A waste audit involves formally analyzing the quantity and types of waste streams. This guide outlines the key steps to performing a waste audit, which includes planning the audit, collecting samples of waste, sorting and analyzing the waste samples. It is important to conduct the audit safely as there are risks when handling waste, so only trained personnel should perform audits. The results of a waste audit can help identify improvement opportunities in waste management.

1. Waste characterization
ECOGESTUS – WASTE STREAM AUDIT, this guide will walk you through the key steps in
performing a waste stream. Our company has the background and an extend experience in waste
characterization projects. Read on and let us help you to save money respecting the environment.
composition for facilities such as recycling MRFs,
1. Background composting plants and waste-to-energy plants is an
important consideration in their design and
operation.
WHAT is a waste characterization? Company Specific and Sector Specific
Waste characterization also called waste stream Waste Campaigns: In the commercial and industrial
audit, is a formal, structured process by which the sectors, the improved data available will be useful
quantity and types of different waste streams is to individual sectors (or companies) in targeting
analyzed. Information from audits will help identify areas for improved waste management.
current waste practices and how they can be
The four basic improved.
HOW to conduct a waste
steps to
perform a waste WHY conduct a waste audit? characterization?
stream audit In order to measure progress towards waste Conducting a waste characterization requires a
prevention, reduction, and recycling goals, it is qualified team that knows how to proceed
are:
important that detailed, accurate and up-to-date effectively during each phase and be aware of all
• Plan de audit information regarding the composition of waste is the dangers and risks that may arise during the
• Collect the waste maintained. project (see below for further information about
• Sort the waste Determine what type and quantities of possible hazards and risk).
• Analyze the data waste are being generated will enable target To perform an accurate analysis is necessary to
waste streams to be identified for action, and will know all possible waste sources and their nature;
enable the effects of prevention and minimization control/audit all the present waste flows (if waste is
policies to be measured. disposed along unsorted waste and then landfilled,
Packaging Waste Recovery: National or if it is recycled and treated effectively); evaluate
But a waste targets must be met for recycling and recovery of all wrongdoings on waste segregation, waste
characterization is packaging waste. In order to measure the disposal and waste treatment; and suggest/perform
not exempt of risk performance the composition of waste being improvements on the waste management.
and must be always landfilled and sent for the recovery must be
be performed by established. Ecogestus has the background and an extend
trained and Waste Management Planning: Accurate experience in waste characterization procedures,
specialized and up-to-date information on the waste being
with many projects successfully developed in
personnel. generated is essential for forward planning of waste
management on a national, regional or local shopping centers all along Europe (Germany,
authority level Greece, Italy, etc.). Our multidisciplinary team with
Development of Waste Management experience, nationally and internationally, allows us
Infrastructure: Identification of waste stream to recommend the best solutions.
Waste characterization guide - 2010

2. 2. Waste flow Why is important to determine it?
The varying waste streams include urban waste both domestic
and streets paper bins, waste from commercial
What is the waste flow? establishments, industrial waste, healthcare waste, schools,
An adequate waste audit should have an extend knowledge of etc.
the general waste flow; determining all the possible sources Compliance may involve a desktop review of documentation
and their nature. and procedures and a visual audit. Operating costs will require
Quantifying and identifying waste from municipalities is a details on exactly what waste is being generated, where and
difficult task. This is due to the fact that there are a number of by whom. Identifying the scope of the project and sample size
different waste streams being generated by a variety of will also allow determining easier what equipment and
producers. Although systems differ between sites; it is resources will be needed to conduct the audit. A physical
generally the case that waste from a number of sources is waste stream audit of the whole waste stream will require
disposed of via the same route. more costs and resources than a visual inspection.
How and What determine in the waste
flow?
Before conducting the waste characterization is important to
make a visual inspection to the area to be audited, and
determine who uses each bin-container, who and when are
emptied, and how is the waste treated/disposed after the
collection. The waste then should be analyzed by stream or
process. It is important to use categories that will be
meaningful to those reviewing the results. The more detailed
description allows estimates of the cost of the waste to be
determined.
At this level, each stream should be recorded by weight and
volume. The weight is a precise measure to make accurate
extrapolations; it will also allow accurate cost savings in terms
of waste disposal to be estimated. Volume is an indicator of
the systems that will be required to contain, transport and
consolidate waste on-site.
Recommendation
The date of the date should be kept secret, otherwise they
waste behaviors may change and the audit will not represent
normal waste practices. Equipment for audits
• Secure, well ventilated work
area, sheltered from sun, wind
and rain
• A large table
• Buckets of different sizes
• Accurate scales
• Data sheets
• Disinfectant and cleaning
tools
• Garbage bags
• Safety equipment, first aid kit
and plenty of water
Waste characterization guide - 2010

