Conducting an Audit

Your audit should aim to take a representative sample of a particular process stream, over a time period that is will include the variations that are typical to your business.

Preparations for auditing a typical solid waste stream should include:

• Protective clothing as determined by the process stream - gloves, safety glasses and safety shoes would be expected to be the minimum requirements.
• Consider the provision of tongs to handle any dangerous objects.
• Washing facilities with soap and towels available for the collection, sorting and disposal stages of the audit.
• Tarpaulins for tipping and sorting the materials.
• A rake to spread out the materials, and scales to weigh the components.
• Clearly labelled bins or collection bags to separate materials.
• Sufficient supplies of the appropriate Audit Form (see Audits and Business Waste Streams) or your own custom designed form.

Collect and sort the material, then weigh each component, and record the results on the audit form.