Disposal 

2002 Waste Characterization and Composition Report

Oregon regularly conducts solid waste composition studies as required by state law (Oregon Revised Statutes 459A.035).  Previous studies were done by the Department of Environmental Quality in 2000, 1998, 1994/95, and 1992/93. Portland Metro Regional Government has also conducted studies in 1993/94 and earlier. Metro, the cities of Portland and Eugene, and Marion County have all contributed to some or all of the composition studies conducted since 1998. The information gained by these studies allows local governments and recycling businesses to target recycling efforts towards those materials that are still being thrown away.

Click on the links below to view results of the waste composition studies:

1. Complete Report (Includes Appendices and Tables) PDF 1.1MB
2. Report Only PDF
3. Appendix A - Main Data Tables PDF
   • 2002 Oregon Statewide results: Percentages (Table A2) PDF
   • 2002 Oregon Statewide results: Tonnage Disposed (Table A3) PDF
   • 2002 Oregon Disposal and Recovery of Selected Materials (Table A4) PDF
4. Appendix B - Methodology: Disposal Site Waste Composition (Field Data) PDF
5. Appendix C - Methodology for Contamination Analysis PDF
6. Appendix D - Material Categories for the 2002 Waste Composition Study PDF
7. Tables from report in Excel spreadsheet format XLS

• Follow this link to review the 2005/06 Waste Composition Study.

[print version]