WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

A waste management plan is a record that addresses the refuse of solid, liquid, and gas.
It also includes both hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials that are the
byproducts of organizational projects and processes. It lists the activities and actions to
handle waste from the moment of its inception up until its final disposal. Factors like
the collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of garbage materials, along with the
monitoring and regulation of the waste management process following waste-related
laws, technology, and economic mechanisms, must be present. Each organization
presents a well-structured Project Management Plan under government statutes and
legislations.

According to the Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste, and Recycling made public
by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Total Generation
Of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) In 2018 Reaches 292.4 Million Tons. It amounts to
4.9 pounds of waste produced by a single person in the United States. While some
trash can be recycled and composted, a staggering 50 percent or 156 million tons are in
landfills.

Five Types of Wastes

It is essential to keep our environment clean, and having a waste management plan
established that. Maintaining clear surroundings allows people to live healthy and
comfortable. People, factories, processes, and animals contribute to waste production
every day and are an unavoidable part of civilization. There are five classifications of
wastes, and people and organizations must be aware of these.

Liquid waste: These types of wastes accumulate from various households and industries,
and it includes grease, oil, sludges, washes water, detergents, dirty water, and even
rainwater for disposal. Liquid wastes are under two classifications, namely non-point and
point source waste. Manufactured liquid wastes fall under the point source waste, while
non-point source waste refers to natural liquid wastes. There are three methods to remove
liquid wastes, either by containment, treatment, or disposal. Containment involves storing
the liquids in tanks or barrels, while treatment means the wastewater is composted and
reused as fertilizers. Meanwhile, when the two options are unachievable, disposal comes
in.Solid waste: Solid waste includes garbage found in industrial and commercial settings,
and solid wastes fall into categories. Plastic wastes include bags, containers, jars, and
bottles found within companies and houses. Most plastics are non-biodegradable wastes
and cannot be recycled, so it is good practice to segregate plastic wastes. Paper or card
waste consists of packaging materials, newspapers, cardboard, and other paper products.
Unlike plastic, paper is recyclable. Tins and metals are in various forms and are present in
households. Metals can be recycled, and consider taking them to scrap yards or recycling
depots near your area. Several companies recycle glass and ceramic wastes, and the only
hurdle here is segregation.
Organic waste: These types of waste are everyday household objects and include food
waste, garden waste, animal droppings, or rotten meat. Over time, organic wastes turn into
manure through microorganisms. However, these wastes cannot be easily disposed of as it
produces methane and must be inside a green bin for proper disposal.
Recyclable waste: Discarded items like furniture, paper, metals, and organic trash are
recyclable wastes and can undergo conversion into reusable products. Instead of disposing
these items into the garbage and straight into landfills, there are appropriate bins where
you can place recyclable wastes for transport to recycling depots.
Hazardous waste:
Wastes that are flammable, toxic, corrosive, and reactive. These items harm people as well
as the environment and must have proper disposal. Disposing of hazardous waste can be
through recycling, incineration or destruction, pyrolysis, or disposal at a landfill. In
selecting any of the choices, it is advisable to call for assistance from a waste removal
company to guarantee safe and suitable disposal.
The Five R’s of Waste Management
As people living in one ecosystem, it is our duty and responsibility to manage our
wastes in a sustainable manner that influences the earth positively. It is helpful to
remember the five R’s of waste management, namely, refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose,
and recycle, to do our responsibility in keeping our earth healthy. Incorporating this
methodology into your business reduces waste and boosts recycling efforts.

