Page 1: site and containers
Site details, a container inventory and a quick checklist of common problems.
UseFill in on the walk
Waste audit template
A waste audit shows you what a site throws away, where it goes and what it costs, so you can cut the right container, the right pickup or the right habit. Our free three page worksheet walks you through a site visit, a look inside the containers and a check of the last three invoices.
- WalkCount the containers
- LookSee what is in them
- CheckMatch the invoices
How to audit
An audit in four steps
You do not need special equipment, only a clipboard, a phone and an hour or two at each site.
- 01
Take inventory
List every container, its size, where it sits, who picks it up and how often.
- 02
Look inside
Check the containers at a typical time and estimate the share of each material. Take photos.
- 03
Match the invoices
Compare the last three invoices to the service you see. See our invoice audit worksheet.
- 04
Write the actions
For each finding, pick an action, an owner and a date. Repeat each year.
Want help acting on the findings?
We set up containers, balers and pickups by site and put the invoices on one agreement.
The template
What is in the worksheet
Three letter size pages. The PDF has fields you can type into, and the Word version opens in any editor. Use the preview to see the layout first.
Page 2: what is in the containers
Material by material estimates, with a column for what could be recycled, reused or reduced, and an opportunities checklist.
UseFill in with photos
Page 3: costs and actions
A three month cost summary against the contract and a findings and actions table.
UseReview with the site team
Common questions
Waste audit questions
What is a waste audit?
A review of what a site throws away, where it goes, how it is collected and what it costs, used to find savings and improvements.
How long does a waste audit take?
An hour or two per site for a first pass. It takes a walk, a look in the containers and the last three invoices.
What should I look for in the containers?
The share of each material, especially cardboard, plastics, food waste, wood and anything that could be recycled, reused or reduced.
How often should I audit?
Once a year, and after any change in the business, a move or a remodel.
Is the template editable?
Yes. The PDF has fields you can type into, and there is a Word version.
Can you act on the results?
Yes. We set up containers, balers and pickups by site. Call sales at (888) 588-2607.
Fewer containers and one invoice
Local providers do the work; we hold the contract, own the problems, and send one bill. If a delivery gets missed, we contact the provider the same business day.