Pennsylvania GreenGov Council Waste Diversion Audit Plan

Prepared in Cooperation With:

Table of Contents Introduction

1.0 About the Audit Plan

2.0 Waste Audit Pre-Work

2.1 Audit Kick-off

2.2 Data Collection

2.2.1 Data Review and Benchmarking

2.3 Interviews

2.3.1 Regulation and Commonwealth Guidelines Review

3.0 Onsite Audit

3.1 Waste Characterization Process

4.0 Audit Deliverables

4.1 Audit Report

4.1.1 Opportunity Quantification

4.2 Audit Form Completion

4.3 Waste Survey Preparation

5.0 Appendix A: Site-Specific Context

5.1 Hospitals and Medical Facilities

5.2 Judicial Centers and Courts

5.3 Museums

5.4 Offices

5.5 Parks

5.6 Prisons

6.0 Appendix F – List of Figures and Tables

Introduction Pennsylvania GreenGov Council (GreenGov Council) is committed to making sustainability part of the government’s strategy. Minimizing waste and subsequently diverting waste from landfills is a key component for meeting Pennsylvania GreenGov Council’s sustainability goals and establishing the government as a leader and steward of the state.

Waste minimization and diversion is part of their broader commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable practices within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Reducing and diverting waste not only provides environmental benefits but also conserves resources and reduces costs. Waste diversion initiatives will have far-reaching impacts including but not limited to:

• Financial savings

• Environmental impact reductions

• Resource efficiencies

• Improved stakeholder engagement

The Audit Plan provides an effective approach for identifying opportunities to reduce and divert waste along with how to develop a targeted implementation plan to achieve zero waste to landfill. The Audit Plan will also outline resource needs specific to each site type.

The Audit Plan will present a wholistic approach to waste, ensuring that considerations include all facets of a facility under evaluation. An audit process will start with a detailed analysis of current waste streams through data collection, continue with a site assessment, and finish with recommendations for the facility. To effectively audit a facility, an understanding of waste diversion concepts is necessary.

What is Waste Diversion?

Waste diversion is a process that prevents waste from being sent to landfill through various methods, such as those outlined in the hierarchy below. The hierarchy is set up with the most preferred practices at the top and least preferred at the bottom to assist the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with diverting waste as effectively as possible. Waste minimization is the practice of not generating waste to reduce the amount of materials that need to be managed and diverted at their end-of-life and to provide cost savings.

Figure 1.1 - The Waste Diversion Hierarchy

The hierarchy applies to every waste stream at a given site. Table 0.1 provides examples of how the hierarchy can apply to different waste streams at varying facilities.

Table 0.1 - Waste Hierarchy Acceptable Means of Diversion Hierarchy

Method Additional

Information Site Waste

1. Waste Minimization (Source Reduction)

Reduce materials entering the facility and waste onsite

● Purchase reusable cutlery and dishes for breakrooms, cafeterias, and events

● Increase digitization to reduce paper use

2. Redesign to Eliminate Waste

Redesign processes to limit and capture waste

● Adjust event request forms to consider waste generation and segregation

● Add air hand dryers to bathrooms

3. Reuse Onsite or Return to Supplier

Identify areas where collected waste can be reused. Work with suppliers to return materials

● Wash and reuse cleaning rags

● Reuse pallets onsite

● Develop reusable and returnable packaging program with suppliers

4. Recycling Collect recyclable materials to be hauled off site

● Segregate construction and demolition waste to optimize recycling

● Collect comingled single-stream bottles and cans

5. Compost or

Anaerobic Digestion

Collect organic waste and identify a local outlet

● Collect food and other organic waste

● Embed compost collection as part of vendor requirements

6. Cement Kiln or Waste-to-Energy

Ensure no reusable or recyclable materials are sent to this outlet

Send the following:

● Plant trash

● Non-recoverable materials

● Wastewater treatment plant sludge

1.0 About the Audit Plan

The Audit Plan is meant to ensure that a wholistic review of a site is applied, considering what materials are used, who is coming onsite, what are common onsite activities throughout the year, how is waste collected, and how is waste diverted. After completing an audit, an Auditor should be able to discuss these key areas and provide recommendations for improvement within an audit report.

