Through waste characterization studies, GBB provides clients with information on the quantity and composition of waste streams; the potential for extracting recyclables; the quantities of processable vs. non-processable waste; chemical analyses and heating values; portions of the waste stream that require special management; and current and future waste-generation rates. These studies serve as the basis for designing and implementing sound integrated programs and for monitoring program effectiveness.

[ Download Capability Statement for Waste Characterization Studies ]

Selected Project Descriptions:

Waste Characterization Study as Part of Materials Recovery Facility System Review
(Baltimore County, Maryland / Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority)

Waste Sort Training as part of the Development of Solid Waste Management Training / Case Studies for Tribal Nations
US Environmental Protection Agency

Waste Characterization Study – C&D Debris on Military Bases
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center

Waste Characterization Study
Kent County, Michigan

Waste Characterization Studies
Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, Pennsylvania

Waste Composition Study
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Waste Sort as Part of Development of Long-Term Waste Management Plan
Lee County, Florida

Solid Waste Management Plan and Waste Characterization Study
Chester County, Pennsylvania

Logan Airport Waste Audit and Assessment
Massachusetts Port Authority, Massachusetts

Litter Surveys
States of California / New Jersey / North Carolina / Mississippi

Related GBB Articles:

MRF Technology – Uncovering Opportunities with Waste Material Assessments
Steven Schilling, P.E., GBB Senior Project Manager and Ricky Phillips, GBB Project Manager
Waste Today – May 2025

Can Landfill Diversion Goals Be Met When Considering the Composition of MSW
Brad Kelley, BSME, GBB Senior Project Engineer
Waste Today – November 2024

Recycling Isn’t Broken, But It Does Need to Change
Brad Kelley, BSME, GBB Senior Project Engineer
Waste Today – October 2022

Characterizing Organics
Chris Lund, P.E., GBB Senior Vice President; and Brad Kelley, BSME, GBB Senior Project Engineer
Waste Today – September 2021

Airports: The Next Waste Diversion Frontier
Chris Lund, P.E., GBB Senior Vice President
Waste Today – October 2018

Does Size Matter? What Your Material Composition May Not Be Telling You
Brad Kelley, BSME, GBB Senior Project Engineer
Waste Advantage – November 2014