Sample Weights in Solid Waste Composition Studies

This work analyzes the data obtained from separating and weighing samples of municipal solid waste collected during seven field studies and presents a statistical technique to estimate the number of samples required for determining solid waste composition to a required precision. Solid waste samples of various weights were taken and separated into nine components. Each component was weighed and the resulting data were statistically evaluated. No important differences in precision were established among sample weights greater than 200 lb. The study indicates that sample weights of 200 lb will safely yield satisfactory results in determining the composition of municipal sources of solid waste, provided the samples are taken from a well-mixed source such as an incinerator pit.