What is Included?

Within the Audit Plan are considerations that are necessary to complete before the onsite audit, how to conduct an onsite audit, effective ways to present findings, and required documents to submit to the GreenGov Council. Within this Audit Plan there are high-level waste considerations that apply to most facilities along with dedicated appendixes for specific site types which should be referenced when conducting an audit. These sections should be reviewed in conjunction with the main body of the Audit Plan. The Appendixes are linked below.

• Hospitals and Medical Facilities

• Judicial Centers and Local Courts

• Museums

• Offices

• Parks

• Prisons

PA Government Site Waste Audit Form

The PA Government Site Waste Audit Form (Site Audit Form) is a supplemental form that serves as an extended guide for the waste audit process and must be filled out for the execution of the Audit Plan to be considered complete. The Site Audit Form must be filled out by whoever is conducting the audit, whether they be a PA Government employee or a third-party Auditor.

Included in the Site Audit Form is guidance based on the specific site type being audited, data collection structure, questions for site interviews, waste characterization support, and an opportunity identification and quantification process.

After completion of the audit, a final report and Site Audit Form must be provided to the PA GreenGov Council. The Site Audit Form standardizes the comparison between audits, allowing the GreenGov Council to compare sites more easily. In addition, the form empowers decision making through the information it provides.

Who is Conducting the Audit?

The Audit Plan may be executed by PA Government personnel or third-party Auditors.

Regardless, it is expected that at least two personnel would be involved in the audit process. Although certain stages of the audit process may be completed with just one person, there are aspects such as the onsite audit, waste characterization, and analysis that would be best if completed with two people.

If the audit is conducted by PA Government employees, some sections of the Audit Plan may be expedited due to the familiarity with the site being audited. In these cases, it is still important to review the standard process to ensure that all key areas related to waste are covered. Should a site seek a third-party to conduct the audit, it is important for the site team procuring support to be familiar with the Audit Plan when going through the selection process. Comparing a third-party’s philosophy and audit process against the standard here will assist in ensuring that an audit will be completed that meets the expectations of the PA GreenGov Council. Sites within the Commonwealth which utilize a third-party are encouraged to provide the Audit Plan for the Auditors to follow, so that the site and Auditor are aligned on the process and expectations. To determine the qualifications of an Auditor, review their familiarity with various waste minimization and diversion topics such as:

• The site type requesting the audit (office, park, etc.)

• Minimizing and diverting waste from events

• Coordination and communication with waste haulers

• Waste data and opportunity analysis

• Waste collection strategies

What is the Process?

A waste audit following the Audit Plan has several stages which are important to ensure a comprehensive audit is conducted. The site and Auditor should align a project schedule for the various required stages. An example schedule is in Table 1.1 below, but a comprehensive task list is provided in the Site Audit Form.

Table 1.1 – Example Audit Schedule

Task General Timeline Kick-off Week 1 Data Collection Weeks 2 - 4 Data Collection Meetings Ongoing Data Review and Benchmarking Weeks 4 - 6 Site Interview Week 7 Site Visit Prep Week 8 Site Visit and Waste Characterization Week 9 Site Visit Follow-up Questions Weeks 10 - 11 Waste Opportunity Analysis Weeks 11 - 15 Waste Outlet Research and Communication Weeks 11 - 15 Report Development Weeks 14 - 17 Report Delivery Week 18

2.0 Waste Audit Pre-Work

Audit pre-work includes considerations that will assist in preparing for the onsite audit so that it is as effective as possible. Included in pre-work are data collection and site interviews. Additionally, Auditors should review the Audit Plan and Site Audit Form in totality prior to kicking off the audit process.

