Conduct a waste assessment
A facility should carry out a waste assessment of its waste streams, followed by improvement actions.
The objectives of a waste assessment are:
- Establish all types of waste, sources and quantities.
- Create a baseline and set targets for the reduction of waste.
- Identify options for waste reduction, reuse and recycling.
- Confirm proper segregation and storage of waste as per the identified types.
Waste assessment reviewer
A waste assessment should be carried out by competent reviewer in the facility. The reviewer should have access to all operations in the facility when conducting the assessment.
They should also be knowledgeable about the facility processes and have experience or responsibilities on waste management.
Actions required
A facility is recommended to conduct a waste assessment at least once per calendar year as a minimum requirement to create a baseline for the different waste types and set targets for reduction, reuse and recycling. A CAP for the improvement areas identified for storage, handling and disposal of waste should be documented for each assessment.
However, depending on the size and complexity of operations, a facility may decide to increase this frequency.
Methodology:
- Conduct a walk through of the facility at all sites where where was is generated as well as at the waste yard.
- Review documents related to waste management.
Results:
- Types of waste generated.
- Locations/sources of waste generated.
- Processes related to waste generation.
- Current status of waste storage and handling.
Methodology:
- Review data gathered and have internal discussions.
Results:
- Improvements required for storage, handling, transportation and disposal requirements.
- Improvements in frequency of disposal.
- Baseline created for each quantified waste type.
- The potential to reuse, recycle and reduce waste at source.
Methodology:
- Collate the analysis for improvements in waste management in the form of a detailed report.
Results:
- Corrective Action Plan for areas of improvement identified.