Composting Yard Trimmings and Municipal Solid Waste

Collection Methods
those for separated materials since sanitation collectors
can fit more into single unit packer trucks at a faster rate.
Commingled commercial materials are deposited in large
metal or plastic bins equipped with hinged lids. These
bins are designed for easy transport to the processing facility.
Some bins are equipped with a compactor, making it
possible to increase the capacity of each container.
Compaction can make separation more dificult, however,
and can greatly complicate the procedures and equipment
that will be used to compost.
The primary disadvantage of a commingled MSW collection
program is that the separation must be performed as
soon as possible once the material arrives at the facility. At
the facility, the organic materials are typically separated by
both manual and mechanical means (see Chapter 4) in order
to remove them from the recyclable and other noncompostable
materials-a process that requires significant
labor and specialized equipment. Additionally commingling
does not require individuals to change their behavior
thereby becoming more aware of the resource value of ma-
30
terial they discard
Summary
whether designing a yard trimmings or MSW
composting program, collection is a key factor
in ensuring the program's success. Not
only does collection have a direct bearing on the willingness
of household to participate in and endorse a
program but the collection strategy chosen also influences
the way that the feedstock is handled and processed
at the facility as well as the quality and
marketability of the final product. Additionally collection
can be one of the most expensive aspects of a
composting program and influences labor equipment,
processing, and other resource needs. For these
reasons, decision-maken should carefully examine
and weigh all possible collection methods to determine
the best approach for their community.
Chapter Three Resources
Appelhof, M., and J. McNelly. 1988. Yard waste composting
guide. Lansing, MI: Michigan Department of Natural
Resources.
Ballister-Howells, P. 1992. Getting it out of the bag. Bio-
Cycle. March, 33(3):50-54.
Cal Recovery Systems (CRS) and M. M. Dillon Limited.
1989. composting A literature study. Ontario, Canada:
Queen’s Printer for Ontario.
Darcey, S. 1993. Communities put wet-dry separation to
the test. World Wastes. 36(98):52-57.
Glaub, J., L. Diaz, and G. Savage. 1989. Preparing MSW
for composting. As cited in: The BioCycle Guide to Composting
Municipal Wastes. Emmaus, PA: The JG Press, Inc.
Glenn, J. 1992. Integrated collection of recyclable and
trash. BioCycle. January, 33(1):30-33.
Glenn, J. 1989. Taking a bite out of yard waste. BioCycle.
September, 30(9):31-35.
Goldstein, N., and B. Spencer. 1990. Solid waste composting
facilities. BioCycle. January, 31(1):36-39.
Hoornweg, D., L. Otten, and W. Wong. 1991. Wet and
dry household waste collection. BioCycle. June, 32(6):
52-54.
Mielke, G., A. Bonini, D. Havenar, and M. McCann.
1989. Management strategies for landscape waste. Springfield,
IL: Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Re-
Richard, T., N. Dickson, and S. Rowland. 1990. Yard waste
management A planting guide for New York State. Albany,
NY: New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and New York
State Department of Environmental conservation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1989. Decision-Maker’s
Guide to Solid Waste Management.
EPA1530-SW-89-072. Washingron, DC: Office of Solid
Waste and Emergency Response.
Wagner, T.C. 1991. In search of the perfect curbside system.
BioCycle. August, 32(8).
Wirth, R. 1989. Introduction to composting. St. Paul,
MN: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Ground
Water and Solid Waste Division.