Waste Diversion Program
A data-driven approach to waste audits goes beyond simply understanding what is being thrown away. A more holistic view of resource allocation and site-specific practices empowers clients to implement changes and waste diversion strategies targeted to get results.
By Kristin Kinder
The rising cost of waste in the U.S. has many businesses seeking new strategies for reducing their bottom line. Since 1996, the cost of waste disposal has risen 28 percent and more than 75 percent of what is sent to landfills is recyclable or compostable. Limited visibility into how companies produce and dispose of waste can impede them from actually moving the needle. Waste audits provide data as a foundation to:
- Quantify waste that could be easily recycled or altogether mitigated
- Identify process improvements
- Inform procurement decisions
- Connect with diversion partners
Waste audits have been overwhelmingly well-received by industry leaders nationwide, particularly those in the restaurant and hospitality segments. An audit can lead to immediate opportunities for savings as well as becoming part of a healthy long-term waste diversion program.
The benefits of a comprehensive waste audit seem clear鈥攁ctionably improving waste programs based on data. But how does a business participate in this service? A successful audit process should be collaborative, reflecting the participant鈥檚 internal priorities, without disrupting their daily operations. It should also follow the highest possible accuracy to yield actionable data and realistic expectations for savings opportunities. The following stages distinguish a comprehensive onsite waste audit.
Walking Through a Waste Audit
Exploration
Each audit should be approached like an anthropological study, beginning with a thorough discovery process with clients and vendors to confirm strategic priorities, process requirements and the desired final product. Planning a sample that closely represents the company鈥檚 typical waste stream is key. Before conducting the audit, the auditing firm should coordinate closely with the client, haulers and the audit site, and time the audit during a 鈥渢ypical鈥� season or day of the week to avoid unusual events. If a business has multiple locations, auditing a sample from each site type creates a more accurate picture of the entire organization.
Investigation
On the audit day, the auditing company secures an area for sorting that will not disrupt normal operations at the audit site, which is usually a landfill or transfer station. Ideally, the client should observe the audit process, which provides hands-on learning. After the audit company sets up the workstation, the business鈥� waste hauler delivers the waste sample. The audit team then arrives, equipped with top-of-the-line safety gear, and is trained on the audit鈥檚 goals, methodology and what materials to sort. The team sorts materials into the correct containers by hand, weighs the containers and records the volume. Thorough cleaning ensures that the audit team leaves the site how they found it. Findings blend both quantitative and qualitative data, reflecting a holistic view of site activities.
Presentation
Back at the office, the auditing company calculates the audit results and customizes a report for the client.聽 Founded in quantitative and qualitative data, the audit report delivers tailored recommendations, quantified cost savings, strategies for more efficient operations, and areas for deeper education. The auditing company should always be prepared to assist the client with implementing next steps, which vary for every business. A quick service restaurant can use audit data to prioritize the roll-out of food waste collection at different sites. A grocery store chain could focus on internal education and employee engagement to maximize cardboard collection.聽With diligent effort, one grocery store chain significantly improved their cardboard collection within the first year following their audit. Offering LEED-compliant reporting also ensures a high standard of accuracy and applicability, especially for businesses undergoing LEED certification.
Partners In Progress
Waste audits can make a business鈥� approach to waste reduction more robust, accurate and collaborative. Comprehensive onsite audits yield better visibility into waste streams, identify easy areas for waste diversion and drive increased organizational efficiency and cost savings. A data-driven approach to waste audits goes beyond simply understanding what is being thrown away. Instead, a more holistic view of resource allocation and site-specific practices empowers clients to implement the changes and waste diversion strategies targeted to get results.
Kristin Kinder is Project Lead for Waste Solutions at Ecova, Inc. (Spokane, WA) With robust data management solutions and hands-on energy expertise, Ecova makes companies successful through energy and sustainability management. Ecova partners with leading global companies to drive better energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and increase brand value. For more information, call (800) 767-4197 or visit .