Refuse:
The first step into waste management focuses on refusing waste production for your
business. Learning to refuse waste is challenging, but it is the most effective way to
minimize waste. Lessen waste materials by resisting the use of single-use plastics or
wasteful, non-recyclable products. It is also ideal to speak with the procurement team of
the company to make it happen. It’s also worth noting that when you do business with
vendors, refuse to use unnecessary packaging and opt for eco-friendly alternatives. In
making practical purchasing decisions and setting quality standards and expectations for
items during the early stages of production, it becomes easier for the organization to refuse
unnecessary waste materials.
Reduce:
The second step is about reducing the use of harmful, wasteful, and non-recyclable
products. Reducing the organization’s dependency on these kinds of merchandise saves
money and leads to lesser waste materials ending up in landfills, associating with negative
environmental impacts. All substances that are not deemed hazardous fall into landfills,
and the quicker these landfills fill, require more spaces for waste storage. Limiting the use
of single-use containers makes for a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Utilize practical measures for your business by using the back sheet of papers when
printing or writing notes to cut down on paper wastes.
Reuse:
Using single-use plastics has been a common practice in the past years that considerably
impacts the world at present. It has generated a throwing away culture that normalizes
consumer behavior in predominantly disposing of plastic wastes after using them once.
The problem here is that this feeling of immediate convenience becomes a habit. It is
becoming a crisis because the amounts of plastic products reach a critical level and have
been the initial source of the world’s immense environmental changes. It is beneficial to
reuse items in workplaces instead of purchasing new ones to reduce using single-use
plastics. Try and look through various equipment, tools, and materials present in the daily
company logs utilized in everyday activities and resorts using compostable or reusable
options upon availability. Once you have identified the essential items for everyday
company use, focus on similar implementation practices for packaging, product
containers, and any related materials.
Repurpose:
If there is no way to refuse, reuse, or recycle an item, it is best to find a way to repurpose
it. The idea of repurposing an item involves taking the object meant for one purpose and
utilize it for another. Upcycling is the term used for the act of repurposing coined by the
eco-community. It also gives light to items or materials that serve other purposes and
requires you to think outside the box. You can start repurposing items like leftover
cardboard boxes as storage boxes, leftover or slightly damaged cups or mugs as stationary
holders, or binder clips to hold wires or cords together. Any items that you can turn into
repurposed items are a significant help to better waste management. It is also helpful to
designate a space where employees can drop off materials or items on a list for
repurposing. Try and encourage employees to save these items and go through the objects
as you go along.
Recycle:
The last step in the waste management process is recycling. Once you have exhausted all
your resources and methods through the first four steps, recycling comes in. Ensure that
the company thrives in its waste management process and eco-friendly ventures by
creating an environment that uses everyday items that undergo recycling. For a company
to learn to value this part of the waste management process is a significant win. There are
still plenty of businesses that do not practice recycling their items. If your company is still
in the process of keeping the environment clean, begin with collecting recyclable materials
on your worksites like cardboard, paper, plastics, cups, and organic substances. Find ways
to incorporate all of the steps necessary for the organization to have an efficient waste
management plan.
How to Create an Effective Waste Management Plan
Many companies seek to find environmentally friendly solutions and interventions to
cut down waste products and produce a sustainable way to market their products or
services. Reaching those targets may pose to be a challenge to organizations, more
often than not. To learn about achieving the road to streamlined and responsible waste
management, follow these steps for a comprehensive and cost-effective way for your
business.
Step 1: Create a Waste Management Goal Through Collaboration
Using a collaborative approach allows you to develop viable and self-supporting
partnerships with the local and government agencies to assist in the cooperation of the
recycling systems and solid waste management. It permits your company to increase
negotiation between public and private sectors to achieve the best possible plan for
improving recycling and waste management practices. At the same time, it helps with
reducing the harmful effects of wastes on the environment. In creating a waste
management goal, remember that there are two types that the company must consider.
First is the company’s general intentions for waste management, and second is the
necessary steps to achieve those intentions.

Step 2: Identify the Type and Volume of Waste Then Segregate It

It is vital to know the type of waste and the volume of waste that the company
generates regularly. After doing so, segregate the different kinds of garbage into
categories, whether they are recyclable or not. It also helps to separate wastes into
hazardous materials and chemical compositions.

