(best examples and good practices) on household organic waste ...

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2. Commingled recyclables collection with processing at centralized materials
recovery facilities (MRFs)
3. Mixed MSW collection with processing for recovery of the recyclable
materials from the waste stream
4.3.1. Source Separation
Source separation is defined as the removal of potentially recyclable materials
from the waste stream, conducted by the individual consumer <strong>and</strong> commercial
establishment. MSW Source separation constitutes an alternative <strong>and</strong>
complementary stage of an effective solid waste management program. The
parameters that influence the implementation <strong>and</strong> the successfulness of such a
scheme are the following (HSWMA., 2008):
the type <strong>and</strong> the quantity of the recycling materials to be separated
the quality of the recovered materials –
the existence of suitable markets
the easiness of its operation <strong>and</strong> the cost of alternative solid waste
management techniques established in the region under investigation
level of public awareness <strong>and</strong> willingness to participate
The collection of the segregated MSW can take place by elaborating various
methods including door to door collection, collection in appropriate bins, <strong>and</strong>
collection in centers. The separated materials can be collected individually in
single-compartment trucks, or they can be collected at the same time in a
specially designed multi-compartment recycling vehicle. The segregated
components are then transported to a consolidation site for further processing
<strong>and</strong> subsequent shipment to markets.
Several schemes <strong>and</strong> pilot tests have demonstrated that householders are able
to accurately sort their solid waste into different categories if appropriate <strong>and</strong>
clear guidance is given. For example, a study carried out in Leeds, UK, showed
that householders could sort their waste into six different categories with a
96.5% success rate (Forrest et al., 1990). A US study showed similar results
(Beyea et al., 1992). Clear instructions to the householder are essential for the
successfulness of a source separation scheme.
4.3.2. Commingled Recycling
Here the generator only needs to separate recyclable materials from nonrecyclables.
Newspapers are appropriate to be kept separate from the rest of the
commingled recyclables so that contamination can be prevented.