2.1 Audit Kick-off

At the beginning of the audit process, a kick-off should be conducted between the Auditor and the site. This call is essential for providing an overview of the Audit process, developing timelines, and aligning expectations. Prior to the kick-off, Auditors are encouraged to review the Audit Plan to communicate the process effectively.

2.2 Data Collection

A data collection questionnaire will be developed by the Auditor to be distributed to the facility being audited. Review the data collection items in Table 2.1 to develop a comprehensive collection request. Collected data should be reviewed by the Auditor to request clarifications and further data as needed.

The data collected and the results of the waste characterization study should be reported in the Agency Recycling Reporting Tool. If facilities are not receiving exact waste weights from their haulers, they can use the waste characterization study as a tool to estimate the weights and report the weights to the PA GreenGov Council.

Table 2.1 - Data Collection Guidance

Data/Information Detail

Site Information

• Employee count

• Site or building size

• Number and type of buildings

• Facility map

• Days worked per year and/or operating schedule

Visitor and/or event information

• Visitors count by month

• Event types and frequency (by month, if applicable)

General waste information

• Hauler information and pickup frequency

• Waste hauling costs and rebates

• Size and number of dumpsters onsite

• Collection and segregation within the facility

• Regulatory requirements

• Waste-related policies

Waste monthly data • Monthly weights and disposal costs per outlet such as landfill, recycling, etc.

Specific waste stream data • Annual weights and disposal costs for specific streams such as trash, paper, plastic, hazardous waste, etc.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RecyclingReport

Data/Information Detail

Key materials data

• Annual purchase amounts and costs of key materials used onsite, particularly those which may represent areas for waste minimization opportunities

Procurement Data • Annual purchases of products, materials, or services which are environmentally preferred

2.2.1 Data Review and Benchmarking

Data and information assist an Auditor in preparing for the remaining phases of the audit process. Any data collected should be entered into the Site Audit Form.

In some cases, sites may not have specific waste weights, but only costs. In these situations, information gathered related to dumpster sizes and pickup frequencies becomes critical.

Using the EPA’s Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors for Solid Waste Auditors can develop estimated waste weights.

An Auditor should also conduct benchmarking for the facility. Benchmarking will be helpful in not only preparing for the next phases of the audit but also providing valuable insights for the site being audited. Benchmarking may depend on the available data but could include:

• Developing month-by-month trend graphs

• Developing graphs showing the contribution of waste dispositions or specific waste streams to total waste generated

• Establishing site diversion from landfill rates

• Developing a graph of cost breakdowns by disposition, stream, etc.

• Showing waste generated per event, visitor, square footage, etc.

• Showing cost per weight for dispositions or specific waste streams

Additionally, conducting a Scope 3 emissions analysis using the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model can provide valuable insights into how different disposal methods impact a site’s carbon footprint. After opportunities are identified, conducting a Scope 3 analysis based on proposed changes provides a site with context to the multiple benefits that come from improving waste minimization and diversion onsite.

Data review and gaps will also assist in identifying opportunities for improvement, which will be discussed in Section 4.0.

2.3 Interviews

An Auditor will conduct an interview with the site after completing the data collection phase. The interview is meant to help the Auditor to understand the site, material management, waste collection, waste generation, identify opportunities, and prepare for the onsite audit. Learnings from the interview may adjust onsite audit plans.

An Auditor is expected to send a short questionnaire or list of interview topics to the site in preparation for the call. Within the Site Audit Form there are general and site-specific questions/topics to cover. Auditors should record notes from the interview in the Site Audit Form.

2.3.1 Regulation and Commonwealth Guidelines Review

As part of the review of site information and interview, Auditors are expected to check the site’s awareness, use of, and compliance with several documents. These resources provide sites with guidance related to the provision of data along with the procurement of environmentally preferable products, material, or services.

