The composition of commercial and household waste is forever changing as our personal behaviours, consumption, and recycling habits shift over time. In the last 18 months alone, as a result of the COVID pandemic, household waste has changed dramatically.

The widespread use of disposable facemasks and PPE has seen an increase in the levels of plastics entering our waste streams. Numerous lockdowns have affected kerbside collections and the way people dispose of and recycle their waste.

Changes to our waste stream can affect both the output of a material and the value of it at each stage of its journey, from household waste to output from a Waste-to-Energy plant. Not only does this affect Energy from Waste (EfW) facility operators, but it also has a knock-on effect for waste management companies, suppliers of waste and even local councils.

Understanding the Composition of Your Material

By determining the composition of your waste material, you can gain vital insights into the different elements and contaminants within your commodity.

With these insights, you can build a reliable profile of your waste stream, helping protect your plant equipment, meet environmental regulations and be in a strong position to plan and monitor your waste handling activities. The best method of doing so is through a Waste Composition Analysis.

What is Waste Composition Analysis (WCA)?

Waste Composition Analysis (WCA) is a study that provides information on the weight of materials that are in a given waste stream. This involves obtaining samples of these waste streams and sorting them into predefined categories, which are then weighed.

Further tests can also be carried out on the materials to determine the specific size of the materials, referred to as a Size Analysis. This information is crucial for the effective design of mechanical waste treatment facilities and monitoring the performance of mechanical waste treatment facilities.

Combined with a category analysis, this can also provide information on which materials are present for a range of size fractions.

Why is Waste Composition Analysis important?

As the UK moves from a Linear Economy towards a Circular Economy, more waste is being recycled. The non-recyclables, or Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), can be used to generate power in an Energy from Waste (EfW) facility.

Through understanding the composition of waste, we can support each point in the journey from household to power plant, and even learn some key information on recycling habits.

Local Authorities 

Composition analysis can help local authorities profile waste streams. It identifies the different types of waste materials present, as well as spotlighting items of interest such as single-use plastics. As a result, they can better understand the recycling and purchasing habits of their residents.

This can help councils support their Zero to Landfill strategy and provide valuable data for campaigns aimed at getting the general public to recycle more.

Waste Management Companies

Waste management companies need to understand the benefits of compositional analysis, how this translates into renewable energy, and the added value this could potentially bring.

The push for a Circular Economy is a driving force behind the decision-making within the waste management sector. Understanding the composition of your waste allows you to extract added value, converting your waste into a commodity.

Detailed compositional data allows you to characterise the materials in your waste stream. As a result, you can optimise your fuel mix and divert recyclables from landfill.

Waste-to-Energy Facilities

Just as humans need to understand what they are putting into their bodies, EfWs must understand what they are burning.

For example, EfWs must be fed fuel that meets the unique specifications of the facility to operate at maximum capacity. These operational limits are important. They ensure the output of the facility is optimal and help maintain plant equipment, influencing the lifespan of the plant.

Compositional analysis of the input helps operators build a reliable profile of their materials. Through this, they can gain valuable insights into the elements and potentially harmful contaminants within their commodity.

Understanding the composition of input material can also help to forecast the harmful emissions that will be released following incineration. By monitoring the impact of this process on the environment, you can keep within the regulations.

(IBA) Bottom Ash

The composition of your input material also affects the waste residue left behind following the incineration process.

For example, ferrous and precious metals can be found in the incinerator bottom ash (IBA) left behind following incineration. IBA also contains materials that could be further recycled and used as an aggregate in the construction industry.

Commercial and household waste streams often contain trace amounts of heavy non-ferrous metals, which are sought-after feedstock for smelters. Recycling aluminium saves around 95% of the energy needed to make the metal from raw materials. Therefore, not only is it an opportunity for further revenue generation, but it also helps to support a Circular Economy.

How can Alfred H Knight help with Waste Composition Analysis?

Alfred H Knight provides swift, accurate, and reliable waste composition analysis from strategically located hubs across the UK.

With over 25 years of experience supporting the solid fuels sector, we are experts in alternative fuels testing. We give clients clear insights into the composition of their waste streams, helping them monitor waste handling and management effectively.

We also support members of the Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) scheme. Our experts help determine Fuel Mix Disclosure, enabling clients to meet their agreements.

We have further information on waste composition analysis here. Contact an AHK expert via the form below today to see how we can assist you with your individual needs.