CONTACT INFORMATION:
Solid Waste Operations
3095 114th Avenue N.
St. Petersburg, Fl 33716
(727) 464-7500
E-mail: custsrv@pinellascounty.org

September 20, 2007

For two weeks (September 10 – 21, 2007), garbage trucks dumped their loads near a tented work station at Solid Waste Operations where workers sorted through the sometimes putrid mix with gloves and a brave demeanor. "Out of sight, out of mind" is the general attitude toward garbage, but this crew of "garbologists" was on a mission. They separated each load into more than 20 categories, weighed the materials, determined the origin of each truck, and noted any unique characteristics of the contents. It’s not pretty, but this is how a scientific waste composition study is conducted.

The last study was conducted in 2001, and Solid Waste Operations, working with Kessler Consulting, Inc., is now engaged in another study to determine changes in disposal habits by residential, multi-family, and commercial entities. The updated information will assist in planning future recycling and waste reduction programs. For example, the 2001 study provided information that helped justify expansion of the county’s drop-off recycling program and new recycling programs targeting paper recycling in schools, county offices, and the commercial sector. Measuring those recyclables comes at the cost of sorting through dirty diapers and week-old food.

The final results of this study will help the county evaluate the success of its recycling programs, identify any changes in the waste stream, and determine what additional improvements to recycling programs are needed.

Source: www.pinellascounty.org/utilities

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