For data reporting and waste program requirements, reference the following:

• Management Directive 205.22 o Department of General Services Recycling Reporting Tool

• Act 101, Section 902 Recycling Grant Program Along with the expectation that data is reported, an important aspect of the Management Directive is that sites are responsible for having an established source separation and collection program for white paper, mixed paper/cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and glass.

Agencies are also expected to make efforts to recycle, reuse, or refurbish pallets, and are expected to collect toner cartridges for remanufacturing purposes. If the agency produces the following materials, their recycling programs should also incorporate appropriate end-of-life procedures for batteries, scrap metal, computer equipment, motor oil, motor coolant, tires and fluorescent lamps, and ballasts.

In addition, sites may be looking to or are already taking advantage of Pennsylvania GreenGov Council’s recycling grant programs, which require the provision of exact waste weights for materials listed under the Act 101 program.

For procurement, sites may reference the following:

• Green Procurement Handbook

• EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Program

Some sites may be making decisions with the environmental impact at the forefront, and these decisions are important to capture. Additionally, decisions in this manner may lead to reduced or more easily divertible waste onsite.

Furthermore, Commonwealth sites are required to comply with local municipal recycling ordinances. Auditors should review and discuss the site’s compliance with The Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling, and Waste Reduction Act of 1998 (Act 101), Section 1503.

If necessary, additional meetings or reviews with the site may be conducted. Any findings from the discussions should be included as recommendations in the Audit Report and Site Audit Form.

https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/oa/documents/policies/md/200/205_22.pdf https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RecyclingReport https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/waste-programs/recycling-in-pennsylvania/municipal-resources/financial-assistance/902-recycling-grant-application-guidelines https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dgs/documents/documents/procurement-forms/handbook/pt1/pt%20i%20ch%2022%20green%20procurement.pdf https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1988/0/0101..HTM https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1988/0/0101..HTM

3.0 Onsite Audit

The primary focus of an audit is to identify areas for improvement. Throughout the data collection and interview phase of the Audit Plan, an Auditor should identify areas that may have opportunities. The onsite audit is an opportunity to verify the possibilities while also noting additional areas for improvement.

Within the weeks leading up to the onsite audit, Auditors should hold a pre-site visit meeting. Before the call, Auditors should develop an agenda detailing the plan for the visit, inclusive of what areas will be visited, what meetings are necessary, and when the waste characterization will occur. The agenda should highlight areas of focus, which should be identified during the data collection and interview phases. Additionally, collaboration with the site on the timing within the agenda is important. Lastly, coordination with the site is needed to effectively conduct a waste characterization. Review Section 3.1 for more details.

As necessary, a site visit questionnaire may be provided to detail key areas of interest or topics which may require additional preparation prior to the visit. Additionally, Auditors should review the interview notes and prepare for any topics to discuss or areas onsite where clarifications will be needed.

Waste audits are expected to be comprehensive for all waste generated; therefore, it is critical to review all areas of the site. While walking, ensure to observe typical day-to-day processes and procedures which can lead to the generation and disposal of waste. Specific time should be spent discussing and observing the most critical waste streams.

Utilize the high-level overview in Table 3.1 to understand the expectations for the site audit and reference Site Audit Form to ensure that all areas are covered.

Table 3.1- Onsite Audit Overview

Task Detail

Walk the site

• Ensure every space onsite is visited including but not limited to: waste collection areas, storage spaces, visitor/public areas, offices, breakrooms, etc.

Take pictures

• Remember to take pictures while walking the facility for use as examples and references in the audit report.

Visit storage areas

• Review storage areas to understand the materials used onsite along with identifying areas for improvement related to incoming packaging from purchased goods.

• Discuss inventory management.

Visit active workstations

• Observe the trash receptacles available at active workstations.

o Review what types of waste are generated at each kind of workstation.

Task Detail

Visit waste collection areas

• Review waste collection areas including the collection within the buildings onsite along with the centralized areas where haulers will pick up waste.

