What's in the bin? Statewide waste characterization study under way

In August, NHDES staff Paige Wilson, Michael Nork and intern Alison Kaiser visited Casella’s Allenstown Transfer Station to observe waste sorting activities being conducted as part of a statewide waste characterization study commissioned by NHDES. The purpose of the study is to collect representative data on the composition of waste streams generated by New Hampshire’s residential and commercial/institutional sectors. To carry out the study, NHDES has hired MSW Consultants, a contractor that specializes in solid waste characterization and analysis. 

The Allenstown Transfer Station is one of roughly 12 solid waste landfills and transfer stations participating in the study. While on-site, NHDES staff observed MSW Consultants’ crew of professional waste sorters as they literally picked apart samples of municipal solid waste (MSW) to sort items into nearly 80 different categories – everything from various types of plastic and paper to food waste, electronics, textiles and beyond. 

This is the first statewide study of its kind to be conducted in New Hampshire. Data from this study will provide detailed information about what Granite Staters are putting in their trash and will hopefully highlight opportunities for increased recycling and waste diversion. Ultimately, NHDES hopes to be able to use data from the study to help reinforce implementation of the State’s Solid Waste Management Plan, and also support achievement of a recent goal set by the Legislature to reduce disposal of common wastes by 25% by the year 2030, and by 45% by the year 2050. NHDES is expecting to issue a final report summarizing the results of the study in early 2025.