Australian businesses create a significant amount of waste. This waste must be managed correctly to minimise costs, as well as enhance sustainability and improve public perception.
Luckily a business can conduct waste audits to improve these waste systems.
Waste is managed correctly with the help of a waste audit. Businesses undergo auditing so that they can identify optimisations, cut costs, and do their part towards Australia’s environmental goals.
This blog explores the role of a waste auditor, the various types of business waste, optimal waste management practices, and the latest developments contributing to a greener Australia.
Business Waste Management
Australia has one of the highest outputs of waste, much of which comes from businesses through food waste, construction materials, packaging, and more.
Common ways of managing waste includes diverting waste by managing waste generated. A waste audit report is the best way to do this.
Types of Waste in Business Operations
Every business operating in any industry generates a waste stream, which must be handled in a defined and systematic manner along with legal efficiency, particularly for sustainable handling.
A waste evaluator assists in creating and classifying these wastes. They also provide solutions that go beyond general waste bins and recycling bins for all the trash your business might generate.
General Waste
General waste consists of non-contaminated materials such as broken machinery or equipment as well as consumable goods and filthy packaged items.
Unmanaged waste is typically dumped in a landfill, which significantly contributes to negative environmental impacts.
Recyclable Waste
Recyclable waste includes paper and cardboard, glass, and ferrous and non-ferrous plastics. They are broken down and remade to serve a purpose and help to minimise contamination.
Hazardous Waste
Waste, including chemicals and other encasements that pose harm to the environment, requires proper handling and treatment.
Waste auditors help responsibly regulate the preservation of space to avoid unnecessary frustrations and empower individuals.”
Obstacles in Managing Waste in a Business
Every business faces challenges in managing waste for various reasons. Certain types of businesses, like construction and hospitality, have a high volume of waste, making the processes more costly and complex. With recycling, employees often mistakenly contaminate recycling streams.
Another significant challenge is the disposal of hazardous waste. Many companies lack knowledge on how to manage hazardous waste, which poses a threat to the environment. A company also struggles with adjusting to and keeping track of ever-changing waste policies.
These challenges are addressed by a waste auditor who provides expertise and tailored strategies for waste management.
How an Auditor Can Help Businesses Manage Their Waste
Adopting smarter strategies for business waste with the guidance of an auditor can be simpler. Below are the most important strategies recommended by the auditors.
Conduct a Waste Audit
Waste auditors analyse all components of a business’s waste streams, from document waste to shop floor waste, seeking opportunities to reduce waste or to reuse/recycle. In doing so, businesses are able to set valid and meaningful waste reduction targets that are cost effective and safe.
Recycling Programmes
Auditors develop recycling plans by training employees on proper recyclable sorting and signage placement to ensure appropriate sorting of recyclables. This also enhances the rate of recycling and lowers the costs associated with contaminated resources.
Redirection of Organic Waste
For businesses such as landscapers and restaurants, the auditors can recommend either composting or a green waste collection for them. This programme transforms food scraps and garden waste into fewer landfill dependencies.
Safely Manage Hazardous Waste
Auditors ensure hazardous materials are disposed of at designated facilities, providing guidance on storage and transport to prevent environmental harm and comply with laws.
The Benefits of Waste Audits for Businesses
Measurable benefits result from performing a waste audit. It reduces disposal costs by identifying methods for recycling or reusing materials. It ensures adherence to Australian waste legislation, thereby avoiding fines. The business’s reputation has improved because customers and partners appreciate its sustainable practices.
For instance, a retail chain can use an audit as an opportunity to transition to recyclable packaging, while a construction company could increase its recycling of concrete and timber. An audit also helps to measure progress achieved by setting goals and tracking progress towards achieving those goals.
Innovations in Waste Auditing
Just as waste management is advancing due to other factors, waste audits are also being positively impacted. With modern equipment such as waste-tracking programmes, waste audits have become highly analytical, with data being analysed as it is received.
The circular economy is also creating new frontiers in auditing, motivating businesses to refrain from interfacing with obsolete materials through recycling and reuse. Auditors actively promote such practices and therefore advocate adherence to these principles by recommending “take-back” schemes.
Waste Audit Reports for Business
Every business stands to gain from a waste audit. Begin with hiring a professional auditor to evaluate your business methods.
Implement their advice, which may include establishing recycling and composting facilities. Educate employees on compliance with comprehensive waste guidelines and check guidelines regularly.
Amplify your efforts further by promoting these to customers and supporting sponsored sustainable suppliers. As previously stated, a waste audit is not merely a destination; it marks a journey toward perpetual efficiency and operational responsibility.
Final Thoughts
In our context, waste audits are crucial for Australian enterprises. They serve the purpose of managing the organisational waste management hierarchy while reducing operational costs and building a sustainable tomorrow.
Knowing what waste is, what problems exist, and applying best practices enables enterprises to initiate meaningful change.
Guided by innovative concepts such as the circular economy, coupled with community support, businesses can mark the achievement of better waste management: hiring a waste auditor.