Step 3: Monitor Waste and Practice a Waste Reduction Program

Active monitoring of waste production helps to identify waste management
requirements and look for ways to reduce the generation of waste materials.
Introducing a waste reduction program is also necessary for any organization to
improve communication and cooperation. It benefits to recognize a waste management
coordinator within the company to create a program exhibiting company Smart Goals.

Step 4: Implement Proper Waste Collection

Ensure that the company’s bin containers are of correct sizes with a regular collection
to avoid bad smells and overflowing waste. Waste material must also be correctly
labeled for identification to reduce the number of mistakes and to include the wording
on bins and trashcans. There must also be proper communication with the waste
removal company to gain access into the work area at times agreed by both parties.

Step 5: Utilize Professional Waste Transport Services

It is ideal to hire trained and authorized waste transport vehicles to move the waste
from the company premises to the processing plant. It is a lot more efficient as the
drivers are competent in case there are unforeseen emergencies arise. It’s also
beneficial that the company segregates their trash, as listed in step two, as the
recyclable materials can still undergo processes for reuse. Companies that advocate for
sustainable growth and production then purchase these processed materials for use.
Step 6: Disposal and Recycling
The last step is when segregated materials fall under unrecyclable wastes and undergo
transfer into landfills as mandated by local authorities. These landfills have special
restrictions and considerations to prevent further contamination to the environment,
especially water sources, soil, piping, and air. Meanwhile, recycling centers receive
recyclable materials and create sustainable and eco-friendly products for companies
aiming for a safer and cleaner environment.

What is the purpose of a waste management plan?

The primary goal of a waste management plan is to prepare a community or an
organization for the effective administration of waste, debris, and materials classified
by a homeland security incident. It also details the potential amount of reduced waste
generated at the outset. It is necessary to have a waste management plan to protect the
environment, reduce all types of waste, and help conserve needed energy.
Are there disadvantages to waste management?
Waste management plans generally help with conserving the environment, but it also
poses some disadvantages to organizations. Some processes are not cost-effective as it
needs money, time, and land to set up. It is also worth noting that there are no standard
processes or practices, especially in large corporations and industries. It is also not
practiced globally and, as a result, consists of curbing oil spills, ocean disposals, and a
decrease in tree felling.

How do you help solve simple waste problems?

There are easy and uncomplicated ways to lessen waste that goes to landfills. Any
individual willing to contribute to a cleaner and safer environment can donate clothes,
reduce food waste, create Meal Plans, buy things in bulk, avoid single-use plastics or
containers, bring their own bag when shopping for groceries, get into composting, and
even purchasing rechargeable batteries. No matter how small, these actions help save
the state of our environment and prevent its destruction.

People inside a household or an organization must learn to follow a waste management

plan. It helps conserve what remains of our natural resources and ensures the safety of
our environment. Through a cleaner and greener surrounding, as a community, the
preservation of our ecosystem will prevail. It also helps individuals learn to distinguish
various types of waste and the correct waste management process to adopt a waste
management plan suitable for the household or organization. As a famous saying goes,
cleanliness is next to godliness. Every single person must learn to protect the
environment in their own ways, starting with simple things such as using reusable
bags. Check out the waste management samples provided in the article above and start
your journey to cleanliness.
 SIMPLE WAYS TO PRACTISE WASTE SEGREGATION

WASTE SORTING
This is the process by which waste is separated into different elements. It can be done
manually at the household and collected through curbside collection schemes, or
automatically separated in materials recovery facilities or mechanical biological treatment
system.

What is waste segregation?

