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Mixed PET Waste Density Calculation

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a common plastic used for products like soda, water, and dairy bottles. This article explains how the density of mixed PET waste is calculated within the Superfy platform.

The Superfy platform includes a set of 10 standardised common waste categories, each accompanied by standardised density values.

The density value for Mixed PET waste is an estimate based on research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Grand Traverse County and King County. This information aids customers in estimating and reporting on mixed general waste (compacted) volumes, facilitating effective waste management planning.

While customers can input their own waste density or weight data, the provided estimate can be used when specific is unavailable. Additionally, the platform allows for the addition of unlimited custom waste types.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a common plastic used for products like soda, water, and dairy bottles. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's report titled Standard Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors, the weight of PET soda bottles is estimated at 35 pounds per cubic yard (lbs/cy), while mixed PET and dairy containers weigh approximately 30 lbs/cy which converts to 0.020kg/L. 

These figures are also supported by the volume-to-weight conversion data from King County, along with the findings from the volume-to-weight conversion by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

A separate Volume to Weight Conversion Factors report by Grand Traverse County, estimates that PET bottles to weigh 0.015 ton/cubic yard which converts to 0.018kg/L.

To maintain consistency, we have selected the value of 0.020 kg/L for the Superfy platform.

The table below presents the density values for Mixed PET  across the various metrics available on the Superfy platform.

A European Waste Catalogue (EWC) Code is a six-digit code used to identify waste as listed in the European Waste Catalogue. It is formatted as three pairs of numbers, for example, 12 34 56. It identifies and classifies waste into categories according to how these wastes have been produced. It adequately describes the waste being transported, handled or treated. It can also be referred to as a LoW Code (List of Waste Code)

European Waste Catalogue (EWC) Code 20 01 39 refers to waste that as plastics and is classed as a Absolute Non-hazardous code.