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April 28, 2005 Page 3 Because iudependent, actual field measurements were not conducted as a part of the Roseville pilot project, this memo will not empirically quantify the "process residuals" but rather discuss the available data as reported in other studies. Also, the policy implications will be outlined and recommendations for further research itemized. Standard Definitions - Currently the recycling industry lacks standardized defmitions. This is one of the key barriers to professional dialogue about designing studies to measure impacts of changes to single stream recycling programs. The following set of terms is proposed to the City and Ramsey County as a basis for such discussion (see Attachment A for a more thorough set of proposed definitions and examples.) "N on- Tarl!eted Materials" - Materials that are defined by the municipality as not acceptable but are routinely included by residents in their curbside bins. "Processinl! Residuals" - Materials that are disposed as mixed solid waste as an unwanted by-product after processing of recyclables at MRFs. "Contaminants in marketed product" - Outthrows and prohibitives as defined for specific commodities and grades by each end market (i.e., mills or other manufacturing plants that utilize processed recyclable materials). If these terms are clearly defined and reported, the recycling industry will be able to better compare research results. The actual composition, sources, and systematic causes of increased processing residuals will be better understood. Also, through improved communications and professional research, public and private management controls will become more feasible and accepted as "best practices". Thus, standardized definitions should be a first step if reducing the amount of processing residuals is a top priority for both municipalities and private contractors regardless if the collection system is dual stream or single stream. Available Data from the City of Roseville Pilot Project A comprehensive recyclable materials composition analysis was conducted as part of the overall City pilot project. One of the key indicators of effectiveness measured for each collection method was the amount of non-targeted material (or "contaminants") collected. The non-targeted material was divided into four subcategories: . Beer, Pop & Water Boxes . Other Paper Trash . Plastic Bags and Other Film Plastic . Other Trash 01-00253-10 101-0 101 I 07000 I I 13500 P:\13500 Ramsey Co. 2003\R T A \Roseville\F A\DraftResidualsMemo042805.doc DRAFT