Waste Audits

Unlock insights, cut costs, and boost sustainability with comprehensive Waste Audits.

A Waste Audit is a systematic process of examining the waste generated by an organization or facility to understand its composition, quantity, and sources. It provides valuable data to help identify opportunities for waste reduction, recycling, and improved resource management.

Waste Audits are a paid service over and above your current partnership with Waste Logic. Get in touch with our service team to discuss your organization’s goals and requirements, and to receive a quote for a Waste Audit.

What is the purpose of a Waste Audit?

Understand Waste Streams: Determine the types of waste being produced (e.g., recyclable, compostable, hazardous, landfill-bound).

Measure Waste Quantities: Quantify the amount of each waste category.

Identify Reduction Opportunities: Highlight inefficiencies and areas where waste can be minimized.

Improve Waste Management: Enhance recycling, composting, or diversion programs.

Ensure Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements or sustainability goals.

Benefits of a Waste Audit

Cost Savings

Reducing waste generation and disposal costs.

Environmental Impact

Diverting waste from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Compliance

Ensuring adherence to waste management regulations.

Informed Decision Making

Data-driven insights for waste reduction strategies.

Why Complete a Waste Audit?

In Canada, waste audits may be required under certain circumstances depending on the province, industry, and type of facility. Requirements are typically established by provincial regulations or municipal bylaws.
Below is a breakdown of common scenarios when a waste audit may be required:

1. Regulatory Requirements by Province Several provinces mandate waste audits for specific sectors or organizations:

  • Ontario (Ontario Regulation 102/94) - Large businesses and institutions (e.g., retail establishments, schools, hospitals, and manufacturers) exceeding specific floor area or employee thresholds and facilities generating substantial amounts of waste are required to perform Waste Audits. A Waste Audit and a waste reduction plan must be completed annually.
  • Alberta - No specific provincial regulations require waste audits, but businesses may need them to meet municipal requirements or corporate sustainability goals.
  • British Columbia - Waste audits may be required to comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs or municipal zero-waste plans.
  • Other Provinces - Requirements vary but are typically linked to environmental compliance, development permits, or sustainability initiatives.

2. Industry-Specific Obligations

  • Construction and Demolition (C&D) - Many municipalities require waste audits for construction projects to track and manage debris diversion (e.g., Toronto’s Green Standard).
  • Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities -Required in some jurisdictions to ensure proper disposal of hazardous or medical waste.

3. Voluntary or Corporate Initiatives Even when not legally required, waste audits are often conducted voluntarily to:

  • Comply with corporate sustainability goals or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting.
  • Prepare for certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

4. Compliance with Waste Diversion or Recycling Targets

  • Municipal bylaws may require audits to track diversion rates for materials like organics, recyclables, or e-waste.

Summary of Triggers for Waste Audits:
- Legal mandates (e.g., Ontario's regulations).
- Industry requirements (e.g., C&D projects).
- Sustainability goals or certifications.
- Municipal recycling/diversion program compliance.
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For specific requirements, businesses should consult provincial regulations, municipal bylaws, or industry-specific guidelines.

Steps in a Waste Audit

1. Define Objectives

  • Decide what you want to achieve (e.g., waste reduction, cost savings, compliance).
  • Determine the scope (e.g., department, entire facility).

2. Collect Waste

  • Gather waste from the target area over a specified period (e.g., one day or one week).

3. Sort and Categorize

  • Manually sort waste into categories (e.g., plastics, paper, food waste, metals).
  • Separate by source if necessary (e.g., office waste, kitchen waste).

4. Measure and Record

  • Weigh or measure the volume of each waste category.
  • Record data for analysis.

5. Analyze Results

  • Identify high-volume waste streams and contamination in recycling.
  • Highlight areas for reduction or diversion.

6. Develop Recommendations

  • Suggest ways to reduce, reuse, or recycle materials.
  • Propose changes to procurement, employee behavior, or waste programs.

7. Implement Changes

  • Act on recommendations, such as setting up better recycling bins or training employees.

8. Monitor and Evaluate

  • Reassess periodically to track progress and refine strategies.
  • Learn more about how we support our clients through partnership HERE.

Ready to make a change?

Let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your waste disposal and recycling sustainability goals.
Call us today.

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