Log InZTERS Guide to Waste Audits
POSTED ON February 13, 2023 | BY Uzair Iqbal
If you’re not thinking about your business’s waste generation, you probably should be. Getting rid of your trash costs money, especially if you’re not optimizing your disposal. Additionally, you can further your appeal to today’s consumers, who like to support eco-friendly businesses.
Doing a waste audit will allow you to have all of the information you need to create a winning waste-reduction strategy.
Here’s what you need to know to get started.
What is a waste audit?
A waste audit involves sorting and weighing all of your outgoing waste, recycling, and composting to create a detailed report of the flow of materials in your facility. Specifically, we’re looking out for recyclables like paper, cardboard, and glass bottles, and even contaminants such as food waste, tires, or hazardous materials. Following an in-person audit, you’ll receive expert suggestions to help build a sustainability program that meets your facility’s waste reduction goals.
What are the benefits of a waste audit?
- It shows how well you’re currently managing your waste
With a waste audit, you’ll have a better understanding of how your waste management program is working. You’ll be able to see if the correct materials are being put in each container, if those containers are in the right spots, and if there are any opportunities for new compost or recycling streams.
- It helps lower waste costs
Rightsizing your waste program can help make sure you’re not paying for any unnecessary trash pickups or space you don’t need. It can also help find new areas where your business can divert waste from the landfill and get buyers for the material to offset some of the costs.
How much does a waste audit cost?
The cost of a waste audit varies due to multiple factors, such as the complexity of waste streams, the size of the facility, and the amount of waste generated there. Contact us if you’re interested in conducting one for your organization.
Can I just do it myself?
Possibly, if you have enough people willing to sort through the waste and recycling dumpsters. However, if you’re looking for a more specific or large-scale purpose, such as proposing a waste-related project or seeking zero waste certification, you’ll want to bring in an expert. With ZTERS, our professionals will sort everything for you, analyze the data, and use it to create a detailed report.
Managing multiple sites can cause multiple headaches. Your waste doesn’t have to be one of them. ZTERS waste audit program makes it easy to understand and identify crucial improvements in your waste and recycling practices.