Waste segregation is the sorting and separation of waste types to facilitate recycling and
correct onward disposal and to reduce environmental impact
Waste segregation refers to the separation of wet waste and dry waste, the purpose is to
recycle dry waste easily and to use wet waste as compost.
Why should we segregate waste?
When we segregate waste, there is reduction of waste that gets landfilled and occupies
space, air and water pollution rates are considerably lowered. Segregating waste also
makes it easier to apply different processes - composting, recycling and incineration can
be applied to different kinds of waste.
Here are some steps to manage and segregate waste:
1. Keep separate containers for dry and wet waste in the kitchen.
2. Keep two bags for dry waste collection- paper and plastic, for the rest of the household
waste
3. Keep plastic from the kitchen clean and dry and drop into the dry waste bin. Keep
glass/plastic containers rinsed of food matter.
4. Send wet waste out of your home daily. Store and send dry waste out of the home, once
a week.
5. Keep a paper bag for throwing the sanitary waste.
Practising waste management and segregation as a community -
The best way to practise waste management is to form a group of like minded people. The
process of waste segregation should be thoroughly explained to family/neighbours in your
apartment building or neighbourhood. Create awareness amongst the staff in the apartment
building/neighbourhood to help make the process easier. Acquiring separate storage drums
for storing the dry waste and wet waste will be a great way to store bulk waste. Contact the
local scrap dealer to collect the dry waste.
Are you practising waste segregation in your home? What are your thoughts on this? Let
us know your thoughts in the comments below, you can also reach out to us on
our Facebook page, or tweet to us @JaagoRe and even write a mail to

System: A Guide

Everything you need to know about a waste management system: waste management
introduction, waste disposal methods, tools you can use to reduce waste, how to conduct
effective waste audits, and additional tools to help your business comply with
environmental laws

What is a Waste Management System?

A waste management system is a streamlined process that organizations use to dispose of,
reduce, reuse, and prevent waste. Also known as waste disposal, it is an approach where
companies implement comprehensive strategies to efficiently manage wastes from their
origin until their final disposal. Possible waste disposal methods are recycling,
composting, incineration, landfills, bioremediation, waste to energy, and waste
minimization.

As for waste management, it is the measures utilized to manage waste in its entire life
cycle, from waste generation to disposal or recovery.

Waste Disposal Methods

There are multiple waste management strategies and methods available. These strategies
can be combined or rearranged to form a waste management system that fits an
organization. Modern waste management strategies are geared
towards sustainability. Other alternatives for waste disposal is to reduce, reuse, and recycle
waste.

1. Recycling – also known as physical reprocessing, recycling is ideal for the disposal
of inorganic waste such as plastic, glass, and metals. Though organic waste such as
paper and food can also be recycled, composting would be a better waste disposal
method as it converts organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer.
 2. Waste-to-Energy – or WtE on the other hand, is the conversion of non-recyclable
waste into heat, electricity, or fuel using renewable energy sources such as anaerobic
digestion and plasma gasification.
3. Anaerobic digestion – the biological reprocessing of animal manure and human
excreta into methane-rich biogas. Plasma gasification uses a plasma-filled vessel
operating at high temperatures and low levels of oxygen to transform hazardous
waste into syngas. Another option for disposing of hazardous waste
is bioremediation, the treatment of contaminants, toxins, and pollutants through
micro-organisms.

The 5Rs of Waste Management

The 5Rs of waste management are a set of principles that guide efforts to reduce the
environmental impact of waste. These 5Rs are:

1. Refuse – This involves saying no to things that are not necessary, such as single-use
plastics or excessive packaging.
2. Reduce – This emphasizes the importance of minimizing the amount of waste
generated by using fewer resources and being more conscious of consumption.
3. Reuse – Instead of disposing of items after a single use, consider finding ways to
reuse them. This could involve repurposing items or using durable goods that have a
longer lifespan.
4. Repurpose – This involves giving items a new purpose or use, extending their
lifespan, and reducing waste.
5. Recycle – Recycling involves processing used materials into new products,
reducing the need for raw materials, and lowering the overall environmental impact.

These principles are aimed at promoting responsible and sustainable waste management
practices and encouraging individuals and businesses to be more mindful of their
consumption and disposal habits.

Approaches and Best Practices

A waste audit is an assessment of an organization’s waste management system. It analyzes

the movement of waste from generation to disposal. Common approaches for conducting
waste audits are records examination, facility walk-throughs, and waste sorting.

