New Hampshire Takes a Closer Look at What is Being Thrown Away

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Over the past few weeks, waste disposal sites across New Hampshire have become the scene of a meticulous investigation. Trash bags are being torn open, their contents spread out on tables and examined with a fine-tooth comb. This scrutiny is part of the state’s effort to uncover what is being dumped in its landfills.

Michael Nork, from the state’s environmental agency’s solid waste management department, explained that this exhaustive study is designed to pinpoint areas within the waste stream that could be improved. “We’re hoping that the data we gather will support future policies,” Nork said. “This information could be invaluable to the legislature as they consider new recycling or waste diversion laws. It’s going to give us more data to make informed decisions about what to prioritize.”

Through a contract approved by Gov. Chris Sununu and the Executive Council on Jan. 31, MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants LLC sends its team to transfer stations, incinerators, and landfills to randomly select 200 to 250 pounds of waste from incoming loads, which is then collected in large garbage cans for detailed inspection. At each site, the waste is poured onto sorting tables, where every bag is opened and the contents sorted by hand.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com