Municipal solid waste characterization study for Indiana

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance, Source Reduction and Recycling Branch, commissioned the completion of a statewide municipal solid waste (MSW) characterization study for Indiana. MSW facilities were sampled mainly during Spring and Fall seasons. The study was divided into seven steps: literature review, model development, characterization for sites sampled, characterization for non-participating waste facilities, potential for increased recycling, documentation and presentation. The following results were obtained: MSW composition for four participating facilities, MSW composition for non-participating facilities, overall composition for different origins, and overall composition for the state including waste generated in Indiana and waste exported to Indiana. A comparison between Indiana, other states and national results was made. Based on the composition results and comparison, opportunity for source reduction and recycling was found, especially for paper and plastic