Waste characterisation

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Waste characterisation (waste characterization US) is the process by which the composition of different waste streams is analysed. Waste characterisation plays an important part in any treatment of waste which may occur. Developers of new waste technologies must take into account what exactly waste streams consist of in order to fully treat the waste. The biodegradable element of the waste stream is vitally important in the use of systems such as composting or anaerobic digestion.

Municipal waste streams are commonly broken down into the following constituents:

• Film plastic-LDPE
• Dense plastic-HDPE, PET
• Ferrous metal
• Non-ferrous metals
• Glass
• Textiles
• "Other" any remaining items which do not fit

Biodegradable fraction

• Glass
• Paper & cardboard
• Garden waste or green waste
• Fines (items below a certain screen size)

[edit] See also

• List of waste treatment technologies

	Topics related to waste management	edit
Anaerobic digestion | Composting | Incineration | Landfill | Mechanical biological treatment | Radioactive waste | Recycling | Sewerage | Waste | Waste collection | Waste sorting | Waste hierarchy | Waste management | Waste management concepts | Waste legislation | Waste treatment technology