Plan Waste Assessment MWM01A

What is the purpose of a waste assessment?  The main aims of a waste assessment are to:  Identify each waste stream on or leaving the site.  Quantify and characterise each waste stream to establish benchmark data.  Establish how and why each waste stream is generated.

Calculate costs  Calculate costs incurred with treatment, storage, handling and disposal of wastes, including quantifying associated labour, energy, water and lost raw material costs where possible.  Determine liabilities associated with waste generation.  Identify options for more efficient and effective waste management (for example identify reduction/diversion opportunities).

What's involved?  The following are the key tasks involved in a waste assessment:  Select waste assessment team – this should include at least one company employee.  Determine audit scope – this depends on size of assessment required and parameters set.  Collect available data.  Identify and characterise waste streams.  Evaluate data.  Identify and prioritise options.  Prepare a report and plan of action.

What happens?  There are three main stages involved in a waste assessment. These are:  Preliminary assessment – aims to identify major environmental issues, major opportunities for improvement and major economic issues.  Detailed study and improvement plan – aims to find the best options for minimisation in the site.  Monitoring and review – aims to monitor and confirm the indicators and targets previously established.

Overview  Waste involves the manufacture and discharge or disposal of things that cannot be sold at a profit.  The cost of waste management and disposal is almost always much less than the value entrained in the waste.  By finding the lost dollars, you will identify the waste reduction and profit increasing opportunities

Unit Outline: 1 Determine assessment objectives  1.1 Client is consulted to clearly identify all waste assessment requirements/purpose  1.2 Client requirements are reviewed to determine realistic and achievable waste assessment objectives  1.3 Waste assessment objectives are documented and confirmed with client

2 Scope waste assessment site  2.1 Waste generation site is assessed to determine waste characteristics and disposal and recovery routes  2.2 All information relating to site and client operations is obtained to determine appropriate assessment methodology  2.3 All details relating to site access and specific site requirements are obtained from relevant personnel

3 Plan assessment  3.1 An assessment methodology is selected which takes into consideration client requirements and sampling requirements necessary to obtain valid and representative assessment data  3.2 Suitable date, time, and duration of assessment is determined to obtain valid and representative assessment data and minimise client disruption  3.3 Details relating to access to site and specific site requirements are incorporated into assessment plan  3.4 Necessary personnel and equipment requirements are identified to ensure effective and efficient assessment operations

3 Plan assessment  3.5 Where advanced sampling or testing is required, the services of relevant experts are organised and confirmed  3.6 Written authorisation is obtained from client to proceed with waste assessment in accordance with company requirements  3.7 Full support for, and commitment to, waste assessment is obtained from client in accordance with company requirements

4 Develop client waste management survey  4.1 Survey questions are developed to ensure the provision of relevant information to facilitate waste assessment objectives  4.2 Clear survey instructions and questions are written, which are unambiguous to the target group  4.3 Survey questions are able to be completed within the time allowed by the client  4.4 Client and survey confidentiality arrangements are identified, confirmed and followed in accordance with client and company requirements and relevant legislation  4.5 Client authorisation for survey is obtained in accordance with company requirements

5 Document assessment plan  5.1 Assessment plan is clearly and accurately documented, and includes all details necessary to effectively conduct a waste assessment  5.2 Written approval for waste assessment is obtained from the client in accordance with company requirements