How to Conduct a Waste Audit to Save Money

A waste audit is the backbone of your waste management strategies. It identifies types of waste and what is needed to ensure correct disposal and compliance with the relevant regulations. These include the Waste Regulations 2011, Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.

Recycling services and document shredding services play a key role in successful and compliant waste management. However, it all starts with initial and follow-up waste audits. In this article, we explain how auditing waste in the UK works and how it benefits your business. For example, did you know that a regular waste audit can save you money?

What is a waste audit?

A waste audit is a survey that determines how much and what types of waste a facility generates. It is like a stock take or an inventory of waste in your commercial and industrial settings. We recommend carrying it out over one week to accurately identify mistakes and trends.

Why are waste audits important for UK businesses?

Waste audits provide all the information you need to devise and implement a waste management strategy. They are indispensable and a crucial first step when establishing and reviewing waste generation and disposal practices. Waste audits:

• Boost profits by cutting the disposal of recyclables and unnecessary disposal fees.
• Help to customise waste management contracts to suit your specific needs.
• Keep your business in line with regulatory requirements to avoid fines and cost impacts.
• Underpin your green drives and greater environmental responsibility.
• Set your business on the path to attaining certifications such as ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems and boost your brand reputation.
• Improve your business’s waste management efficiency by highlighting best and problem practices.

When auditing waste in the UK, businesses enhance their sustainability awareness initiatives and training programmes. It shows them where improvement is needed and which principles to reinforce for efficient and compliant waste separation, disposal and recycling practices.

How to conduct a waste audit step-by-step

A systematic approach to your waste audit ensures that you cover all the important aspects.

1. Determine your waste categories

Waste categories (or types) differ from business to business. A mobile manufacturing plant will generate more battery waste than an office, for example. You need to first identify all the types of waste in your facility and then determine the amounts generated per week, per category. Remember to include outside smoking and eating areas and break rooms in your survey. It is also important to know how to dispose of or recycle the different categories. Common waste categories are:

• Glass
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Plastic
• Food
• Metal
• Batteries

2. Make a plan

Put a waste audit plan in place to streamline the assessment process. This organised framework sets a timeframe and clarifies who is responsible for the audit. Your waste survey plan must cover pressure points such as the following:

• Appoint a waste audit team and responsible persons. Remember to include waste segregation teams.
• Determine a starting point for the survey. Do you start and finish in one zone before moving on to the next? Or, do you appoint waste auditors for each zone and conduct the assessment simultaneously?
• Set a solid date and time for the audit. Performing a survey right after waste collection will not be helpful.
• Outline waste categories but do not limit this list. People may identify other types as they perform the survey.
• Determine which gear is needed for the audit. This includes the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard employees.

3. Analyse your site

Analyse all the facilities or different zones on your site. Include often-forgotten spaces such as bathrooms, tea rooms and staff kitchens. You should also include outdoor spaces such as car parks and loading docks. This analysis helps you to cover all areas and also makes it easy to identify low- and high-waste generation sections. Finally, look at specifics to gain a better understanding of your waste management strategies and gaps. These include:

• Types of bins in different zones. Are these the correct recycling and disposal receptors?
• Daily waste disposal quantities.
• Waste storage before collection.

This can help you get a better idea of which areas accumulate waste and could help decide whether you need to implement a clean desk policy.

4. Get hands-on

This is the hands-on phase of your waste audit where you physically sort through all waste. It is important to segregate and categorise your waste. It helps you accurately calculate generation averages and disposal needs. Sorting through waste is time-intensive. Therefore, it is pivotal to set a date and time for this task. During this process, you need to note improper disposal practices and identify any contamination threats.

5. Analyse your results

Analyse the results of your waste audit to determine your disposal, segregation, recycling and training needs. This analysis highlights problems and prominent waste categories. It also helps you align your strategies and goals with accepted green best practices and boost your environmental, social and governance (ESG) score.

What to do after your waste audit

After completing waste audits, businesses must use the gathered data to develop and implement effective waste management strategies.

Consider investing in a recycling service

An expert recycling service helps businesses streamline waste management. Appoint a recycling partner to obtain professional guidance about recycling methods and collections. You will save money by reducing waste and boosting eco-friendly practices as you minimise waste ending up at a landfill. Also, a recycling partner helps you navigate the relevant legislation and remain compliant.

Set goals and create guidelines

The entire point of a waste audit is to set goals and detail how you plan to achieve them. Use the collected data to establish targets for different zones and your business as a whole. Remember to make employees aware of these goals and processes; use visible waste management signs and training to achieve awareness and compliance. An example is the placement of bins for dry recyclables at key points along with signs informing staff how to use them. Align your goals and methods with your business’s mission and objectives.

Set up steps for reaching your goals

Develop practical and measurable methods to achieve your goals. This will not only make it easier for employees to manage waste properly, but will also streamline follow-up waste audits and reviews. Realistic processes are achievable and will set up the success of your waste management strategy.

Start conducting your waste audits

You now have the go-to tools in your waste management toolkit to conduct an effective waste audit. Whether you run a public institution, commercial enterprise or industrial plant, these steps empower you to perform a comprehensive waste audit.

Reduce waste with specialist shredding and recycling services

A waste audit is the cornerstone of any actionable waste management blueprint. It identifies types of waste, the amount of waste that is generated over set periods, and problem areas. Determining waste management needs (such as recycling bins) and remaining legally compliant rely on an accurate waste audit.