A waste audit allows schools to gather accurate information about the types, amounts and weight of the waste being thrown out. This will help you decide the areas where you can make the biggest reductions.
A full day’s waste (from a typical school day) is collected, weighed and sorted into different waste categories. The most common categories schools have are paper/cardboard, food scraps, plastics and non-recyclable packaging. Once the waste streams have been separated, they are all weighed. Finding out these weights (or volume in the case of non-recyclable packing as it is usually quite light), will help determine the quantity and types of recycling systems your school will set up.
A waste audit provides your school with statistics and suggestions you can use to set up systems, and is a great opportunity for students to participate interactively and report back to the school and local community on your waste wise initiatives.
For more information on funding for your school, contact:
Bridget O'Connor
Waste Minimisation Advisor
Auckland Council
Email: WasteWise@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
