| Effective multi-family dwelling (MFD) recyclable materials (RMs), compost-target materials (CTM), and household hazardous waste (HHW) collection programs require empirical knowledge of the composition, variability, and generation rates of these waste streams associated with MFD tenant-discard behavior. A 100% sampling of an MFD's tenant-generated non-move-out, non-bulky discards across four non-serial eight week sampling study periods was undertaken in spring 2002, fall 2002, fall 2004, and spring 2005 at a 28-unit apartment complex in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The RM and total discard data were collected for each of the four periods; data on CTM and HHW for only the latter two periods. Weight-based per capita weekly generation rates were determined; a test of period mean differences followed. The proportional representation of the separated major material groups was determined. Analysis showed that, across periods, significant differences in period means were found for newspaper, PET bottles and jugs, bags (plastic) and other film, brown glass, green glass, total recyclable discards, food waste, soiled paper, cat litter, and total CTM. No significant difference was found between the period means for corrugated boxes, rigid paperboard, mixed paper, HDPE bottles and jugs, steel cans and lids, aluminum, clear glass, aerosol cans, and household batteries groups; nor for the total HHW and total discard categories. When considering commonly collected recyclable materials, 52% of the average tenant's generated weekly solid waste was recyclable. For the two CTM and HHW data collection periods, respectively, CTM with cat litter represented 40% and 33% of total resident discard and CTM without cat litter 31% and 28%. HHW (electronic waste inclusive) percentages ranged from 1.4% to 2.1%. The total discard generation rate was 4.480 kg/person/wk with cat litter and 3.984 kg/person/wk without cat litter. Implications for future MFD RM, CTM, and HHW-focused waste characterization studies are discussed. |
