 cells
per row, see Appendix 3) was used to designate the area from which a sample will be
selected. A random number generator was used to determine the cell for each load from
which the sample was to be selected.
The facility loader operator was directed by the sorting supervisor to select a sample of
approximately 150 - 200 pounds from the designated cell, move the sample to the sorting
area, and drop it on a tarp.
2. Sorting of Samples: Each sample was photographed before being sorted. Five individuals
(Sorters) separated the samples into the designated categories. After the samples were
sorted, the weight of the materials in each category was recorded.
3. Material Categories:
3.1 Program Materials
4.1 Material is recyclable only if any contamination on the material is easy to wash away
without destroying the piece of recyclable material itself. Examples of contamination
that cannot be washed away easily include oil contamination on paper, paint
contamination on any material, presence of any toxic material, or dried-out solids inside
a glass or plastic bottle.
4.2 Material is not recyclable if 10% or more of its weight is composed of contaminant
rather than the primary recyclable material itself. For example, bottles or plastic
containers containing food or other material in more than trace amounts will not be
considered to be recyclable.
4.3 Material is not recyclable if it is shredded in such a way that it is impractical to process it
for recycling. For example, finely shredded office paper will not be considered to be
recyclable.
4.4 Material is not recyclable if it arrives mixed with other materials (recyclable or not) and it
is impractical or difficult to separate them. For example, if aluminum cans arrive packed
inside a closed tin can, neither the aluminum cans nor the tin cans will be considered
recyclable.
Any piece of material that was rejected from being considered recyclable was counted as
garbage/residual. In addition, the particular materials listed below were counted as non-
recyclable.
2016 Material Characterization and Processing Diversion Studies
APPENDIX 2 CWS - City of Oakland Residential Recycling Program
Non-recyclable Plastic: Bubble wrap, Cellophane or snack food bags (e.g. pasta,
bagged salad, candy, cookies), Credit Cards, Disposable razors, Frozen-food bags or
pouches, Hoses (e.g. car, garden, appliance), Microwave trays, Ointment tubes,
Plastic or wax liners from food packaging, Plastic utensils, Plastic wrap, Plastics
without numbers 1-7, PVC pipes or tubing, Straws, Swimming pools, Syringes (sharps),
Tarps, Toothpaste tubes, Toys, Webbing from lawn furniture.
Non-recyclable Metal: Aerosol cans not empty, Bolts, Car parts with hazardous
waste, Contaminated cans (with dirt, rocks, or food), Engine parts, Gas tanks, Hangers,
Keys, Metal hoses, Nails, Nuts, Screws.
Non-recyclable Glass: Blue glass, Ceramics, Coffee mugs, Cookware (e.g. PyrexTM),
Dishware, Drinking glasses, Glass art, Light bulbs (fluorescent or electronic), Lead
wrapping and corks from wine bottles, Mirrors, Windows.
Mixed Materials: Paint cans, toys, appliances, and other materials that consist of
multiple materials such as plastic, metal, and paper.
Front of Load
2016 Material Characterization and Processing Diversion Studiies
APPENDIX 4 CWS - City of Oakland Residential Recycling Program
702 297,189 704 133,543 704 249,907 705 5,020 704 380,196
705 744,870 705 158,284 703 406,219 702 54,834 702 578,217
703 772,778 703 369,972 705 682,877 703 409,580 703 709,106
704 796,916 702 845,553 702 715,767 704 965,973 705 799,617
Route Random
706M 171,950
707F 277,177
707T 339,402
706F 405,347
707W 546,456
706TH 563,454
707M 610,084
706T 871,253
706W 962,172
2016 Material Characterization and Processing Diversion Studiies
APPENDIX 5 CWS - City of Oakland Residential Recycling Program
5. Equipment Settings
Equipment Jul 14 Aug 1
C2 100% 100%
C3 100% 100%
S-5A 65% 85%
S-5B 60% 80%
S-5C 65% 80%
S-5D 63% 85%
C-6 40% 30%
S-9A 70% 80%
S-9B 63% 80%
C-10 35% 35%
C-18 43% 40%