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• 5. Waste Composition Study The waste composition study (WCS) performed by Kessler Consulting, Inc. (KCI) in April 2014 determined the composition of the waste stream for each of the three generator sectors (residential, multifamily and commercial), as well as the county wide waste (overall sample). The data reveals the following trends when compared to the 2001 WCS: • The percentage of newspaper dropped substantially in all sectors, which is reflective of the County's recycling efforts as well as the trend toward electronic news media and the commensurate downsizing of many printed newspapers. • The percentage of office paper declined in all generator sectors, again possibly due to increased use of electronic communication. • The overall percentage of plastics has increased, which is consistent with changes in product packaging and consumer preferences over the past decade. • The percentage of electronics has increased, reflective of the widespread use of electronic devices and constant development of newer and better models and devices. • The percentage of construction and demolition (C&D) debris and wood waste in the residential waste stream has increased, reflective of more "do- it-yourselfers" making home improvements, • The percentage of yard waste in the single-family residential waste stream increased substantially (from 2.9% in 2001 to 12.3% in 2014), and • A substantial amount of materials in the bulky waste/C&D stream could potentially be recycled, including yard waste (14.9% by weight), drywall (14.1% by weight), untreated wood (11.9% by weight), corrugated cardboard (1.8% by weight), carpet and padding (1.6% by weight), rigid plastics (1.4% by weight), metals and appliances (1.2% by weight), and rock/gravel/ grit (26.3 % by weight). This data reveals the following potential opportunities for increased waste diversion from the residential waste stream: lig NEEI_ SCHAFFER ES -8 164