Methodology to quantify single-use plastic products in municipal solid waste Part 1: Development of a sampling...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Waste Management
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Rising consumption of single-use plastic (SUP) products necessitates waste reduction strategies.
• EU Directive 2019/904 mandates manufacturer contributions to the disposal costs of SUP products in public waste streams.
• Accurate quantification of SUP products in municipal solid waste (MSW) is crucial for developing cost models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a robust methodology for sampling and analyzing MSW to determine the quantities of SUP products.
• To address challenges posed by low quantities, small sizes, and litter waste components of SUP products in waste streams.
• To provide a basis for cost allocation models aligned with EU Directive 2019/904.

Main Methods:

• A novel sampling approach considering area selection for national-scale extrapolation.
• An adapted sampling procedure designed for statistically representative results.
• Specialized sample preparation techniques optimized for small and low-quantity SUP items.
• A comprehensive analytical method for reproducible quantification of SUP products in MSW.

Main Results:

• The developed method enables accurate determination of SUP product quantities within MSW.
• The sampling and analytical procedures are suitable for diverse SUP product sizes and waste streams, including litter.
• Statistically representative and reproducible data on SUP product prevalence in MSW can be generated.

Conclusions:

• The presented sampling and analytical method provides a reliable approach for quantifying SUP products in MSW.
• This methodology supports the development of cost models for SUP waste management as required by EU Directive 2019/904.
• The findings contribute to effective waste management strategies and the implementation of circular economy principles for plastics.