For my final research paper I would like to attempt researching the,’Waste Disposal System,’ of New York City. While this might seem like a vast topic, I aim at focusing on the way waste is handled after it has been collected. As I rely on the quantitative data of statistical information that would provide facts that go along the stark shades of black and white, I believe that there are many layers and shades of variation that qualitative data can provide that goes beneath the surface of the matter at hand. I would like to delve into both these types of sources as each is as relevant as the other, albeit in different contexts.

I would use statistical data to specify the ways in which New York City exports its trash- (the amount of expenditure it puts forth every year in order to send it across landmines in other states,) numbers and figures would come in handy here as I could put across exact figures and percentages of the number of tonnes exported, fraction that sent to landmines and percentage that is recycled.

My qualitative research would involve speaking to individuals and interviewing people who work as a part of this system, who express its importance and function.

I addition to the ‘disposal,’ part of this system I would like to touch upon New York City’s history with hygiene and how intricate this system is to the overall function of the city. I believe that this system is detrimental to the function of all others. Within this, I would also examine that period in New York’s history when this system was not functioning as smoothly as is should have, taking into consideration the progression that allowed for this system to exist the way that it does today.

For this I would most certainly rely on archives and books.

As the study proceeds, I would like to touch upon recycling and the procedure of converting organic material into compost. For this, I would like to approach communities and individuals who work on such initiatives in their neighbourhood. My community from the Citizens Committee of New York City is  ‘Coqui the Chef,’ which focuses on teaching children about healthy produce and good eating habits.

As this community is located in the Bronx, I chose to apply several observational skills towards gaining a greater understanding of the neighbourhood. This involves making several visits to the site, gaining access to the place. I attempt at trying to blend into the situation, to not have people change their behavior in response to the study. I understand that it is a layered process that would require for me to make connections, and heighten my senses with an acute sense of awareness- taking notes continuously. Most prominently, I believe that data analysis should occur as soon as the data is collected.