One of the fastest growing suburbs in Victoria is considering its solid waste management. Using the following information:

• (a) Estimate the unit waste generation rate per week and the recycling efficiency for a new residential area consisting of 3,200 homes. The average occupancy is 4 persons per home. Two observation locations were used, each for a period of one week. The local transfer station collected all of the waste for disposal, and a recycling facility was also monitored. According to estimates by the local waste water treatment facility, 5,000 kg of food waste is disposed of in all the 3,200 homes every week.

Additional data from the Transfer Station:

Number of compactor truck loads = 12

Average size of compactor truck = 15.5 m³

Estimated specific weight of waste on compactor truck = 297 kg/m³

Number of flatbed loads = 10

Average flatbed volume = 1.53 m³

Estimated specific weight of waste on flatbed truck = 134 kg/m³

Number of loads from individual residents’ private vehicles = 35

Estimated average volume per domestic vehicle = 0.25 m³

Estimated specific weight of waste from domestic vehicle = 90 kg/m³

Data from the Recycling Station:

Number of truck loads received = 20

Average weight of each load= 645 kg

(b) Determine the weight of recycled waste produced in the given one week and why is this useful to determine?

(c) What is the recycling efficiency for the residential area and why is this important to know?