 First approach – involves looking at waste hauling and disposal records as well as
contracts with recycling facilities.
 Second approach – requires a team of internal auditors to identify waste-generating
activities through observation and interviews with employees.
 Third approach – is the physical collection, sorting, and weighing of a sample of
the organization’s waste. This sample can be a day’s worth of waste or a collection
of waste from each department.

Best practices for conducting a waste audit are to refrain from releasing the audit date to
the entire organization, prepare personal protective equipment and a venue for sorting
beforehand, and commit to acting on the waste audit result. This can be achieved by
creating corrective action plans for each possible result.

For example, if the organization scored low on a certain area, then the following steps
should be done. For this to work, it is essential for the organization to set the criteria
before conducting the waste audit. Another tip is to use digital waste audit checklists for
easy documentation and a more comprehensive data analysis.

Waste Audit Checklists

A digital waste audit checklist is used before, during, and after a waste audit. It typically
contains planning, waste sorting, and next steps, though it may also include descriptions of
the organization’s waste stream. Aside from being more convenient, digital waste audit
checklists are also better for the environment than paper checklists.

Waste Audit Checklist

Ensure that your organization has implemented an effective waste audit process.
Determine the readiness of the waste audit team, inspect sorting equipment, and come up
with corrective action plans. Confirm that goals and predictions have been enumerated.
Verify that puncture-resistant nitrile gloves, full Tyvek coveralls, and tables with plastic
covers are available.

Compare findings to previous waste audit results and initial predictions to critically
evaluate the organization’s waste management system. Preview a sample report for more
information.

Waste Audit Template

Use this waste audit template to document your organization’s waste audit results.

 Examine the current waste management system by providing details on current

waste operations and recycling efforts.
 Learn the actual cost of not recycling by analyzing waste collection bills.
 Sort waste by categories such paper, plastics, aluminum, and steel.
 Record the subcategories’ estimated percentage of the waste stream.
 Add photos for evidence or for future reference.

Why Use a Waste Management Checklist?

By empowering employees to be more conscious of the impact their waste has on the
environment, organizations can become the catalysts for mass ideological change in
society’s perception of waste. Instead of excessively purchasing new materials and
carelessly discarding unused resources, professionals in all industries should do their best
to reduce waste generation and strengthen their waste reduction efforts.

Waste Management Checklist

Guide the planning and implementation of waste management improvements with this
digital tool. Evaluate if implemented measures are controlled to prevent harm to humans
or the environment. Minimize over-ordering of materials by selecting the right quantities.
Consider the use of recycled materials and opportunities for reprocessing. Ensure that the
importance of the waste management plan has been communicated to all employees.

Waste Management in the Construction Industry

While a waste management system is critical for any industry, there is added pressure on
the construction industry to comply with waste management regulations.

For example, the Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 in England requires
projects over £300,000 to have a SWMP before starting construction. While the creation
and implementation of a site waste management plan is not required in other countries,
doing so helps organizations avoid incurring any regulatory penalties.

Site Waste Management Plan | Safety Culture

Discover if the construction project meets the requirements of the Site Waste Management
Plans Regulations 2008. This SWMP checklist can be used throughout the project
lifecycle to monitor its compliance. It contains specific questions for planning and
preparation, allocating responsibility, as well as the identification, organization, and
disposal of waste. It also has a section dedicated to learning lessons for the future so that
contractors and subcontractors know what actions must be taken to perform better.

While SWMPs are focused on construction waste, they can be adapted for use in other
industries since, by definition, waste is an example of inefficiency. Though it may be
impossible to completely eliminate the production of waste, using a waste management
plan to make small, gradual improvements is a step towards more sustainable operations.

How to Create a Waste Management Plan

Before forming a waste management plan, get input and buy in from various stakeholders.
Ask for suggestions on how to be more eco-friendly. Next, assess the strength of the
current system by conducting waste audits. After reviewing the waste audit results,
identify development needs including budget, estimated waste composition, current waste
reduction, and waste generation.