• While walking the site, review the following:

o Bin availability relative to the waste streams generated to evaluate proper segregation.

o Waste stream contamination.

o Signage related to waste bins.

Discuss processes and procedures

• Meet with site staff including maintenance and sanitation managers to review the waste handling procedures.

• Discuss waste generation with representatives of every department or working group on site.

Visit major equipment

• Observe all major equipment on site taking note of any waste generated by or at those pieces of equipment.

• Review maintenance-related waste generated in areas containing major equipment.

Conduct a waste characterization

• Conduct a waste characterization (not including hazardous or liquids).

o Review Section 3.1 to review the process for a waste characterization.

3.1 Waste Characterization Process

A waste characterization is the process of collecting and sorting through waste to obtain a deeper understanding of the materials present and their quantities. Planning for the waste characterization should occur during the pre-site visit meeting.

The sorting of waste should prioritize waste collected and sent to landfill or recycling.

There may be streams that are not sortable (whether it be due to hazardousness, size, weight, etc.) and in these instances, a visual inspection combined with noting the amount present and typical weights per container will suffice.

To prepare for the characterization, a site should gather waste in a central location for sorting. It is recommended that waste from a full shift be collected, or, if the volume is too large, a set period of time. Understanding the time related to the waste generated is critical for scaling volumes for an annual estimate. Additionally, if a site has several different space types, separation of waste generated from different areas will help enhance the value of the characterization. For example, characterizing waste from a cafeteria separate from office spaces will provide a clearer understanding for opportunity development.

When sorting the waste, segregate the waste into various piles based on the materials and then weigh the streams. For example, separate plastic bottles from food waste. Depending on the area, there may be anywhere from five to fifteen streams. To make the weighing process easier, sort the streams into separate trash bags. At the end of the characterization, weigh all bags.

Waste characterization data will be used in the analysis phase to communicate with outlets or to assist in opportunity quantification. Additional details on this process are provided in Section 4.1.

4.0 Audit Deliverables

An audit is only considered complete if an audit report is developed, Site Audit Form is filled out, and the site is equipped to complete the Department of General Services Waste Reporting Tool. Additionally, the audit report and Site Audit Form must be provided to the GreenGov Council.

4.1 Audit Report

An audit report will be developed for the site inclusive of a review of each stage of the audit process. This will include a review of the waste hierarchy, data, benchmarking, waste characterization results, and key findings from the audit, and will include pictures. Any data which is estimated using the EPA’s Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors, onsite waste characterization, or other methods should be provided to the site. Providing the site with the data and basis for how it was obtained will be helpful for their own awareness and decision making.

The report can be in a Word or PowerPoint format, whichever the Auditor prefers. When presenting opportunities, ensure to describe what was observed, what the opportunity is, what the savings or costs are, and provide images for additional context. An audit report should prioritize the presentation of key opportunities.

Lastly, it is preferrable that an Auditor recommends key next steps for the site along with any additional resources that can assist them in implementing opportunities.

1.0 Opportunity Quantification

The waste audit report should include quantified opportunities where feasible. In addition, Auditors should present considerations outside of waste weight and costs, such as material savings, safety, liabilities, and more.

For example, if an Auditor identifies an opportunity for washing rags rather than buying single-use options, considerations for the current purchasing totals for the single-use materials along with the waste avoided from landfill should be included. Additionally, in this example, estimates of the cost to initially buy reusable rags and the cost of a washing service should be included.

To optimize the presentation of calculations, reference the example table below.

Table 4.1.1 - Example Opportunity Table for Cleaning Rags

Category Observation Recommendation Additional Information Annual Waste Weight (lb) 500 0

Waste Cost $50 $0

Category Observation Recommendation Additional Information

Annual Material Cost $1,000 $500

Cost to buy materials. For recommendation, this is just the upfront cost.

Annual Cost $600 Washing rags will cost $50 per month, assuming only two pickups are needed.

