Derived probability model of curbside recycling collection systems

This paper describes a derived probability model (DPM) that can be used to estimate vehicle and labour requirements for municipal curbside recycling collection systems. As an example of the application of the model, the DPM is used to examine the cost implications of sorting recyclable materials at the curb. The results show that there may be an optimal level of curbside sorting for curbside recycling collection programs that varies depending on the size of the community serviced. The DPM has several advantages over existing simulation models of curbside collection, and the analytical nature of the model allows it to be easily and directly implemented on a spreadsheet.