Waste Characterization Study

In 2018, a Waste Characterization Study was performed on UK’s landfill waste to find out what material we are throwing away that could be recycled or reused.  In total, there were 66 material categories sorted out of the landfill material.  This study allows UK Recycling to better understand what the university is throwing away and strategies to minimize the University’s landfill waste.

A waste characterization is a process where samples of landfill waste are hand sorted into identified categories, weight and recorded. The data from the samples are then applied to the total landfill waste weights to give a comprehensive report of material landfilled for the whole university.

A waste characterization is a process where samples of landfill waste are hand sorted into identified categories, weight and recorded. The data from the samples are then applied to the total landfill waste weights to give a comprehensive report of material landfilled for the whole university.

Why Does It Matter?

• The Waste Characterization Study provides a baseline for the University to build  and increase waste diversion programs. This study helps answer the following questions:
• How much of the material sent to the landfill could have been diverted?
• Are there materials thrown away that could be diverted if a new program is created?
• Are there any recyclables still getting thrown away instead of recycled?

What Did We Find?

Figure 3-2 Top 10 Materials in University Landfilled Waste

Figure 3-3 Weighted Aggregate Recoverability

Resources

• 2018 Waster Characterization Study Result Report
• What is Recyclable