Savings 500 lb diverted and $50 more expensive in year one Disposition Landfill Reuse (washing)

For waste opportunities involving enhanced segregation or additional diversion, waste characterization data will be critical in calculating annual savings. Utilizing the weights gathered from the characterization, scale the data based on the timing of the waste generation to an annual total. Scaling will also assist in situations where waste outlet communication may be required. For example, if an Auditor sorts through five pounds of plastic bottles during a characterization, knows that the bottles are from one eight-hour shift, and that the office is open 250 days a year, then the annual generation of plastic bottles is estimated to be 1,250 pounds.

4.2 Audit Form Completion

As noted in Section 1.0, an audit is only considered complete if the Site Audit Form is filled out and sent to the GreenGov Council. Completion of the Site Audit Form will vary based on the site audited, however, the expectation is that the form is completed as much as possible.

Both general and site-specific recommendations are listed in the Site Audit form. Not every opportunity must be formally presented to the site in an audit report, however, within the form, note the applicability of various opportunities.

4.3 Waste Survey Preparation

Auditors are required to help sites prepare to fill out the Department of General Services Waste Reporting Tool which is a survey used to collect waste data from government sites around the state. This data is critical for the state to understand waste generation and diversion throughout the state and will assist in planning initiatives in the future.

Through completing the audit process, estimates for various waste streams may have been developed and this data is able to be entered into the survey. Review the survey and provide sites with the data and/or guidance on the applicability of data for the completion of the survey. Auditors should also provide sites with clear context on whether data is considered estimated or not. Any data that is not directly from a hauler or from waste weighed onsite (not including characterization) would be considered estimated.

5.0 Appendix A: Site-Specific Context

The following sections are dedicated to different types of sites within the Commonwealth.

Within these sections there are considerations for an Auditor when completing the full audit process for a certain type of site.

Additionally, specific questions, areas to review, and opportunities are listed in the Site Audit Form, which should be filled out when completing the audit process.

5.1 Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Due to their size and variety of services, hospitals and medical facilities have a wide range of waste generation sources onsite. When completing the Audit Plan for these facilities, it is important to consider waste related to guest treatment and changeovers, medical waste, cafeterias, site maintenance, and construction and demolition.

For hospitals and medical facilities, it is important to discuss and observe the segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Medical and hazardous waste require specific treatment which may be more expensive than other alternatives. Review generation and collection to identify areas of improvement.

While onsite, it is critical to review all areas of the site as these sites have a wide range of services and spaces to support the work. When walking, ensure to observe typical day-to-day processes and procedures which lead to the generation and disposal of waste. During the waste characterization process, sort waste from different areas separately to develop more specific recommendations. For hazardous or medical waste which cannot be sorted, create a log of the waste generated, how long it took to be generated, and where it is being disposed of.

5.2 Judicial Centers and Courts

Judicial centers and courts merge typical office settings and active transient spaces. When completing the Audit Plan for these facilities, it is important to consider waste related to both the day-to-day employee and visitors.

The data collection for judicial centers and courts will primarily follow the general data collection request listed in Section 2.2. However, judicial centers and courts are unique in that their visitation may fluctuate throughout the year, and it is important to understand these trends. Furthermore, some sites may house concessions areas which are sources for waste generation. Understanding how large, what kinds of services, and the times of year the concessions are open will be critical.

For the interview of a judicial center or court, it is important to understand the different spaces onsite and how people visiting the site interact with those areas.

The onsite audit will largely follow the general overview outlined in Section 3.0. Ensure to spend ample time reviewing and understanding how visitors to these sites influence the waste generated, and how this waste is collected. Review collection and segregation in common areas to identify areas for improvement. Lastly, when conducting a waste characterization, keep the sorting of concession waste and office waste separate.

5.3 Museums

Museums are often a mixture of traditional exhibitions and special events which make the waste generation variant. When completing the Audit Plan for these facilities, it is important to consider waste related to both situations.

