Collection of Samples of Solid Waste
When collecting samples of municipal solid waste major collection sites are identified which are covering a larger size of population. Based on the type of area such as residential, commercial, industrial, market, slum etc. sampling points are distributed uniformly all over the study area. The sampling points are further classified based on economic status of population such as high, middle and low income group.
About 10 kg of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is collected from ten points from outside and inside of the solid waste heap. The total quantity of waste so collected is thoroughly mixed and then reduced by method of quartering till a samples of such a size is obtained which can be handled in the laboratory. The sample so obtained is subjected to physical analysis, determination of moisture and then the sample is processed for further chemical analysis.
Samples collected for physical and chemical analysis are double bagged in plastic bags, sealed and sent to the laboratory for analysis, each sample being in the range 10 to 12 kg. Wastes from industries and institutions are usually investigated by visiting the facility, viewing the waste handling system and completing a questionnaire with the assistance of the plant manager or senior technical personnel.
