Several issues related to materials separation from municipal solid waste (MSW) are discussed. Current nationwide rates of materials separation and recycling, as well as the methodology for determining municipal solid waste separation rates, are presented. Case studies of four community curbside separation programs include performance data and program costs. Two centralized materials separation facilities which separate materials from unsorted MSW are described with respect to the separation mechanisms employed, performance, and available cost data. Available data on the impacts of materials separation on municipal waste combustor (MWC) air emissions, combustor operation, and MWC ash are presented. The potential occupational risks of the handpicking process used to separate materials from MSW at some centralized separation facilities are discussed. The use of mercury in household batteries, and current information on community battery separation and collection programs and recycling efforts, are also discussed.

Cover title. "January 1991"--Cover. "Emission Standards Division." "Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards." Includes bibliographical references.