Vehicle and labor requirements for yard waste collection

Curbside collection of yard waste material is costly because the amounts collected per residence are small compared to the total waste stream and time is wasted driving by non-setting-out residences. In this paper, mathematical models are presented capable of estimating route time based on the distribution and amount of materials collected, and route and collection method characteristics. A method is presented that uses route time, set-out rate, and average set-out amount to estimate vehicle and labor requirements for compost curbside collection programs. The effect of collection practice on vehicle and labor needs is also explored.