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Best Practices  /  Recycle  /  Do a waste-stream audit

Do A waste-stream audit

A good waste-stream audit will help you figure out not just how much you're throwing out each month — it'll also help you understand what you are throwing away. You probably discard “waste” every day that could be recycled, composted, or otherwise diverted from the trash.

To get a grip on your waste and shed it pound by pound, perform a comprehensive waste-stream audit. A waste-stream audit will help you:

  • Determine the quantity and type of waste generated.
  • Identify potential areas for waste reduction and diversion.
  • Identify opportunities for recycling and reusing materials.
  • Validate the costs and the savings for implementing a waste management plan.
  • Enable you to set a landfill diversion goal to improve your recycling and waste-reducing activities.

You can perform the waste audit yourself, or you can contract with your waste hauler, recycling vendor or consultant.

Video: Perform a waste-stream audit

More Resources

  • Walking the Talk: Reports from the field: Restaurateurs and suppliers talk sustainability.
  • Ask the Expert: We connect you with industry experts for answers to your questions.
  • Watch: Conversations with sustainability innovators.
  • Product Solutions: See the LeanPath promotion.