Waste Audit of a High-rise Office Building
Industry Sector
Office Buildings
Client Profile
High-rise office building, CBD location, 41,700 square metres
Statement of Waste Issue
Need to determine the participation of tenants in the paper recycling system and the composition of other waste.
Process
- Reviewed current waste and recycling systems in place.
- Conducted a detailed waste audit of the total solid waste stream for the building.
- Observed current cleaning and tenant behaviors towards recycling and waste management.
- Education survey conducted with tenants to gain feedback regarding the current system.
- Develop recommendations for waste minimisation and improving.
Findings
- 43% of the total solid waste stream was being diverted for recycling by tenants and cleaning staff.
- 41% of the general waste stream was identified as material that could be included as recyclables.
- By increasing the amount of recyclables diverted for recycling the building could save approximately $28,900 on the annual waste disposal costs.
- Waste management contract terms was resulting in non-competitive pricing. Proposed changes to the contract terms would result in savings of approximately $31,000 per annum.
Outcome
- Tenant systems and signage updated to increase participation
- Tenants briefed on outcomes of project.
- Waste management contract reviewed.
