Waste Characterisation Study

What the waste is actually made of — the composition that decides how to process it.

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Segregated waste streams sorted into categories

What it is

A characterisation study breaks the waste stream into wet, dry, recyclable, inert and reject fractions by weight. Composition — not just tonnage — determines whether composting, RDF, recycling or a mix is the right processing route.

Why it matters

Processing technology choice depends entirely on composition
It sizes composting vs dry-waste vs RDF capacity correctly
It reveals recyclable value and reject fractions to plan for

What the waste is made of

Composition decides the processing route

Tonnage tells you how much; characterisation tells you what — and composition, not weight, decides whether composting, RDF or recycling is right.

Wet / organicComposting or biomethanation

Dry recyclablesMRF → recyclers

InertConstruction-grade / landfill

RejectRDF or scientific disposal

How we do it

A clear, practical approach

01Sampling design

Representative sampling across seasons, sources and wards.

02Sort & weigh

Physical composition analysis by fraction, with moisture and calorific indicators.

03Composition report

Fraction-wise breakdown mapped to viable processing routes.

Proof on the ground

Related work we've delivered

Real projects behind our city assessment & planning — named partners, measured outcomes.

Research

Single-Use Plastics Value-Chain Assessment

2 cities in Maharashtra & 2 cities in Tamil Nadu

4Cities studied (2 Maharashtra + 2 Tamil Nadu)

Read the case study →

Research

Impact Evaluation of a Decentralized Solid Waste Management Project

16 Bulk Waste Generators across Mumbai & Pune

88%Segregation rate achieved at household level

Read the case study →

Related services

Waste Baseline Study The ground-truth study of how much waste a city generates, and where it goes today. Explore → Ward-Level Waste Assessment Zooming the city picture down to the ward — where the real gaps and wins are. Explore → Solid Waste Management Action Plan The city-wide roadmap from where you are to SWM-Rules-compliant, ward by ward. Explore → DPR Preparation for Waste Projects The Detailed Project Report that unlocks SBM / state funding for waste infrastructure. Explore → Waste Infrastructure Gap Assessment What infrastructure a city has vs what it needs — mapped and costed. Explore → City Waste Flow Mapping Following every tonne from bin to final destination — including the leakage. Explore → All of City Assessment & PlanningSee the full city assessment & planning service.→

FAQ

Waste Characterisation Study — quick answers

The essentials, then talk to us for your specifics.

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What is Waste Characterisation Study?

Who needs Waste Characterisation Study?

It's built for ULBs & processing planners. Processing technology choice depends entirely on composition It sizes composting vs dry-waste vs RDF capacity correctly

How does Social Lab deliver Waste Characterisation Study?

Sampling design: Representative sampling across seasons, sources and wards. Sort & weigh: Physical composition analysis by fraction, with moisture and calorific indicators. Composition report: Fraction-wise breakdown mapped to viable processing routes. You get: Weight-based composition breakdown; Wet/dry/recyclable/reject split by source; Processing-route recommendations.

Where to next

Explore the rest of our waste-circularity work — by service, by who you are, or by where you operate.

All services By client type By location Waste Circularity hub →

Insights & field notes

Latest thinking on this

All insights →

Waste CircularityIndia's Circularity Leap: Key Learnings for Waste Management in 2026As India accelerates its transition to a circular economy, businesses and municipalities must adapt. Discover critical waste circularity learnings for 2026.29 Sept 2026 · 6 min read

Waste CircularityMaterial Sovereignty in India: Building Resilient Circular Supply ChainsIndia can strengthen material security by connecting smarter design, EPR, urban recovery, recycling quality and demand for verified secondary materials.23 Sept 2026 · 6 min read

Waste CircularityBuilding a Circular City: A Solid-Waste Roadmap for ULBsA practical, phase-by-phase solid-waste roadmap for Indian ULBs to move from disposal to circularity, aligned with SWM Rules 2016 and SBM-U 2.0, covering the full value chain from segregation to scientific disposal.8 Jun 2026 · 12 min read

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