Standard Waste Audit Method
A waste audit is an analysis of your facility’s waste stream. It can identify what types of recyclable materials and waste your facility generates and how much of each category is recovered for recycling or discarded. Using the data collected, your organization can identify the feasibility of enhancing its recycling efforts and the potential for cost savings. Regularly following a the Standard Waste Audit Method will enable consistent comparisons of your waste data year over year uncovering patterns, irregularities, or program effectiveness making it a valuable organizational management tool. Using the Standard Waste Audit Method may also contribute to benchmarking exercises across sectors as other organizations adopt the SWAM.
Recycling Council of Ontario’s Standard Waste Audit Method is intended for use by a waste auditor to conduct a study of materials management and solid waste generation at a site. The method is designed to meet and exceed the requirements of local waste reduction legislative requirements and can be applied to any size or type of industrial, commercial, or institutional (IC&I) solid waste generator in any jurisdiction.
As part of 3RCertified, applicants are required to use this methodology in waste audits submitted as part of the application process.
What’s included in the Standard Waste Audit Method:
- Definitions: a comprehensive list of key industry and audit-related terminology.
- Waste Audit Activities: Pre-audit checklists; preparation of sorting areas; on-site activities; quantitative activities;
- Data Analysis: various formulae and calculations for diversion and capture rates;
- Post-Audit Activities: how to devise an Audit Report and Waste Reduction Workplan
A copy of the Standard Waste Audit Method is offered to all 3RCertified applicants and for graduates of Waste Auditor Training.