In today’s fast paced and ever changing environment, prioritizing sustainable practices isn’t merely a trend, it’s a business imperative. At Waste Reduction Group (WRG), we believe that improving sustainability is not just another corporate goal, it’s a collective responsibility that every business must embrace. Waste Audits are a cornerstone of sustainable waste management that enable organizations to gain valuable insights into their waste generation - and make progress towards a more sustainable future.

As leaders in the waste collection and diversion industry, WRG specializes in conducting O.Reg. 102/94 Waste Audits designed to help enhance organization’s sustainability practices, optimize their waste management operations, increase diversion from landfill, and identify cost savings. 

This post outlines what Waste Audits are, the many benefits they offer an organization, and why WRG should be your trusted partner in achieving your sustainability goals.

What is a Waste Audit?

A Waste Audit is a systematic survey of an organization's waste generation and current waste management practices that identifies opportunities to capture more recyclable materials and divert more waste from landfill. At WRG, our comprehensive Waste Audit process goes beyond basic data collection. We delve into your entire waste management practice, reviewing your current sustainability measures, interviewing key stakeholders, surveying existing waste generation, establishing annual facility waste and recycling volumes per stream, and analyzing how materials are collected, sorted, disposed, recycled, and/or composted, to identify opportunities for improvement.

While conducting a Waste Audit at your facility, we handle every detail from sorting, weighing, and measuring all waste and recycling streams to delivering actionable insights in a thorough Waste Audit Report and Waste Reduction Work Plan. These custom reports and action plans highlight your current waste practices and generation, recommend strategies to reduce landfill contributions, and identify potential cost-saving opportunities - including any recyclable materials that could come out of your waste stream to provide you with a credit/rebate (i.e. scrap metal, baled cardboard, etc.). With our guidance and active partnership, organizations can confidently move towards achieving a more efficient and sustainable waste management and diversion practice.

Does your organization or facility require a O.Reg 102/9 Waste Audit?

• Office Buildings that have at least 10,000 square metres of floor area
• Restaurants in which all restaurants operated by the owner had gross sales over $3,000,000 in either of the past two years
• Educational Institutions with more than 350 enrolled students in a calendar year
• Hotels and Motels that have more than 75 units
• Retail Shopping Establishments with a floor area of at least 10,000 square metres
• Large Construction or Demolition Projects of one or more buildings with a total floor area of at least 2,000 square metres
• Large Manufacturing Facilities in which employees worked more than 16,000 hours within any one calendar month over the past two years
• Hospitals and Research Labs

Why Choose WRG?

At WRG, we understand that each organization is unique, and so are their waste management practices and challenges. Here’s what sets us apart:

Expertise and Customization: WRG has been conducting Waste Audits for thirty years, and our experienced team tailors every Audit to align with your specific industry, current operations, and sustainability goals. From manufacturing to hospitality, we’ve successfully helped clients across diverse sectors reduce waste and save costs.

Actionable Insights: We don’t just hand you data, we deliver a strategic roadmap to optimize your waste management processes. Our recommendations are designed to maximize financial savings while enhancing sustainability.

Comprehensive Support: Beyond Audits, WRG has the ability to offer seamless, ongoing support - from waste and recycling products, to building a custom collection, hauling and disposal strategy to help implement changes and achieve long-term results. We’re your turnkey partner in sustainability, every step of the way.

How WRG Conducts Waste Audits

At WRG, our Waste Audit process is thorough, efficient, and designed to deliver results. 

How it works:

Planning and Preparation: We start by understanding your objectives, identifying the various types of waste to analyze through sorting categories, and selecting the most relevant areas for the Audit.

Waste Collection: We help guide your team on the sample size required for each stream, and work with you to coordinate the collection and storage of waste ahead of the Audit.

Sorting and Analysis: We categorize your waste into recyclables, compostables, and landfill items, measuring each by weight to project volumes and pinpoint opportunities for diversion. We then analyze your results against industry standards and best practices to inform insights and recommendations.

Customized Reporting: Within two weeks, you’ll receive a detailed Audit Report and required Waste Reduction Work Plan capturing actionable recommendations for waste reduction, improved recycling practices, and potential cost savings.

Implementation Support: WRG doesn’t stop at recommendations, we can work with you to implement changes successfully - as required.

Monitoring and Re-Evaluation: Regular Audits are key to sustained success. We offer ongoing support to track progress and refine strategies.

How Waste Audits Benefit Businesses

1. Enhancing Operational Efficiency

Waste Audits help businesses streamline their processes and eliminate inefficiencies within their current waste management system.

Tracking waste data over time allows businesses to set measurable goals, refine strategies, and continuously improve their sustainability initiatives.

2. Supporting Sustainability and Environmental Goals

Waste Audits demonstrate your organization’s commitment to sustainability. At WRG, we help clients align their waste practices with certifications like BOMA, LEED, ISO 14001, or sustainability frameworks such as B Corp or Zero Waste certifications.

By reducing landfill contributions, conserving resources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, your business can:

• Attract eco-conscious customers
• Meet stakeholder expectations/metrics for environmental responsibility
• Enhance brand reputation as a sustainability leader

3. Identifying Cost-Saving Opportunities

One of the most immediate benefits of a Waste Audit is uncovering ways to save costs within your current waste management practice. At WRG, our audits often reveal valuable recyclables unnecessarily sent to landfill or inefficient waste hauling practices. By implementing our recommendations, businesses can:

• Reduce disposal costs
• Lower waste hauling fees
• Reduce operational resources
• Unlock potential revenue streams through the valuable recyclable materials
• For businesses with significant waste volumes, these cost savings can be drastic

Conclusion: WRG is Your Trusted Source for Waste Audits

Waste Audits are more than just a snapshot of your waste stream, they’re a powerful tool for transforming your organization’s waste management practices. With WRG, you’re not just investing in an audit, you’re investing in a partnership dedicated to achieving your sustainability goals - to recycle more and waste less.

By leveraging our expertise, businesses can align themselves with the O.Reg. 102/94 regulated Waste Audit to unlock cost savings, enhance operational efficiency, and lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. Choose WRG to guide your journey to environmental responsibility, operational excellence, and long-term success.

Ready to take the first step? Contact WRG today and let us show you the impact a professional Waste Audit can make. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener future.