Disposal Based Characterization of Solid Waste in Pinoleville Pomo Nation

As part of our work on solid waste, the Pinoleville Pomo Nation Environmental Department conducted as cleanup for Pinoleville Citizens. The week-long event worked to prevent dumping on Pinoleville land while also educating its Citizens about solid waste. We put together some graphs to break down our disposal based characterization of solid waste. Download the graphs below:

What is Waste Stream Characterization?

Simply put, waste stream characterization is sorting waste to better understand what it’s made of, i.e. food waste, recyclables, hazardous waste, paper, styrofoam, etc. Once waste characterization information is collected, that data can be used to help with planning your recycling program or reduce waste. CalRecycle expands on waste stream characterization and it’s purpose.

How is the data collected?

Check out our previous post ‘What is Waste Stream Characterization‘ where we documented and photographed the waste stream characterization process. Here at PPN we use plastic bins, tarps, trash grabbers and a scale. We lay out the waste on our traps, and sort through organizing the waste into their appropriate categories.