Waste Minimization Audit & Systems Design
In assessing the best waste management strategy for a company, it is becoming common practice to carry out a waste minimisation audit. This is a process designed to assure companies that their organisation is operating in an environmentally safe and economically efficient manner with regards to their waste. It is used to document the types and quantities of waste generated by an organisation. It provides a systematic approach to identify and evaluate different waste reduction options. The Audit will examine all waste outputs and systems of the company to check:
- Efficiencies
- Costs
- Wastes
In most cases the introduction of waste minimisation practices within a company does reduce costs. In order to implement successful waste minimisation practices you need to:
- Set corporate goals for waste minimisation targets and timelines.
- Allocate responsibility, time and financial support for the entire waste minimisation programme
- Involve all employees at all levels of the organisation
Waste Minimization Audit Process:
GCX has a 4 step process for waste minimization.
- Audit Planning
- Doing the Audi
- Waste Minimization Strategy
- Writing the Report
Initial planning workshop will be scheduled which will serve to clarify and agree the objectives and scope of the project, the roles and responsibilities, schedules and timing and deliverable expectations. As much information as possible relating to the current waste management systems at each site will be gathered by verbal interview at this forum as well. Waste Management challenges experienced by the company, to date, will be tabled, together with short- and long term goals in terms of sustainability.
A professional and comprehensive Waste Minimisation Audit of each site will include (but is not limited to) the assessment / review of the following:
- Current system and identification of waste streams;
- the amount of waste that is generated;
- standard operating procedures;
- Unique Space & Architecture profile;
- Equipment;
- Labour;
- Compliance;
- Documents & Reporting;
- Targets for Waste Minimization through Waste Reduction, Reuse, Recycling and Recovery.
Additional aspects will be reviewed, in line with Section 30 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008:
- Measures to prevent pollution or ecological degradation;
- Measures or programmes to minimize the generation of waste and final disposal;
- the phasing out of the use of specified substances;
- Mechanisms for informing the public of the impact of the waste-generating products or packaging in the environment;
- The extent of any financial contribution to be made to support consumer-based waste reduction programmes.
Report on Waste Minimization
A final report will be compiled for submission to management of all sites that fall within the audit. This comprehensive report will include a detailed assessment of the current systems, as well one or more tailor-made holistic waste management solutions for each site to optimize the companies waste management efforts, and hence their return on environment.
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