Waste Assessment

What is a Waste Assessment?

A waste assessment is a tool that benchmarks current business practices while looking for ways to reduce waste and adopt environmentally friendly practices. During the waste assessment, program experts, accompanied by an employee, gauge the waste stream and recycling potential by conducting an on-site walk-through.

Through this process, assessors categorize waste materials a business generates and determine what makes-up the waste stream. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, the waste assessors also examine purchasing practices. By taking this approach, a waste assessor can see the big picture and provide recommendations that are tailored for a specific business. Decreased waste generation, increased efficiency, and cost savings may occur as a result of the assessment.

The Waste Assessment Process

Waste assessments are conducted for all businesses interested in becoming a ReBusiness Partner. To arrange for an assessment, contact Kat McCarthy at 273-5700. As a first step, an appointment for an assessment will be made, and a business will be forwarded a pre-assessment questionnaire to complete. This questionnaire helps the waste assessor collect important background information about the business, which will be useful in drafting the follow-up report as well as decrease the length of time spent in the waste assessment. Businesses are asked to complete the form before the assessment appointment.

During the appointment, the waste assessor and business representative will meet onsite to discuss the pre-assessment questionnaire and answer any questions. This interview will be followed by a tour, during which an assessor asks questions about the facility. Depending on the size of the facility, this appointment can take anywhere from a half an hour to an hour and a half.

The Follow-Up Report

Once a site-visit has been conducted, the waste assessment team will compile all notes and comments into a comprehensive report. This report generally contains recommendations for establishing and strengthening a waste reduction program, as well as providing important tips and suggestions for simple waste reduction, recycling, and green purchasing practices.