Funded by the DfE, Climate Ambassadors match volunteer climate experts with education settings.
Part of Let’s Go Zero, Climate Action Advisors are independent experts who offer free support for schools, colleges, and nurseries across England.
About
A waste audit is a structured review of what and how much waste is generated by a setting. It also looks at how that waste is managed. It can provide a clear picture of waste produced across teaching spaces, offices, kitchens, dining areas and outdoor spaces.
Waste audits often include:
- reviewing reusing and recycling arrangements
- looking into final disposal methods
- examining collection data and engaging staff and learners in understanding disposal practices.
By establishing a baseline, the audit helps identify where waste is being generated unnecessarily and where improvements can be made.
Why
Conducting a waste audit helps settings understand their environmental impact and identify opportunities to reduce waste, increase re-use, recycling and improve resource efficiency.
It can reveal areas where materials are being unnecessarily discarded and highlight opportunities to save money through better waste management practices.
Waste audits can provide data that can be used to set targets and measure progress. Involving learners and staff in the process increases awareness of sustainable behaviours and helps create a culture of environmental responsibility across the setting.
How
Here are some things you could do:
- Gather information about the different waste streams produced across your setting and review how each is managed.
- Speak with your estates and site team or waste contractor to get data on waste volumes, collection arrangements and disposal methods.
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