Characterization of the mixed urban solid waste fraction managed by the consortium of Gorbea Foothills in Alava )

The following research work includes the proposed methodology and the results obtained for the characterization of the mixed waste fraction of the urban solid waste managed by the consortium of Gorbea Foothills in Alava. In order to conform EKAIA 34.indd 225 6/11/18 20:28:13 226 EKAIA, 34 (2018) Daniel Zuazagoitia, Naiara Rojo, Arrate Santaolalla, Iñigo Zuazagoitia the samples of urban waste analysed, the routes to be carried out by the trucks were designed, and for these two variables were taken into account: the season (winter and summer) and the area (urban, rural or chalets origin). The analyses carried out show that these two variables have an effect on the composition of the mixed waste fraction, especially on the two major fractions: organic matter and other residues. Within the fraction analysed, more or less 65 % of the waste could be recycled or reused. In general, all the samples analysed show a great improvement margin in terms of selective collection of organic matter.