The Department of Environmental Services will contract with an Orlando, Florida-based consultant to conduct a statewide waste characterization study – essentially a breakdown of what’s being thrown away in New Hampshire’s landfills.

Officials have looked at the upcoming study as a pivotal tool for the state to better grasp its waste ecosystem – what waste is generated, what is disposed of, and where it comes from.

The study, which the 2022 Solid Waste Management Plan identified as a priority, is expected to assist the state in reaching its broader reduction goals: 25 percent of municipal solid waste and construction and demolition debris by 2030 and 45 percent by 2050.

DES will contract with MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants, LLC, using $295,500 in federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. According to DES Commissioner Robert Scott, the selected firm has conducted more than 20 statewide waste characterization studies since 2007, as well as numerous similar studies for cities, counties, and private clients across the U.S.

The contract was approved by the Executive Council on Jan. 31.

MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants will conduct 26 gate survey days (estimation of residential versus industrial/commercial/institutional waste generation), 260 municipal solid waste manual sorts, and 620 construction and demolition debris visual surveys, according to the contract.

DES indicates the data generated by the study will be used to inform regulatory decision-making, as well as further implement the state’s Solid Waste Management Plan.