ASTM_D_5231_-_92_2008.pdf

Designation:D523192(Reapproved 2008)Standard Test Method forDetermination of the Composition of UnprocessedMunicipal Solid Waste1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5231;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring thecomposition of unprocessed municipal solid waste(MSW)byemploying manual sorting.This test method applies to deter-mination of the mean composition of MSW based on thecollection and manual sorting of a number of samples of wasteover a selected time period covering a minimum of one week.1.2 This test method includes procedures for the collectionof a representative sorting sample of unprocessed waste,manual sorting of the waste into individual waste components,data reduction,and reporting of the results.1.3 This test method may be applied at landfill sites,wasteprocessing and conversion facilities,and transfer stations.1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard.The values given in parentheses are forinformation only.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety problems,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.For specific hazardstatements,see Section 6.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions:2.1.1 composite iteman object in the waste composed ofmultiple waste components or dissimilar materials,such asdisposable diapers,bi-metal beverage containers,electricalconductors composed of metallic wire encased in plasticinsulation,etc.2.1.2 solid waste composition or waste compositionthecharacterization of solid waste as represented by a breakdownof the mixture into specified waste components on the basis ofmass fraction or of weight percent.2.1.3 sorting samplea 200 to 300-lb(91 to 136-kg)portion deemed to represent the characteristics of a vehicleload of MSW.2.1.4 unprocessed municipal solid wastesolid waste in itsdiscarded form,that is,waste that has not been size reduced orotherwise processed.2.1.5 waste componenta category of solid waste,com-posed of materials of similar physical properties and chemicalcomposition,which is used to define the composition of solidwaste,for example,ferrous,glass,newsprint,yard waste,aluminum,etc.3.Summary of Test Method3.1 The number of samples to be sorted is calculated basedon statistical criteria selected by the investigators.3.2 Vehicle loads of waste are designated for sampling,anda sorting sample is collected from the discharged vehicle load.3.3 The sample is sorted manually into waste components.The weight fraction of each component in the sorting sample iscalculated from the weights of the components.3.4 The mean waste composition is calculated using theresults of the composition of each of the sorting samples.4.Significance and Use4.1 Waste composition information has widespread applica-tions and can be used for activities such as solid wasteplanning,designing waste management facilities,and estab-lishing a reference waste composition for use as a baselinestandard in both facility contracts and acceptance test plans.4.2 The method can be used to define and report thecomposition of MSW through the selection and manual sortingof waste samples.Where applicable,care should be taken toconsider the source and seasonal variation of waste.4.3 After performing a waste composition analysis,labora-tory analyses may be performed on representative samples ofwaste components,or mixtures of waste components,forpurposes related to the planning,management,design,testing,and operation of resource recovery facilities.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on WasteManagement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.06 onAnalytical Methods.Current edition approved Sept.1,2008.Published December 2008.Originallyapproved in 1992.Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D5231-92(2003).DOI:10.1520/D5231-92R08.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 5.Apparatus5.1 Metal,Plastic,or Fiber Containers,sufficient for stor-ing and weighing each waste component,labeled accordingly.For components that will have a substantial moisture content(for example,food waste),metal or plastic containers arerecommended in order to avoid absorption of moisture by thecontainer and thus the need for a substantial number ofweighings to maintain an accurate tare weight for the container.5.2 Mechanical or Electronic Weigh Scale,with a capacityof at least 200 lb(91 kg)and precision of at least 0.1 lb(0.045kg).5.3 Heavy-Duty Tarps,Shovels,Rakes,Push Brooms,DustPans,Hand Brooms,