ASTM E1109-19

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Designation: E1109 − 18 E1109 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Bulk Density of Solid Waste Fractions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1109; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method may be used to determine the bulk density of various fractions from the resource recovery processing of
municipal solid waste. It is intended as a means of characterizing such fractions and for providing data useful to designers of solid
waste processing plants.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C702/C702M Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
E689 Reference Radiographs for Ductile Iron Castings
E1107 Test Method for Measuring the Throughput of Resource-Recovery Unit Operations
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms common to waste and waste management used in this test method, refer to
Terminology D5681.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 bulk density—the mass per unit volume of particulate matter. Bulk density is not an absolute material property as is the
density of individual particles of a material. The bulk density depends on the size of the container and how the material is loaded
into the container. For example, the bulk density of material placed loosely in a container will be less than that of material tamped
into a container. Also, some materials placed loosely in a container will settle with time due to its own weight; thus, its bulk density
will increase.matter or material.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A sample of a solid waste stream is tamped in a cubical container of known volume and then weighed. Bulk density is
calculated from the weight of the contents and volume of the container.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method describes a physical property of solid waste in processing facilities, a property that characterizes the solid
waste streams and hence the operation of resource recovery separators and processors.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03 on Treatment,
Recovery and Reuse.
Current edition approved May 15, 2018Feb. 1, 2019. Published June 2018February 2019. Originally approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 20092018 as
E1109 – 86 (2009).E1109 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/E1109-18.10.1520/E1109-19.
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volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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E1109 − 19
5.2 The bulk density is an important property for the design of materials handling equipment, separators, and processors.
5.3 In this test method, bulk density is not considered an absolute material property as is the density of individual particles of
a material. The measured bulk density here depends on the size of the container, the moisture content of the “as tested” material,
and how the material is loaded into the container. For example, the bulk density of material placed loosely in a container will be
less than that of material tamped into a container. Also, some materials placed loosely in a container will settle with time due to
its own weight; thus, its bulk density will increase. As written, the “as tested” waste sample may or may not be dried prior to
testing, so that calculated bulk density includes the moisture associated with the “as tested” material.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Balance—A balance or scale accurate to within 0.1 % of the test load at any point within the range of use. The range of use
shall be considered to extend from the weight of the measure empty to the weight of the measure plus its contents.
6.2 Cubical Measure, with internal dimensions approximately 60 by 60 by 60 cm (24 by 24 by 24 in.), provided with handles.
The interior surfaces of the measure shall be nonabsorbent to moisture.
NOTE 1—A satisfactory weigh box has been constructed of 2.0-cm (18-mm (nominal ⁄4-in.) exterior grade plywood with the finished surface on the
inside. Reinforcing strips approximately 5 cm (2 in.) wide and 1.3 cm ( ⁄2 in.) in.) thick were fastened to the outside walls, two of them in a way to provide
handles.
6.3 Larger cubical weigh boxes shall be used as neces
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