How can you conduct a waste audit to increase recycling opportunities?

1 Step 1: Plan your waste audit

Before beginning your waste audit, it is necessary to plan some details, such as the scope and objectives of your audit, the methodology and tools you’ll use, and the timing and frequency of your audit. You should consider what you are hoping to achieve, which waste streams and sources you will include, how you will collect, sort, weigh, and record your data, what equipment and safety measures are necessary, when and how often you will conduct your audit, and how to account for any seasonal or operational variations.

2 Step 2: Collect your waste samples

The next step is to collect your waste samples from the selected sources and locations, which can be done in a few ways. Grab sampling involves randomly picking a portion of waste from a container or pile, while composite sampling requires mixing several portions of waste from different containers or piles. Alternatively, full sampling entails collecting all the waste from a container or pile. Be sure to label your waste samples with the date, time, source, and location and store them in a secure and accessible place.

3 Step 3: Sort your waste samples

The third step is to sort your waste samples into different categories, such as material type (paper, plastic, metal, glass, organic, etc.), waste stream (general waste, recyclable waste, hazardous waste, etc.), and waste source (office, kitchen, bathroom, workshop, etc.). To do this, you can use bins, bags, trays or tables to separate the categories and weigh them using scales or balances. This sorting process will enable you to gain a better understanding of your waste composition and how it can be managed more efficiently.

4 Step 4: Record your waste data

The fourth step is to record your waste data using a spreadsheet, a database, or a software program. You can use different metrics, such as weight, volume, density, and composition of each waste category in kilograms, pounds, liters, gallons, and the percentage of the total waste sample. Additionally, you can calculate other indicators, such as the generation rate (the amount of waste produced per unit of time) and the diversion rate (the percentage of waste that is diverted from landfill to recycling or other options).

5 Step 5: Analyze your waste data

The fifth step is to analyze your waste data and identify patterns, trends, and opportunities. You can use various methods such as visualizing your waste data with charts and graphs, summarizing it with tables and reports, or comparing your waste data with industry standards. To help you make the most of your analysis, consider asking questions such as: what are the main types and sources of waste in your organization? How much waste do you generate, and how does it vary? How much waste do you divert from landfill, and what potential benefits or costs come with it? Finally, what are the best ways to reduce, reuse, or recycle your waste? Answering these questions can help you identify potential barriers or challenges that may arise.

6 Step 6: Implement your waste action plan

The final step is to implement your waste action plan based on your waste audit results and objectives. This can be done by employing various strategies such as waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery. Waste prevention involves eliminating or minimizing the generation of waste at the source, while reuse requires using waste materials again for the same or a different purpose. Waste recycling changes waste materials into new products or materials, and waste recovery recovers energy or nutrients from waste materials by using biological, chemical, or thermal processes. Additionally, it is important to monitor and evaluate your waste action plan by measuring outcomes, impacts, and feedback, and adjusting your plan as needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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