Local authorities face an array of challenges when it comes to meeting their recycling targets. From a growing volume of waste to the constantly evolving composition of localised waste streams, it is no wonder that 53% of local authorities in England have seen a drop in household waste sent for reuse, recycling or composting over the last five years.
In order to improve recycling rates, local authorities must adapt their waste management strategies to address these issues by implementing effective recycling programmes, communication campaigns and waste-handling operations.
HOW CAN THIS BE ACHIEVED?
To make informed changes, local authorities must first have a comprehensive understanding of the composition of their waste streams. The best way to achieve this is through accurate and reliable Waste Composition Analysis.
Waste Composition Analysis (WCA) is a study that provides information on the weight of materials that are in a given waste stream. This involves obtaining samples of these waste streams and sorting them into predefined categories which are then weighed.
Through WCA, you can gain vital insights into the different elements and contaminants within your waste. With this, you can build a reliable profile of your waste stream, helping you to make informed improvements to your waste-handling activities and putting you in a strong position to meet your recycling targets.
HOW HAS WASTE COMPOSITION ANALYSIS HELPED OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES?
South Ayrshire Council received funding from Zero Waste Scotland to complete a WCA of the household waste streams collected by the Council to assess the varying types of waste being deposited in their bins. This helped determine the success of their current waste collection schemes and future operational modelling.
Without evidence of the type of waste being disposed of via the residual waste and metals, plastics and carton collections, South Ayrshire Council could not propose the changes necessary to improve collections and operations.
EXPERT SUPPORT
Alfred H Knight was chosen by South Ayrshire Council to carry out an analysis of residual waste, metals, plastics & carton collections from 250 households across 5 demographic groups.
As an industry-leading inspection and testing company, we worked in partnership with South Ayrshire Council to deliver clear and concise reporting on the composition of their domestic waste streams.
Paul Dougall, Coordinator of Neighbourhood Services at South Ayrshire said:
“The service provided by AHK enabled us to see that there was a significant quantity of food waste being disposed of in residual waste, despite a weekly food waste collection being in place. This information will shape and inform future collections and communication campaigns throughout the local area conducted by the Waste Team at South Ayrshire Council."
SWIFT AND ACCURATE RESULTS
Our highly qualified experts were able to provide data relating to material makeup in all waste streams, as well as contamination rates in the recycling waste streams. We delivered the results of the composition analysis swiftly and accurately, helping South Ayrshire to qualify the changes needed.
Alfred H Knight is committed to providing expert waste composition analysis, irrespective of the scale or location. We tailor our service to meet the needs of the clients to ensure that they always receive the best value for their money.
DID YOU KNOW THAT…?
- We were one of the first research organisations to prove the link between households’ consumer behaviour and environmental attitudes; the waste they generate and their likelihood to recycle.
- We have sampled over 500,000 tonnes of waste for these types of projects
- We can provide support anywhere in the UK
IF YOU ARE A LOCAL AUTHORITY AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW COMPOSITION ANALYSIS CAN SUPPORT OPERATIONS, VISIT OUR COMPOSITION ANALYSIS PAGE OR SPEAK TO AN EXPERT VIA EMAIL TODAY.
