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PHOENIX GARBAGE STUDIES |
In 1988, the city of Phoenix commissioned a study from Dr. Bill Rathje of the University of Arizona to perform a detailed analysis of the solid waste generated by Phoenix residents. One of the most important conclusions the study determined was that over 50 percent by weight and over 63 percent by volume of typical residential garbage was recyclable. This information was the base upon which the recycling program was designed. The goal is to divert as much garbage as possible from the solid waste stream headed to Phoenix landfills. If you would like a copy of the original findings of the study click here.
In 2003, the city of Phoenix commissioned Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. to conduct a followup Waste Characterization Study to see how the composition of the solid waste stream had changed in Phoenix over the previous 15 years. This information gave insight into what other materials could be diverted from solid waste headed to landfills. An interesting conclusion of this study was the large percentage of paper, especially newspaper, that was still found in garbage containers and not recycling barrels. If you would like to see the results of this 2004 study, click here.
If you have other questions, click here and email your inquiry to resaurus@phoenix.gov
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