Waste Data and Analysis Center (WDAC) researchers (Drs. Firman Firmansyah, Yiyi Wang, Krista L. Thyberg, and Elizabeth Hewitt) and a former member (Dr. Ashpreet Kaur), have published a waste audit tutorial in the journal Sustainability Science and Technology.
The paper, titled “Mastering waste characterization: Common practices and field techniques for overcoming challenges ,” addresses a critical gap between theoretical waste characterization guidelines and practical realities encountered during field implementation.
This work represents the culmination of more than five years of combined research and municipal solid waste (MSW) sampling practices since WDAC was founded in 2019. Rather than relying solely on theory, the paper documents real-world challenges faced during fieldwork and provides experience-based mitigation strategies to overcome them.
The WDAC team also presents a methodology selection framework. This tool is designed to help auditors choose the most appropriate sampling methods based on the specific context, constraints, and logistical circumstances of their waste audits.
The full text of the article can be downloaded here.