A general waste composition analysis, consisting of a proximate analysis, has been presented. The definition and usage of terms were clarified, and all terms should be combined with their respective units. In this study, a proximate analysis method was applied to bottom ash, rubbers, automobile shredder residue, plastics, sewage sludge, and waste water sludge in considering the characteristics of individual waste. It has been observed that this proximate analysis method, based on the characteristics of individual waste, required drying the waste for more than 6 hr, until the moisture contents reached between 105 to 110℃ and a constant weight. It has been suggested that 2 hr of ignition at a maximum 850℃ for ash is recommended.