As part of the effort to develop a new solid waste management Base Year Study for the Los Angeles County , Cascadia conducted a major characterization study of solid waste originating in unincorporated areas of the county. The study involved making arrangements with more than 250 businesses in targeted industry groups as well as 50 apartment buildings to obtain and characterize samples of disposed waste. It also involved arranging the interception of waste from 100 single-family curbside set-outs and 115 self-haul vehicles upon arrival at disposal facilities. The results of the study have provided the county with precise identification of key recycling and diversion opportunities throughout its waste stream.