To ensure that the implementation of the waste management plan is feasible, maintain a
realistic perspective when establishing goals. Once goals for the waste management plan
have been finalized, perform the following steps:

1. Determine the needed resources (containers, vehicles, etc.)

2. Assign a point person and clarify their responsibilities
3. Prepare a timeline for implementation
During implementation, remember to document everything and involve everyone in the
organization. Aside from keeping all waste audit results, document the day-to-day waste
disposal and resource use of the organization. Additionally, give everyone the tools they
need to participate effectively in waste management. These tools can include training,
induction, toolbox talks, and even digital checklists.

Role of Training in Implementing a Waste Management System

Policies, procedures, and plans set out the rules and guidelines that your workers should
follow to secure workplace efficiency as well as guarantee everyone’s health and safety.
The best way to engrain these guidelines into your workers is by putting together a
robust training program on your waste management systems with the help of a digital
operations platform.

Using a digital platform ensures that all workers, anytime and anywhere, will be involved
in the training process. By reinforcing your waste management system plans through
regular training, workers will be better equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to
identify potential hazards. With this training, they’ll be able to take the appropriate
measures to prevent accidents from ever occurring, as well as prevent issues with
employee health, environment conditions, and more. This can lead to a mindset shift,
where your policies and procedures become a natural part of their work habits, creating a
safer work environment for everyone.

Food Waste Management System

A food waste audit analyzes the components of a restaurant’s waste. It helps restaurants
identify the inefficiencies in their processes and provides them with the data they need to
effectively address their food waste. As part of the Target-Measure-Act approach
recommended by the World Resources Institute, food waste audits enable restaurants to set
reduction targets, measure and report food loss, and be bold in taking action to combat
food waste.

According to ReFED, the full cost of generating food waste for the U.S. restaurant sector
is $54.7 billion, with an even larger amount spent ($218 billion) on the production,
processing, transportation, and disposal of uneaten food. However, despite these statistics,
there is a real benefit to caring about and mitigating food waste. ReFED states that for
every dollar invested in food waste reduction, restaurants can realize approximately $8 of
cost savings.

How to Conduct a Food Waste Audit in 6 Steps

According to the EPA, there are six steps in conducting food waste audits.

1. Develop audit goals and define targeted wastes (for donation, for animal feed, for
composting, for recycling).
2. Complete a pre-audit questionnaire concerning access to food banks and off-site
composters.
 3. Plan the audit process through determining the waste sorting method, selecting a
venue and a date, and obtaining waste sample bins.
4. Identify and accomplish audit logistics by coordinating with the staff and giving
them the necessary supplies for conducting the audit, such as a digital checklist.
5. Collection and sorting of waste.
6. Evaluate audit results.

Food Waste Audit Checklists

One of the biggest advantages of a digital food waste audit checklist is that it
automatically collects data. Understanding the food waste stream is the primary goal of
these audits. With these digital checklists, restaurants and other food service businesses
don’t have to worry about capturing the information they need to refine their waste
management system.

Food Waste Audit Checklist

Efficiently document organization food waste. Enter the date and time of disposal and the
reason why the food loss occurred. Measure food waste in portions, quarts, or pounds.
Attach photos as visual references for future audits. Preview a sample report for more
information.

Food Waste Audit Template

Be able to create food waste entries that include descriptions, dates and times of disposal,
reasons for disposal, and the total cost of waste in dollars. Submit the finished food waste
audit template to regional managers for verification. Get a bigger picture of the conditions
that made food waste disposal necessary by making staff signatures mandatory. Sign-off to
indicate approval of the explanation.

Hospital Waste Management System

Independent auditors perform clinical waste audits to assess a healthcare facility’s

compliance with government regulations. In the UK, it is legally required to sort, code,
and manage clinical waste, which is defined by the Controlled Waste Regulations as any
waste which consists of:

 human or animal tissue, blood or other body fluids, excretions

 drugs or other pharmaceutical products, swabs or dressings, syringes, needles or
other sharp instruments
 any other waste arising from medical, nursing, dental, veterinary, pharmaceutical or
similar practice

In the US, clinical or medical waste is defined by the EPA as any solid waste which is
generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals. State-
specific regulations on clinical waste disposal can be found here.
Clinical Waste Audit Checklists

While official clinical waste audits are conducted by independent auditors, healthcare
facilities can also choose to prepare for these official audits by conducting their own
frequent clinical waste audits. For these unofficial, regular audits, using paper checklists is
counterintuitive since they contribute to the healthcare facility’s waste. Additionally, the
passing of these checklists from one person to another could cause certain viruses to
spread.

