What is a Waste Audit?

A waste audit is a great opportunity to review current waste disposal procedures with a view to identifying new equipment or processes that could deliver efficiency benefits. An audit can take as little as 15 minutes, but the improvements identified can help your workplace to save money, time and space whilst boosting sustainability.

Who should take part in a Waste Audit? 

All organisations can benefit from conducting a waste audit on an annual basis. All types of commercial waste should be reviewed in the process, including waste that is sent to landfill and waste that is separated for recycling. Involving your waste disposal company and a supplier of commercial recycling equipment is a great way to get advice from industry professionals who can make evidence-based suggestions. Seeking feedback from your employees and watching how waste is transported around your premises can also provide you with valuable insights.

The Benefits of Conducting a Waste Audit 

1. Reduce environmental impact: With sustainability a key focus in 2025, all businesses must actively explore new ways to reduce their carbon footprint
2. Cutting operating costs: Commercial bins can be expensive, the more waste that is diverted from landfill, the less landfill tax that your organisation will need to pay.
3. Utilising recycling equipment: Hiring equipment can make waste handling less arduous for your employees.
4. Compliance with regulations: All businesses need to comply with workplace recycling legislation such as the Simpler Recycling rules that went live in England at the end of March 2025.

The Waste Audit Checklist 

1. Identify all waste types and average volumes
2. Identify the current method of disposal and associated costs
3. Get feedback from your team
4. Collate any existing contracts you have
5. Forecast changes to your waste volumes and types in the future
6. Review the market for alternative methods of disposal
7. Research suitable waste compactors
8. Check for upcoming waste legislation
9. Trial alternative waste handling equipment

Tools and Resources Needed for a Successful Waste Audit 

• Accurate waste data
• An understanding of your current waste collection contract(s)
• An understanding of the costs involved
• Visibility of current applicable waste legislation
• Knowledge of Waste Compactors and Waste Balers
• Time and flexibility to trial new solutions
• An open mind!
• Engaged employees

Possible Challenges 

• Reluctance to change: Some employees may not understand the importance of the process, so they do not fully participate in it. This can be avoided if you share the aims and advertise the benefits of any changes proposed.
• Unsupportive suppliers: Waste collection firms make money by sorting your waste on your behalf therefore they are likely to support you in your quest to look into alternative solutions
• Budgetary constraints: Some changes may involve an initial financial investment. However, asking for a trial can help you to provide an accurate illustration of the future benefits of your changes to your organisation.
• Space constraints: Some businesses assume that they don’t have enough space for additional equipment however, some types of waste compactors can help to reduce the size of your waste storage area.
• Limited time: Many people wrongly assume that they don’t have enough time to conduct an audit when in reality it can be a really quick process if you involve industry experts. There are some changes for example installing a waste compactor, that can help to save time on day-to-day tasks.

How Often Should You Conduct a Waste Audit 

Waste contractual renewals, amends to waste legislation and changes in waste volumes should all be triggers for you to start the process. Equally, a visit to a tradeshow, a post on social media or an article in a magazine could inspire you to relook at your current waste management procedures at your own place of work. 

Overflowing workplace bins are a sign that your current procedures are not working. It is important to seek regular feedback from your team to find out if they have any ideas to streamline current processes. 

Get All the Advice You Need From QCR 

We’ve supported many different types of organisations to help them identify changes that can help them to save money, time and space on commercial waste handling. Our free waste baler or waste compactor trial can help you calculate the savings that can be achieved. From a simple commercial wheelie bin compactor, a waste baler or a large horizontal compactor, we have solutions for all sizes of organisation and types of waste including cardboard, plastics, cans, drums and polystyrene.