Publication Summary

In March 1992 the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a Request for Proposals titled the "1992 Washington State Waste Characterization Study." The RFP requested assistance in characterizing certain types of solid wastes in Washington State, defined these solid wastes, and suggested that a variety of methodological approaches be used to develop these characterizations (the study).

In March 1992 the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a Request for Proposals titled the "1992 Washington State Waste Characterization Study." The RFP requested assistance in characterizing certain types of solid wastes in Washington State, defined these solid wastes, and suggested that a variety of methodological approaches be used to develop these characterizations (the study).

The RFP was issued to partially fulfill Ecology's obligation to conduct periodic characterizations of the state's municipal solid waste (MSW). This obligation arises from three mandates. The first obligation, mandated under RCW 70.l95.280, is to determine the best management practices for various categories of solid waste. Second, Ecology must assess progress towards the state's goal of a 50% recycling rate in 1995. Finally, Ecology is required by RCW 70.95.090 to provide technical assistant to counties and cities developing comprehensive solid waste management plans.

This report, Volume 1 of the 1992 Washington State Waste Characterization Study, provides a summary of the methodology and results of the entire study.