Client: A central government agency

Problem: National and regional estimates of the amount of commercial and industrial waste were needed to meet EU requirements, develop waste strategies and inform decision making. No clear estimates were available.

Approach: Jigsaw was asked to provide statistical support for the first National Waste Survey of 20,000 companies. We developed methods to validate the data and identify implausible values for follow up. We developed innovative ways of grossing up the data on a regional and national basis to produce results for different purposes. We also developed and ran the survey analysis programs.

Benefits: The main benefits of the project were:

• A methodology that could be used for future surveys
• A validated database of waste production and disposal
• A better understanding of the nature of waste
• National and regional waste strategies

Contact: Colin Elwood