Optimum sample size in refuse analysis

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Musa, E. and Ho, G.E.ORCID: 0000-0001-9190-8812 (1981) Optimum sample size in refuse analysis. Journal of the Environmental Engineering Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, 107 (6). pp. 1247-1260.

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Abstract

An optimum number of samples to obtain average weight and composition of collected household refuse is suggested based on surveys in nine municipalities in Melbourne and Perth, Australia. For sample weight and the percentages of paper and food wastes, forty samples are adequate to achieve a standard error of 10% for the averages for a population of between 4,000 and 70,000 surveyed. For metals, glass and plastics a sample size of 200 is required to achieve the same degree of accuracy. It is unrealistic to expect accurate results for the other minor components.

Publication Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Publisher:	American Society of Civil Engineers
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/21863

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