What is a waste audit?
A waste audit is a systematic process that helps a business understand the types and amounts of waste it generates. The purpose of a waste audit is to help SMEs build awareness on how much waste they produce and implement practical strategies to reduce their waste footprints. The typical process of a waste audit is as follows:
Steps in a Waste Audit
- Initial Planning:
- Set Goals: Define what you want to achieve with the audit, such as reducing waste, cutting costs, or improving sustainability.
- Assemble a Team: Gather a team of employees who will help conduct the audit and implement changes.
- Data Collection:
- Review Records: Examine current and past waste disposal records, and any existing waste management practices.
- Conduct Surveys: Survey employees to understand their waste generation habits and identify areas for improvement.
- Waste Assessment:
- Sort and Measure Waste: Collect waste over a specific period (e.g., waste collected by janitor during the night clean-up) and sort it into categories such as recyclables, compostables, and landfill waste. Weigh each category to quantify the amounts.
- Analyze Waste Streams: Identify the main sources of waste and determine which materials are most discarded.
- Identify Opportunities:
- Evaluate Findings: Analyze the data to identify patterns and areas where waste can be reduced and reused.
- Set Priorities: Determine which waste reduction measures will have the most significant impact and are feasible to implement.
- Develop a Waste Reduction Plan:
- Set Targets: Establish specific, measurable goals for reducing waste.
- Implement Changes: Introduce new practices, such as reusing, recycling programs, composting, and reducing single-use items.
- Monitor and Review:
- Track Progress: Regularly monitor waste generation and compare it to your targets. After implementing changes and educating staff and janitorial team, conduct another waste audit to track improvements. Start as a waste audit after 3 months from the initial one, then every six months than every year.
- Adjust Strategies: Adjust your waste reduction plan as needed to ensure continuous improvement.
Benefits of a waste audit
Although often overlooked, waste audits offer numerous benefits for SMEs looking to become more sustainable. Below are some tangible benefits of waste audits:
- Cost savings: Reducing waste can lower costs of waste disposal and improve resource efficiency.
- Environmental impact: Minimizing waste helps reduce business’ environmental footprint.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensures compliance with local garbage and waste management regulations.
- Enhanced reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which can attract eco-conscious and environmentally friendly consumers.
How much does a waste audit cost?
The cost of a waste audit for a small Canadian business can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the business, the complexity of the waste streams, and the scope of the audit. Here are some general estimates:
Basic Waste Audit: Typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000. This includes a review of waste management practices, sorting and measuring waste, and providing basic recommendations for waste reduction
Comprehensive Waste Audit: More detailed audits can range from $5,000 to $10,000. These audits include in-depth analysis, detailed recommendations, and a cost-benefit analysis of proposed improvements
Specialized Audit: For businesses with specific needs or larger premises, the cost can exceed $10,000. These audits may involve advanced diagnostics and detailed waste stream analysis
While waste audits may seem costly upfront, the potential savings from implementing the waste reduction recommendations can outweigh the initial cost. Most provinces and territories offer incentives and rebates that help offset the cost of a waste audit and add subsequent improvements.
Financial incentives
Most waste audits are conducted by independent environmental consulting firms and private waste management companies. However, many governments and public agencies publish information and handouts to help SMEs conduct their own waste audits based on standardized practices. A directory of resources available for SMEs interested in waste audits is summarized in the table below:
| Province | Resources | Details |
| Canada (Federal) | Waste Management in Canada Circular Innovation Council Waste Auditor TrainingGovernment of Canada Business Benefits FinderBusiness Development Bank of CanadaBusiness Development of Canada | How to conduct a waste management audit
|
There are no federal programs established specifically to fund SME waste audits, but several governments funded initiatives support sustainability related projects, including waste audits. SMEs are encouraged to explore the resources, programs and services available through the Business Development Bank of Canada, the Circular Innovation Waste Council’s Waste Auditor Training and other resources available at Waste Management Canada. |
| British Columbia | Waste Management in British Columbia
Government of British Columbia | Economic Development Funding & Grants |
Specific programs for SMEs looking to conduct waste audits in British Columbia are limited. However, there are numerous resources available through provincial and regional funding programs, resources available through non-profits operating in the waste management space, and provincial organizations focused on circular economy. |
| Alberta | Alberta.ca Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs
City of Calgary Business Waste Diversion Program: Tools and Resources |
Waste audit programs are provided through non-profit corporations and private waste management providers in Alberta. For specific links for resources see Business Link and Community Futures. As well, several municipalities such as the City of Calgary offer waste auditing guides and resources for small businesses. |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Waste Management | The Government of Saskatchewan provides waste auditing services for SMEs primarily through non-profit groups such as the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council and funding for specific programs such as the Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing. SMEs are encouraged to access the province’s Solid Waste Management Strategy to access more information about what the government is doing about waste. |
| Manitoba | Waste Management in Manitoba
Waste Reduction and Recycling Support Manitoba |
The Government of Manitoba offers waste auditing solutions to SMEs through non-profit organizations, broader climate initiatives, and several sustainability-related funds which can be used to support waste auditing activities. |
| Ontario | Waste Management in Ontario | The Government of Ontario does not provide specific funding programs for waste audits, but SMEs can access waste auditing resources and supports through the Green Municipal Fund and other related funds and support programs available to Ontario-based SMEs. |
| Quebec | RECYC-QUEBEC | The Government of Quebec has established the Quebec Residuals Materials Management Policy as part of its plan to advance circular economy initiatives in Quebec. The Government of Quebec funds SMEs interested in conducting waste audits primarily through its RECYC-QUEBEC and Fonds EcoLeader programs. |
| Nova Scotia | Recycling and Waste in Nova Scotia | The Government of Nova Scotia provides waste auditing services for SMEs primarily through its delivery agency DivertNS. SMEs are encouraged to consult their website for more information on funding and resources for waste audits. |
| New Brunswick | Government of New Brunswick Solid Waste Management | SMEs in New Brunswick are encouraged to consult the Government of New Brunswick’s website for further information about waste audit programs for SMEs. Most waste auditing solutions are provided by private service providers and environmental consultants. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Plan | The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador does not have officially available public resources for government programs for SMEs wanting to conduct waste audits. However, a new initiative under econext aims to “green business” in Newfoundland and Labrador through three main project areas, including SME support for waste solutions. |
| Prince Edward Island | Government of Prince Edward Island Waste Watch Program | SMEs looking to conduct waste audits in Prince Edward Island are encouraged to access funding through the Climate Challenge Fund and access resources and services through the Island Waste Management Corporation. |
| Yukon | Government of Yukon Waste and Recycling | Programs and services for SMEs looking to conduct waste audits are available through the Government of Yukon’s waste management strategy and not-for-profit environmental service providers funded by government partners. |
| Northwest Territories | Government of Northwest Territories Waste Reduction and Recycling | Programs and services for SMEs looking to conduct waste audits are available through the Government of the Northwest Territories waste management strategy and not-for-profit environmental service providers. |
| Nunavut | Nunavut Association of Municipalities Solid Waste Solutions Initiative | Programs and services for SMEs looking to conduct waste audits are available through the Government of Nunavut’s waste management strategy and not-for-profit environmental service providers. |
ECO Canada Waste Auditing Services
ECO Canada also offers its own waste auditing services for small- to medium-sized enterprises. If you are interested in learning more about this service, contact our Project Coordinator, Vaneska Grechinski, at vgrechinski@eco.ca
