Sometimes things aren't too good to be true - and the best opportunities for commercial improvement could be hiding in plain sight, too.
Research from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply suggests that businesses spend around 5% of total turnover on waste management - a not insignificant sum, and even more significant when you take into account the staffing and storage costs associated with on-site management of that waste, too.
And how often does your business sit and consider how it's managing its waste? If you're a smaller firm, probably not too often. If it ain't broke, don't fix it - right?
Well, understanding how your waste is managed could help save space, time, money, potential legal problems and, of course, the environment too.
And you can find out simply by requesting a free waste audit.
What is a waste audit?
A waste audit is a thorough assessment of your business’s current waste management practices. It involves looking at how much waste your business generates, what type of waste it produces, and how that waste is being handled.
When you request a free waste audit, a waste management expert will visit your site to observe how your business manages its waste day-to-day. This might include:
- Reviewing waste disposal practices: What kind of bins do you use? How often are they emptied? Is your waste being sorted correctly?
- Analysing waste streams: Are you generating more of a particular type of waste than you need to? Are recyclable materials being properly separated from non-recyclables?
- Assessing the frequency of collections: How often is your waste being collected, and are those collections timed correctly for the amount of waste you produce?
- Identifying areas for improvement: Are there any gaps in your waste handling that could lead to inefficiencies or higher costs?
The audit might seem like a lot, but it’s all handled by waste management professionals who will give you an easy-to-understand breakdown of their findings. Most importantly, they’ll provide practical, actionable suggestions to help your business reduce waste, save money, and increase recycling.
What will a waste audit tell you?
So, what can you expect to learn from a waste audit? Here are some key takeaways:
- Waste volume: A waste audit helps you quantify how much waste your business is producing. This is essential for understanding whether you’re paying for more waste collection than you actually need or, conversely, if your collections are too infrequent, leading to overflowing bins.
- Waste composition: You’ll discover what types of waste your business generates. Whether it’s paper, plastics, food waste, or hazardous materials, understanding this mix will allow you to adjust your waste streams accordingly—ensuring that as much material as possible is sent for recycling rather than landfill.
- Recycling potential: Many businesses are surprised by how much recyclable material is being thrown away. A waste audit can reveal areas where you can easily increase recycling rates and reduce landfill costs, benefiting both your business and the environment.
- Cost-saving opportunities: By identifying inefficiencies in your waste management, the audit can point out cost-saving opportunities. For example, you might discover that reducing your bin collection frequency or switching to a more appropriate waste disposal system could significantly cut your waste management bills.
- Compliance risks: Improper waste management can expose businesses to legal risks, particularly around the disposal of hazardous waste. A waste audit can flag any non-compliance with environmental regulations and help you avoid fines or penalties.
‘Do I really need a waste audit?’
Still unsure if your business needs a waste audit? Here are a few questions to help you decide:
Are you fully aware of your waste lifecycle?
If you’re not sure what happens to your waste from the moment it’s binned to when it’s collected or disposed of, you’re missing crucial information about how your operations could be improved.
What percentage of your waste ends up in landfill?
If you don’t know how much of your waste could be recycled but isn’t, or how much is simply going to landfill, a waste audit can give you a clear picture—and a way to reduce your environmental impact.
Are your staff spending too much time dealing with waste?
If managing waste is taking up more time than it should—whether it’s staff sorting rubbish, arranging collections, or dealing with overflowing bins—an audit can identify ways to streamline these processes and reduce waste-related labour.
Is your waste collection properly timed?
Do you find your bins overflowing before the collection is due? Or, on the other hand, are you paying for collections when your bins are only half-full? A waste audit can help you optimise your collection schedule, ensuring you’re only paying for the service you actually need.
By answering these questions, you’ll get a clearer idea of whether your waste management strategy is working effectively or if improvements could be made.