Unlock savings with an expert on-site waste audit

1. Waste stream check: Understanding what you generate

Our experts start by identifying the different types of waste your business produces: recyclables, organics (like food scraps), landfill waste, and any hazardous materials. We look at the typical volume of each and check your current pickup frequency. This helps us see if your service levels match your actual needs. Are bins overflowing before pickup day, risking pests and extra charges? Or are they often half-empty, suggesting you might be paying for service you don't need? Understanding volume is also key for choosing the right size equipment, like compactors or front-load bins.

2. Sorting practices: Checking how waste is separated

Good sorting is essential for effective recycling, composting, and staying compliant. We evaluate how well waste is being separated where it's created. Are recyclables clean and sorted correctly, or is there a lot of contamination? (A common issue is food residue spoiling batches of recyclables). Is food waste ending up in the regular trash bin? We also inspect your bins and labeling. Clear labels and the right bins, put in the right places, make sorting easier for your staff. This helps reduce contamination and send more materials to recycling or composting instead of the landfill.

3. Container and bin inspection: Having the right tools

The condition and placement of your bins matter. Our experts check if your containers are in good shape, the right size for the waste you produce between pickups, and suitable for what they hold (like having properly sealed food waste bins). We also look at container placement. Are bins easy for staff to get to, but not an eyesore for customers? Simple changes can often improve sorting and how your site looks. During a visit, we can also confirm if a specific bin you're considering will actually fit the space, helping you choose practical options upfront.

4. Compliance check: Staying on the right side of regulations

Waste rules can be tricky and change depending on your location. Our review makes sure your practices follow all the rules. This includes checking disposal methods (especially for things like used oils or electronics), making sure you follow mandatory recycling or composting rules (like Ontario's Reg 102/94 requirements for the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional sector), and helping you prepare for new changes like organic waste bans, or compulsory audits like the Federal Plastics Registry annual audit.  

5. Waste management costs: Finding savings

We take a close look at your current waste hauling contracts and bills. Are the terms fair? Are there hidden fees or unexpected charges? Is your pickup schedule efficient? We also see how your site setup affects pickups. For example, are bins easy for trucks to reach, or often blocked? Tricky pickups caused by site issues can sometimes mean longer service times or extra charges from the hauler. 

By spotting these issues and comparing your needs with your current service, we often find ways to achieve significant cost reduction. This could mean negotiating better contract terms, changing pickup schedules, reducing waste volume, or even identifying opportunities to generate revenue from valuable recyclables like baled cardboard.

6. Environmental impact check: Boosting sustainability

Beyond cost and rules, the audit looks at how effective your green efforts are. Are your recycling and diversion programs working well? Are you meeting your company's ESG goals? We pinpoint ways to lessen your environmental footprint, helping reduce landfill methane emissions (a powerful greenhouse gas) and supporting a circular economy where waste is treated as a resource. This might involve improving current programs or looking into options like composting or specialized recycling.

Businesses pursuing certifications like B Corp, the GHG Corporate Protocol, ISO 14064, or Zero Waste Canada might be required to perform a waste audit and implement reduction strategies.

7. Employee training and awareness: Getting your team involved

Your staff are key players in good waste management. Our review considers if employees have the training they need for proper sorting and disposal. We look for ways to improve communication and get everyone involved in reducing waste, making sustainability a team effort. Simple things like clear signs near bins, ways to give feedback, and celebrating successes can make a big difference.

Your clear path forward

An on-site waste assessment by Evirum experts gives you objective insights based on data. We use our industry knowledge and understanding of best practices to spot opportunities you might miss. From making sure you have the right equipment to confirming compliance and finding ways to save money, an expert review is a smart way to take control of your waste management.