Be consistent with your clinical waste audits. The possibility of these instances can be
avoided or at least minimized. Using digital checklists also saves healthcare administrators
time in organizing the audit results since data is stored in a single place and can be filtered
by date, department, branch, etc.

Clinical Waste Audit Checklist

Compare the performance of the healthcare facility’s waste management system against
set standards. Ensure that staff are recording and segregating waste. Conduct a facility
walkthrough and take photos of non-compliant items or areas. Provide comments or
suggestions on waste management procedures that need clarification. Preview a sample
report for more information.

Hospital Waste Management Checklist

Enforce waste management procedures within your healthcare facility using this hospital
waste management checklist. Customize it to fit the color-coding system of the healthcare
facility. Check if clinical waste bins are appropriately displayed, secured, and labeled.
Inspect the condition of recyclable waste. Attach photos as evidence for formal audits.

Hazardous Waste Management System

Hazardous waste management was a key factor in the formation of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Hazardous waste is defined by the EPA as waste
that is potentially harmful to human health or the environment. However, hazardous waste
is only subject to RCRA Subtitle C regulation if it is:

 a solid waste
 not excluded from the definition of solid waste
 not excluded from the definition of hazardous waste
 specifically listed as a known hazardous waste; OR
 meets the characteristics of a hazardous waste; and
 not delisted

Listed hazardous wastes are either from common manufacturing and industrial processes
(F-list), specific sectors of industry and manufacturing (K-list), or discarded commercial
chemical products (P and U lists). Characteristics of a hazardous waste
are ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity.
Why Is It Important?

Hazardous waste audits are encouraged and incentivized by the EPA. While the original
audit policy was published in 1986, the 1995 audit policy further expanded it by stating
that the EPA will not seek gravity-based penalties or recommend criminal charges for
violations discovered through audits or a waste management system. However, such
violations must be promptly disclosed and corrected.

EPA has also released a set of audit protocols to guide the degree and quality of evaluation
essential to an audit. Each audit protocol contains a checklist that matches regulatory
requirements and specifies what should be evaluated during the audit.

Hazardous Waste Audit Checklists

Recommended by the EPA, hazardous waste audit checklists are also helpful tools for
businesses to use in identifying gaps in their waste management system. Using digital
checklists to conduct hazardous waste audits can also prevent unintended exposure to
these harmful substances. Additionally, digital hazardous waste audit checklists are more
convenient than paper checklists, which require manually entering data and typing up
reports.

Hazardous Waste Audit Checklist

Assess compliance with EPA regulations and evaluate the waste management systems of
your organization. Validate if the business is following the accepted environmental
impacts of its operations and production activities. Inspect hazardous waste manifests for
reconciliation with time limits, EPA certified personnel signatures, and availability of 36
rolling months minimum. Confirm that the business uses a Permitted Hazardous Waste
Transporter and Permitted Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF).

Hazardous Waste Audit Template

Using this hazardous waste audit template, you can do the following:

 Conduct weekly hazardous waste audits to accurately monitor compliance.

 Inspect hazardous waste containers and storage.
 Check hazardous waste labels and placards.
 Ensure that the staff has received emergency response training in case of
contamination.
 Look for additional documents to support the audit such as MSDS (Material Safety
Data Sheet), Hazardous Communication Program training records, and previous
audit results.
 Why is it important to segregate our waste?
 Separating waste allows us to recycle more items, preventing their disposal in
landfills. By reducing landfill disposal, we reduce our environmental impact.

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