Module 1: Solid Waste Reduction
- Overview
- Gathering Information
- Identifying Opportunities
- Planning Your Program
- Program Implementation
- Resources
Gathering Information
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Waste sort roles
- Monitor
- Sorters
- Scale operator
- Scribe
- Photographer
- See Fact Sheet
Tips for a successful waste sort
- Do receive approval from property management
- Do work with janitorial crew to determine storage/sorting site
- Do schedule sorts during a typical workday
- Do assign specific roles to team members
- Don’t tip off employees
- Don’t collect waste during a holiday period or other special event
The waste sort
During the sort, separate the material into the following categories: paper, organics, plastics, glass, metals, and other. As you sort through the materials, also take special note of the following:
Materials with reduction or reuse potential: Disposable products |
Materials that could be recycled: Cardboard |
Materials that could be composted: Yard waste |
Waste sort supplies
- Rubber gloves
- Several cardboard boxes
- Scale
- Still or video camera
- Plastic trash bags
- Broom/shovel and dustpan
- Clipboard, pens/markers
- First aid kit
- Digital camera
- Plastic sheeting/drop cloth
- Wear old clothes, long pants, long sleeves, closed shoes
Keep a record of items that should not be landfilled, such as rechargeable batteries, mercury, thermometers, and electronics. Take pictures that represent the types and amount of waste. Be sure to photograph any unusual items.
After the items have been sorted, use a bathroom scale or other type of scale to weigh each category of material. Designate one team member as the scribe to record the amounts of materials on Worksheet D—Waste Sort Instructions.
Visual audit v. waste sort
If there are health and safety concerns, or if time is limited, you can perform visual audits in conjunction with a walk-through of each work area to observe waste-generating activities; the visual audit, however, will not be as accurate as a waste sort. Conducting visual audits involves peeking into trash bins and making visual estimates of the amounts and types of waste generated. Worksheet C—Facility Walk-Through provides space to record the results of short interviews with employees in the targeted areas of your business or building.
After the sort or visual audits, complete the calculations on the appropriate worksheet(s). You should now have a good idea of the types of waste your business generates and in what amounts. The next step is to identify potential waste reduction opportunities.
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