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Waste System Audit Certified
GreenCircle
Waste System Audits assess a company’s waste management process
Key Strengths
- Third-party validated waste diversion assessment aligned with ISO 17065
- Covers full waste stream including production, disposal, and recycling
- Identifies specific improvement opportunities with actionable recommendations
- Serves as a stepping stone to formal GreenCircle landfill diversion certifications
- Annual review cycle ensures continuous improvement accountability
- Evaluates Material Management Organizations (MMOs) handling company waste
Ideal For
Best suited for manufacturing, consumer goods, and industrial companies seeking to benchmark and improve their waste diversion performance. Ideal for sustainability managers and operations teams looking to validate waste management practices against a third-party standard before pursuing formal Waste Diversion from Landfill or Zero Waste to Landfill certification.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
The Waste System Audit offered by GreenCircle provides a detailed evaluation of a company’s waste management processes, helping to identify inefficiencies and improve waste diversion from landfills. This audit examines the entire waste stream, including production, disposal, and recycling practices, ensuring that waste is minimized and responsibly managed. The audit process includes data collection, site inspections, and a thorough review of Material Management Organizations (MMOs) handling the company’s waste.
The purpose of the Waste System Audit is to help companies understand how effectively they are managing their waste and identify opportunities to increase diversion through practices like recycling, reuse, or composting. GreenCircle evaluates the diversion rate, ensuring compliance with industry standards like ISO 17065. This audit also helps businesses optimize their operations by reducing waste at the source and improving overall sustainability.
By conducting the audit, GreenCircle identifies areas for improvement, provides recommendations for better waste management, and helps companies meet their sustainability goals. Companies that successfully pass the audit may use the findings to pursue further certifications, such as Waste Diversion from Landfill or Zero Waste to Landfill certification.
The Waste System Audit is an essential tool for companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and align with global waste reduction goals. The audit is subject to an annual review, ensuring companies continuously improve their waste management practices over time.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Companies must provide documentation covering their full waste stream, including production waste data, disposal records, and recycling/composting volumes. Information on all Material Management Organizations (MMOs) handling the company's waste must be submitted. A site inspection is conducted as part of the audit process, and at least 12 months of waste management records are typically reviewed.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
GreenCircle-trained third-party auditors conduct an on-site inspection of the facility's waste management operations. The audit involves a review of at least 12 months of waste stream data, verification of disposal and diversion records, evaluation of Material Management Organizations (MMOs), and interviews with relevant staff. Auditors calculate the facility's waste diversion rate and document findings in a formal audit report. The process typically spans several weeks from initial data submission to final report issuance.
Renewal & Compliance
The Waste System Audit is subject to an annual review cycle. Companies must undergo re-audit each year to maintain their audit status, providing updated waste stream data and documentation for the review period. Continued engagement with GreenCircle and payment of applicable audit fees are required for renewal.
Accountability Model
Consider Alternatives If...
Companies seeking a formal, marketable certification credential rather than a diagnostic audit may find this insufficient on its own. Organizations with very limited waste streams or those already holding Zero Waste to Landfill certification may not gain significant new value from this audit.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Evaluation
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