The ultimate waste management audit checklist for your business
Managing business waste effectively has never been more important, especially with the introduction of the Simpler Recycling legislation. If you’re unsure where to begin, a waste management audit is the perfect first step. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to carry out an audit, share practical tips, and provide a checklist to help your business stay compliant, cut costs, and boost sustainability.
In light of the Simpler Recycling legislation that came into effect across England on 31 March 2025, all businesses must now separate dry recyclables (like plastics, metal, glass, paper & card), food waste, and non-recyclable waste before collection. This reform makes waste segregation clearer and compliance more critical than ever.
A waste management audit helps your business not only comply but also optimise operations, and at Cawleys we’ve long emphasised how smart waste practices drive cost savings, operational efficiency, and stronger environmental credibility.
Key preparations before you start
Gather your waste logs, bin records, and previous collection notes.
Identify key staff members to oversee the audit.
Secure tools like scales, cameras, floor plans, and data sheets.
Communicate audit goals clearly = compliance, cost savings, and sustainability.
Waste stream identification and classification
Map all waste types: recyclable (plastic, metal, glass, card, paper, food) and residual.
Align classification with Simpler Recycling mandates ensuring distinct bins for each stream
Conduct a Waste Audit Step-by-Step
Walkthrough inspection – tour your premises to note bin usage, skip areas, and staff habits.
Weigh and record – measure each waste stream to gauge volumes.
Photographic documentation – photograph bins, signage, and contamination hotspots.
Identify contamination risks – find where recyclables are tainted or mis-sorted.
Analyse Audit Data and Set KPIs
What percentage of waste is recyclable vs non-recyclable?
Benchmarks: compare against industry averages or your own goals.
KPIs could include:
Recycle rate increase (e.g. from 50 % to 75 %)
Reduction in general waste disposal costs
Moving towards Zero Waste to Landfill
Create an actionable improvement plan
Reduce: target non-essential, one-time-use items like single-use packaging.
Reuse: encourage internal reusing, refurbishing, or returning containers.
Recycle: improve segregation with clearer labelling and bin placement.
Replace: change to more recyclable materials or partner with green suppliers.
Staff training & engagement: teach correct sorting, celebrate successes, and share updates.
Implement the right waste management services
Choose the right bin types and collection frequency to fit your waste profile.
Confirm that your provider is fully licensed and compliant with national regulations.
Monitor, report and continuously improve
Use reporting functionality (monthly or quarterly) to track your KPIs.
Conduct mini audits to spot emerging issues or areas for improvement.
Adapt services when required (e.g. seasonal changes).
Recognise wins: share results internally, celebrate milestones, and inspire engagement.
Conclusion
As business owners, we have a duty of care to ensure that the waste we produce is handled and disposed of correctly. Proper waste management not only fulfils our environmental responsibilities but can also significantly contribute to our business's success. With the UK's ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, it is a moral obligation and a strategic advantage to do our part in helping preserve and protect the environment.
Running a waste management audit can help you meet your legal obligations under the Simpler Recycling legislation whilst taking a strategic step towards cost efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Ready to get started?
Contact Cawleys today for expert guidance on conducting your waste audit, whether you want to improve recycling rates, cut waste costs, or work towards achieving zero waste to landfill, we’re here to help every step of the way.