Field Data
Collection Services
CES can provide a wide range of field
data collection services in support of local governments, institutions, and
businesses. Cost effective data can be
collected to assist in program evaluation, to identify needs or opportunities
related to public services, to inform policy, or to identify opportunities to
improve resource conservation practices.
Field data collection services include:
conducting waste characterization studies (also known as waste sorts – see
below), curbside data collection including residential garbage and recycling
weight or observation studies, survey design and implementation,
observation/monitoring and evaluation of pilot projects, and other field based
work.
Our services can be used:
- in support of public education and outreach pilot projects providing the critical data necessary to evaluate project impacts
- to evaluate public outreach and education pilot programs
- to better understand public sector participation in ongoing
services such as curbside recycling or garbage services
- to identify waste prevention or additional recycling
opportunities in commercial waste streams
- to collect public opinion data for use in evaluating policy
options, program service levels, and customer satisfaction
What is a Waste Sort?
Many businesses and
institutions are unaware of what kind of waste their facilities generate. A waste audit provides a detailed look at the
composition of a facility’s waste stream. The primary component of a waste audit is a waste sort. Waste sorts provide an opportunity to assess current disposal practices
and implement practices that increase waste prevention, recycling and possibly
cost savings. A full waste audit involves both a waste sort and final report.:
1.) Waste
Sort:
Staff
conduct the following activities as part of a waste sort: - a
representative sample will be pulled from the business’s waste stream (unless
prior separation of a sample had been arranged)
- sample
will be separated in approximately 14 categories of materials
- weights
and approximate volumes of each category will be recorded
- length of sort
will be approximately 2 hours, varying depending on the
- composition of
the waste and other site specific considerations.
2.) Final
Report:
Following a
sort, a waste evaluator will create a report that includes the following:
- sort
summary
- findings
highlights
- graphical
data (charts and pictures) highlighting waste composition
- specific
recommendations based on findings
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