Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
Columbus, Ohio

Capture Rate Study
and Fully Automated Recycling Collection Analysis

DSM designed and carried out an eighteen-month analysis of collection options to incorporate curbside recycling into an existing refuse collection system in the City of Columbus Ohio. The pilot involved analyzing three fully automated collection options: a single pass using a split truck and split cart; a single pass using a split truck and two carts; and use of a single compartment truck and two carts making two passes to collect residential wastes and recyclables. The analysis included pre-pilot and pilot timing of collection vehicles in five neighborhoods, pre-pilot and pilot studies of the fullness of the carts, capture rate analysis, and an economic analysis.

The capture rate analysis included two weeks of sorting of recyclables and wastes from every sixth set-out in each of the five pilot neighborhoods for each system. DSM was responsible for the design of the sampling procedure, organization of the sorting, performance of the sampling and sorting, and analysis of the data.

The results of the capture rate analysis were used to determine and compare the effectiveness of the split cart and dual cart recycling programs, and help establish the parameters for a design of a final collection system, to be implemented citywide. The analysis included quantities and composition of the waste and recyclables, recovery rates of recyclables, participation and set-out rates, and the fullness of the carts.

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