Conducting Waste Assessments North Carolina WasteWise Program Hands-On Training May 17, 2000 Department of Correction Raleigh, NC

A Waste Assessment Is… how, when, where, and why An assessment is a step-wise, team-based approach used to evaluate how, when, where, and why solid wastes are generated in the workplace. An assessment is…

Why Conduct an Assessment? Goal of NC WasteWise Program Helps agencies prepare for annual report Establishes baselines: quantities of waste generated associated waste management costs purchasing practices Identifies waste reduction opportunities

WII.FM What’s In It For Me? Save your agency and state government $$$. communication Strengthen communication between management and non-management personnel. Raise profile of agency as state leader.

Reality Check You don’t have to be an “expert”. Ask questions. Be open-minded. Be willing to work on a team and to share ideas. Think “out of the box.” Talk to co-workers.

Step-Wise Approach Step 1. Step 1. Identify team members Step 2. Step 2. Determine areas to be evaluated Step 3. Step 3. Collect preliminary data Step 4. Step 4. Schedule assessment Step 5. Step 5. Review results Step 6. Step 6. Congratulate yourself because you can make a difference!

Waste Assessment Team Those involved in waste management Include representatives from different areas of the operation: Purchasing Maintenance Food Service Groundskeeping Anyone interested in waste reduction

Team Characteristics Size depends on facility area to be covered in assessment Volunteers or appointed Enthusiastic Time commitment Recognize membership Trash for Cash

Team Responsibilities Select waste assessment method Define roles and responsibilities Make assignments Ensure follow-up of findings

Prepare for the Assessment Schedule assessment most convenient time schedule when most waste is present announce and follow-up Meet with key personnel identify contact person(s) in each area clarify purpose of assessment Gather preliminary information area size and related activities peak time of operation begin data collection

Assessment Methods assessment A waste assessment is an evaluation that identifies the quantity, types, and points of generation of wastes. Approach Review hauling and purchasing records Facility walk-through Waste audit Method Review data Direct observation Sort, measure, and quantify waste

Hauler Records Examination How are charges assessed? By volume By weight Container rental fees? Container pull charges? Worksheet B The best way to save $$$ is to understand how collection schedules, container size, and the weight or volume of waste can impact costs.

Hauler Records PROS May provide good data on weight/volume of waste generated Can require less time than walk-through or waste sortCONS Accuracy depends on quality of records Not likely to identify specific waste components Hard to use if more than one user per dumpster

Purchasing Records PROS Provides data on specific waste types from point of origin Helps identify most expensive component of waste stream More accurate than waste sort for tracking small/seasonal items CONS Will not provide full picture of waste generation If purchasing is not centralized, can be incomplete

Facility Walk-Through Tour inside and outside of facility Observe waste generation activities Talk to co-workers about waste generation Ask the “5 Whys”

Facility Walk-Through PROS Allows look at facility operations Provides info. on waste types and points of generation Encourages communication with co-workers to address waste prevention optionsCONS May not identify all waste types generated May not be representative if only done once Doesn’t provide precise info. on waste quantities

Facility Walk-Through Observe all workplace areas for waste generation Take notes on: waste generation: where, why, & quantities waste composition waste handling waste storage and collection waste reduction activities Worksheet C

Areas to Evaluate Office administration areas Cafeterias/break rooms Copying/printing areas Maintenance Materials receiving/storage/shipping Food prep areas Garages and machine areas Others?

When Inside the Areas… Look in waste bins, trash cans, recycling containers, and dumpsters. Record waste quantities and characteristics. Ask area employees questions about waste generation. Look for ways to prevent, reuse, recycle or compost the identified wastes. Identify items that can be replaced by recyclable materials with higher value. Record findings.

Waste Sorts Physical collection, sorting, and weighing of representative waste sample Identifies waste components and calculates percent of waste generated Worksheet D

Waste Sort (Specific Areas) PROS Good for specific wastes and areas Provides quantitative data on waste components CONS Does not provide facility-wide data May omit some waste types May not be representative if done once

Waste Sort (Facility-Wide) PROS Estimates waste generation info. for entire facility Provides quantitative info. on each waste componentCONS Time consuming May not be representative if done only once Does not provide info. on how or why wastes generated

Remember… Check with safety office for requirements Wear personal protective gear Follow all safety procedures and precautions Safety First

Documenting Results Provides baseline data to evaluate program’s successes and areas needing improvement Provides record of waste reduction efforts Develops record keeping system to track costs, savings, & reductions

Celebrate!!! Congratulate yourself and your team because your assessment benefited the environment and your helped impact your organization’s waste management costs!

DPPEA Resources Assistance to industry, business, and government On-site facility waste assessments Develop and evaluate waste reduction programs Outreach and training Information clearinghouse Over 9,000 documents Site:

Local Resources City and County Recycling Programs Solid Waste Departments Commercial Waste Haulers