3. STEP 2 – Select representative samples for the waste
3. Steps to do in an audit characterization
It is necessary a thorough knowledge of all the waste sources
STEP 1 – Define the study area and collect background
and their nature, and it is essential to be aware of their later
information
disposal, in order to achieve a global view of the waste flow.
In this first step is important to set audit objectives,
We generally audit a 24-hour sample of the total waste,
determines locations to be audited and determine types and
allowing us to relate the quantity generated to productive
approximate quantities of waste to be audited. Clearly
hours, and extrapolate the data. Determining the appropriate
identifying what you want out of the audit will determine the
sample to audit, is important in order to ensure that
methodology to follow.
extrapolations of costs and savings are accurate.
It is essential to visit the location to determine the number,
types and locations of bins and containers; determine the STEP 3 – Weigh all the waste in each bag/container to
types of waste seen and determine who empties the bins and measure the total bulk of waste, prior to opening and
when. starting characterization
STEP 4 – Pour out the waste on a table and start separating
the different components
This phase involves many risks, and never should be
performed by non qualified persons. Sharp and needle items
could be present within the mixed waste and they must be
handled carefully.
In this step is crucial to record as much detail as possible to
allow identifying the real reason for the waste being
generated.
STEP 5 – Weigh each category of waste
After every component is segregated, each category is
weighed separately in order to determine the percentage out
of the total waste generated for each component.
STEP 6 – Take notes of excess waste that could be easily
recycled rather than being thrown into garbage, and clean
Waste components the working area and equipment.
STEP 7 – Report all the information acquired on the audit,
• Organics (food leftovers), including
and propose possible improvements on the waste
liquids from bottles
management.
• Contaminated Cardboard/Paper
With the information collected during the audit is possible to
• Cardboard/ Paper (clean/recyclable)
determine the present situation of the waste management,
• Various Plastics (Clean/recyclable);
determine waste flows, recycling efficiency rates, waste
packaging, plastic film...
treatment costs, associated risks, etc.
• Contaminated plastics (cups, plates,
Knowing the starting point is easier to define targets and goals
taps...)
in order to improve waste segregation efficiency. In order to
• Complex materials, including
measure progress towards national waste prevention,
Tretapak/brik packaging
reduction, and recycling goals, it is important that detailed,
• Metals (Aluminium and Ferrous) accurate and up-to-date information regarding the
• Glass packaging composition of municipal waste is maintained
• WEEE including batteries, tonners and The next step will determine possible future scenarios (whit
fluorescent bulbs/tubes different increases on the rate of recyclables, better waste
• Textiles treatments…), and will mark the guidelines to follow and
• Hazardous household improvements to perform. The establishment of target and
• Fines (< 1.5 cm) goals will determine the development of waste management
infrastructure, company specific and sector specific waste
campaigns, and a general waste management planning.
Waste characterization guide - 2010

4. 4. Hazards and risks
Safety of staff
A waste stream audit is not exempt of risks. Therefore this
practice should be always performed by trained and specialized Ensuring the safety of the sorters is
personnel. crucial. Training, safety equipment and
Auditing on-site is the most convenient, but it presents certain tetanus shots must be organized to ensure
hazards that must be addressed. The working area should be sorters and safe from potential hazards
free from vehicles and personnel movements; it should be associated with handling and sorting
sheltered from the elements and be large enough to hold the waste.
entire waste sample.
The table below shows the associated hazards of a waste Before the audit a risk assessment must
be carried out
characterization project:
Task/operation WASTE CHARACTERISATION
HAZARDS RISK Method Adopted to Avoid, Reduce or Control Hazard
Vaccinations available. Visually check the work area; wear
Sharps and Needle anti-syringe gloves and litter picker where possible. latex
Laceration, cuts and bruises,
stick injury (needles, gloves, skin barrier creams, disposal clothing, safety shoes.
infection, lockjaw (tetanus)
syringes, Supervision is required to ensure that par time workers are
Hepatitis B,C ,
glass, razor, nails) not over exposed, particularly when vaccinations not
practicable.
Slips, trips and falls Low Regular cleaning regime.
Low risk of hearing damage.
Microbiological agents and PPE (Ear defenders) worn around noisy equipment; Dust
Machinery organic dust. Risk of crushing, mask. Employees shall not enter unauthorised areas of the
hitting, bruising, facility unless under supervision.
amputation
Low risk of Crushing, fractures, High visibility clothing worn at all times. Staff to be warned
Traffic
cuts, bruises, head injury. of traffic risks.
Assess the load before lifting; Bend from the knees and keep
the back straight. Carry two lots of buckets as opposed to
one load
Low risk of sprains, strains and
Manual Handling Do not lift the load if you feel it is too heavy, get help from a
back injury
colleague
Do not reach into the bins, get help to tip the bin onto the
table or use a litter picker.
Set-up the waste characterisation table away from areas
Falling objects Low risk of head injury where there is a possibility of falling objects from overhead
conveyors.
Wear suitable clothing for the weather; warm clothing
Temperature Low
usually required when working outside.
Source: EPA (Environmental protection agency), Ireland
The following are examples of types of areas that should be The audit is a hazardous process which requires careful
included and taken in mind in the risk assessments before planning to ensure the safety of those conducting the audit,
conducting the audit: others on-site and the safety of the environment.
• Hazards associated with the waste itself Important: The waste should not be sorted near
• The weight, volume or density of material and equipment environmentally sensitive areas or near storm water drains or
• The working area other water ways, to avoid environmental risks in case of
• The audit process spills.
• Storage and movement o the waste
• Surrounding environment
For further information, please contact us:
ECOGESTUS Lda.
Rua Afonso IV, 23, 2º
Portugal
Tel.: +351233109034
e-mail: contacto@ecogestus.com