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Mixed Dry Recyclables Waste Density Calculation

Mixed Dry Recyclable waste consists of plastic, paper, cardboard, metals. This article explains how the density of mixed dry recyclable 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 Dry Recyclable Waste (or as also referred to as single-stream recyclables) is an estimate based on research from the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This information aids customers in estimating and reporting on mixed recyclables waste volumes, facilitating effective waste management planning.

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

According to the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, mixed dry recyclable waste includes plastic, paper, cardboard, and metal.

The table below, extracted from a report published by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency titled National Waste Statistics: Guidance for Estimating Quantity of Waste Generated On-Site, outlines the typical weights of mixed dry recyclable waste when the bins are full, categorized by different bin sizes.

To calculate the density of mixed dry recyclables, we use the density formula outlined below. This method considers all bin sizes and weights listed in the table, allowing us to derive an average density for this waste type. 


Density for 1100L bin: 60/1100 = 0.054 kg/L
Density for 240L bin: 16/240 = 0.066 kg/L
Density for 140L bin: 8/140 = 0.057 kg/L

Average Density: (0.054 + 0.066 + 0.057) / 3 ≈ 0.059 kg/L, which we round to 0.06kg/L

The Volume-to-Weight Conversions report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency details two field tests conducted to assess waste density—one at a material recovery facility and another at a multi-unit residential site. To ensure consistency in our data, we selected the results from the material recovery facility test. This test recorded an average density of 113.9lbs/cy, which translates to approximately 0.0676 kg/L. For ease of use, we rounded this figure to a standardized estimate of 0.06kg/L on the Superfy platform.

 

The table below presents the density values for Mixed Dry Recyclables 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 as a LoW Code (List of Waste Code). 

The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) Code 20 03 01 refers to general mixed waste, including commercial and municipal waste. This code should also be used for Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR), provided it is not solely mixed packaging (15 01 06).

Note:

According to The European Waste Catalogue (EWC), General Residual Waste, Mixed Dry Recyclables Waste and Mixed General Waste (Compacted) are incorporated under Code 20.