Information sources

Waste contractor

It should be possible to obtain preliminary information from the waste contractor. Ask for weight of waste if available e.g. monthly totals, and details of type, number and size of containers and frequency of collection. The accuracy of any information provided by the contractor should also be verified on a yearly basis.

Click here for more information on the various types of containers and receptacles that may be used for collection and storage of waste.

Institution

Other sources of information for a preliminary review should be available from your institution. For example, the finance office can identify which sections or departments have their own budgets for waste management or specific parts of it e.g. general, confidential or special/hazardous wastes. There are likely to be some departments that will produce more waste than others – e.g. printing services, central services, computing, grounds and catering services, including cafes and bars.

The preliminary review can therefore be useful in identifying priorities that can be used to demonstrate to senior management the value of a more detailed survey and of the waste management project. These priorities can also be turned into “quick-wins”. These can be introduced cheaply but can provide real benefits after a short period of time. Quick wins are also useful in demonstrating the value of the waste management project.

The first quick win for Glasgow Caledonian University resulted from a preliminary review, which identified that more than five waste management contractors were providing services to the University. The possibility of utilising just one contractor was explored and, after a tendering procedure and the appointment of one contractor, savings of approximately £5,000 per year were realised and the number of vehicle movements associated with waste management were dramatically reduced.

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