The composition of material excavated from the Burlington County landfill in New Jersey was determined, and the major reclaimed fractions characterized. Based on a waste age map, 98 samples ͑80 kg each͒ collected from 13 gas extraction well borings were handsorted into 14 fractions and fines ͑Ͻ2.54 cm͒ that fell through the screen were collected. At least 50%, by weight, of the material was fines. The most abundant oversize materials ͑overs͒ fractions, by weight, were miscellaneous items, wood, other plastics ͓not polyethylene terephthalate or high density polyethylene containers͔, and paper. Less paper was found in the oldest ͑7.5-11.5 years͒ section of the landfill ͑P Ͻ 0.10͒, most likely due to microbial degradation. Several of the characteristics of the materials excavated from the landfill, such as temperature, particle size, bulk density, volatile solids, and contamination were correlated with the age of the deposits made. High levels of adherent soil will likely prove to be an insurmountable obstacle to recycling most excavated waste fractions other than fines unless further processing is pursued.

No abstract

There are limited data on air quality parameters, including airborne particulate matter (PM) in residential green buildings, which are increasing in prevalence. Exposure to PM is associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and since Americans spend almost 90% of their time indoors, residential exposures may substantially contribute to overall airborne PM exposure. Our objectives were to: (1) measure various PM fractions longitudinally in apartments in multi-family green buildings with natural (Building E) and mechanical (Building L) ventilation; (2) compare indoor and outdoor PM mass concentrations and their ratios (I/O) in these buildings, taking into account the effects of occupant behavior; and (3) evaluate the effect of green building designs and operations on indoor PM. We evaluated effects of ventilation, occupant behaviors, and overall building design on PM mass concentrations and I/O. Median PMTOTAL was higher in Building E (56 µg/m3) than in Building L (37 µg/m3); I/O was higher in Building E (1.3–2.0) than in Building L (0.5–0.8) for all particle size fractions. Our data show that the building design and occupant behaviors that either produce or dilute indoor PM (e.g., ventilation systems, combustion sources, and window operation) are important factors affecting residents’ exposure to PM in residential green buildings.

No abstract