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A ‘waste audit’ involves looking at and documenting rubbish and recycling. It’s an effective way to see the types and amounts of waste you produce, and what alternatives you can use to reduce this. 

An easy guide to conducting a waste audit can be found on the Plastic Free July website, but the basic steps involve:

• gathering your rubbish and recycling bins together from around the home, school or workplace

• emptying the bins (using the correct health and safety measures)

• sorting the items or materials into piles 

• estimating the amount or percentage of waste in each pile (weigh it if you can)

• documenting the amounts (take photos)

• presenting your findings in a table or a graph

Using information from your waste audit, write a step-by-step plan that will help you minimise the waste you see. The more detailed, the better. 

Example 1 -The waste audit identified a lot of single-use takeaway containers in the lunchroom.  

Actions

• Encourage staff to bring their own container.

• Set up a ‘lunchbox library’ for your staff in an obvious place (such as the canteen or common area) and raise awareness of it via company-wide emails, newsletters, posters, etc

Example 2 - The waste audit identified a lot of food-waste.

Actions

• Research and purchase appropriate food scraps bins and worm farm equipment. 

• Find suitable space for the bins and worm farm.

• Determine who will empty bins and look after the worm farm. 

• Educate staff and students on appropriate items to put in the bins and worm farm. 

Remember to check-in on your plan to determine whether what you’re doing is working to minimise waste. Ask everyone who has been involved – staff, customers, stakeholders – for their opinion and/or ideas for improvement.

Don’t forget to celebrate your progress - no matter how big or small – it all helps. Make sure to communicate your achievements to inspire your team to keep up the good work and others to make change too.

Bathroom

• Swap plastic shampoo and hand wash bottles for shampoo bars and soap in cardboard packaging. 
• Replace disposable razors with metal safety razors. 
• Use a washable flannel instead of make-up removal wipes. Wipes can contain plastic fibres and other materials that clog up our waterways and don’t break down – yes, even the “flushable” and “biodegradable” ones. 
• Swap to toothbrushes with compostable bamboo handles. 

Kitchen

• Grow your own fresh herbs at home. 
• Swap plastic wrap for reusable beeswax wraps to keep food fresh – you can even make your own. 
• Check your cupboards. Make a list before shopping to avoid unnecessary food waste. 
• Avoid overpackaged multi-pack items. Buy in bulk where you can. It’s less wasteful and usually cheaper, too. 
• Use old jars, containers, and bags. Buy package-free produce such as nuts, grains, pasta, cereals, flour, etc. at supermarkets and bulk bin stores. Lots of supermarkets will now also accept containers for delicatessen items too. 
• Grab a container from home if you’re planning to go out for some takeaways. 

Laundry and cleaning

• Make your own household cleaner from some basic pantry ingredients and citrus scraps – check out this recipe. 
• Swap paper towels for reusable cleaning cloths, or repurpose old textiles cut down to size. 
• Refill options are available for laundry detergents and soaps at bulk bin stores – just take your own container and weigh it before filling up. 

Wardrobe

• Buy secondhand clothing wherever possible. There are a variety of op shops and consignment stores across Hamilton, and your money will go towards a great cause. 
• Donate clothing that you no longer need. It’s far better than sending them to landfill, and charities are always grateful to receive good quality, re-sellable items. 
• Going to a special event? Instead of spending your hard-earned cash on a new outfit that may get little use, consider using a garment rental service instead. 

Nursery

• Ditch the disposables and try reusable nappies. They’re easy to use and will save you a heap of money in the long run. Even if you only use one reusable nappy a day, that’s 365 nappies that you’re saved from going to landfill over a year! We've got a handy guide to help you get started!
• Join a local toy library where you can hire puzzles, games, learning activities and toys rather than buying new.
• Opt for memory-making gifts instead of the latest toy or gadget for birthdays and Christmas - consider whether there’s a museum, zoo, aquarium or other experience-based gift that your child would enjoy. 

Renovations

• Check out our building and development page for where to dispose of your unwanted materials or items for re-use or recycle. 

• Encourage litterless lunches. Ask staff and students to bring waste-free lunches, encouraging the use of reusable packaging such as beeswax wraps. 
• Start a composting system. From worm farms to bokashi bins, there are lots of different types of composting to suit all needs. The Compost Collective is a great starting-point for information.
• Print/copy on both sides of the paper and make this the default setting on computers
• Replace disposable coffee cups and cutlery in the canteen or cafeteria with reusable alternatives. If you’re using “compostable” alternatives, check how/where they’re being composted – most end up in landfill. 
• Colour-code recycling bins and ensure they are easily accessible around the school. This will encourage recycling and reduce contamination. Check out the standardised colours and signage here.
• Buy school products in bulk where possible, to reduce packaging.
• Buy school products that are recyclable and are made from recycled materials, where possible.

Events can generate a lot of waste and recycling in a short period of time. A good event waste minimisation plan is a great way to reduce the waste generated in the first place and to maximise the diversion from landfill.

All events in Hamilton must develop a Waste Management Plan. Have a look at our Event Waste Management Guide for some handy tips and suggestions. If you are holding an event in Hamilton check to see if you need a permit on the Hamilton City Council website.

If you need help designing your event waste management and minimisation plan, email us at wasteminimisation@hcc.govt.nz , with the subject line: Event Waste Plan - “Your event’s name”.