The data collection for museums will primarily follow the general data collection request listed in Section 2.2. If available, information related to the varying types of events a museum may host and the seasonal trends around them will be helpful. Furthermore, some museums may have the ability to conduct restorations and gathering information related to these activities will be critical. Understanding the types of restorations, material use, and waste generated is important.

For interviewing a museum, it is important to understand the different spaces onsite and how people visiting the site interact with those areas. These discussions can continue during the onsite audit which will largely follow the general overview outlined in Section

3.0. As museum attendance tends to fluctuate throughout the year, it is best to audit a museum during its busy season. Depending on the museum, most of the waste may be generated by guests or in guest areas; therefore, it is best to prioritize these for review.

Based on the interview and information gathering, spend additional time reviewing spaces which may be unique to the museum being audited, such as restoration workshops or long-term storage.

5.4 Offices

Offices vary in size throughout the state, but the waste generated within them is likely to remain rather consistent. When completing the Audit Plan for these facilities, it is important to consider waste related to day-to-day activities such as confidential paper, breakrooms, and e-waste. Many offices will host seasonal events or parties, therefore discussing these will also be important.

The data collection for offices will primarily follow the general data collection request listed in Section 2.2. When collecting information, consider additional site details such as hybrid work flexibility and return to office mandates.

The onsite audit of an office will follow the general checklist outlined in Section 3.0. For offices, it is important to review break room areas as these will vary site to site. When conducting a waste characterization, ensure to separate break room and office waste for sorting.

The two main areas where waste is generated in an office are paper use and in breakrooms, therefore particular recommendations should be given for those situations. For paper, identify what kinds of documents or procedures may be able to be digitized, and ensure that paper recycling is available near all printing stations. For breakrooms, minimizing the use of single use dishware and cutlery is important, and, in many cases, encouraging employees to bring their own dishware and cutlery will assist in reducing waste.

5.5 Parks

Due to their size and variety of activities, state parks have a wide range of waste generation sources. When completing the Audit Plan for these locations, it is important to consider waste related to events, concessions, and park maintenance along with waste specific to unique areas a park may offer such as pools, lakes, camping, cookout areas, and more.

During the data collection and interview phases of the audit, it is important to understand the relationship between the park and concessions vendors as it pertains to material use and waste. Additionally, many parks may have several dumpsters throughout the park to collect waste, so discussing the collection and pickup frequency of these containers is critical.

Visitation is likely to be higher at parks in the summer; therefore, it is recommended to conduct the onsite audit during this season. Due to the vast size and variety of spaces at a park, it is important to work closely with the park team to develop a site visit agenda.

Auditors of the park should plan to visit all space types identified in the data collection and interview stage.

Most of the waste generated at a park will be from visitors, therefore, a primary focus of the audit should be reviewing the collection and segregation of waste. As each area may generate different waste streams, conducting several smaller characterizations in different areas will assist in developing specific recommendations per area of the park.

5.6 Prisons

Prisons vary greatly in size, stringency, and activity; therefore, they have a wide range of waste generation sources. When completing an audit of a prison, it is important to understand what makes the prison unique compared to others. Due to the varying activities at a prison, considering the waste generation related to prison operations will be key. Onsite, prisons will have food waste, maintenance waste, renovation waste, general office waste, medical waste, and more.

Due to the number of people that may be in prison, waste generation related to material use can be significant. The use of single-use materials may be related to safety or prison preference, and this will be important to understand.

Additionally, the rules and programs at a prison may represent opportunities for enhanced segregation and diversion. Engaging inmates to assist with segregation, composting, or owning a waste diversion program may be an option.

Lastly, prisons are likely to have medical waste and may have some bio-medical waste as well. It is important to understand the prison’s capabilities in the medical area to know what kind of waste is regularly generated and how it is handled and diverted.

6.0 Appendix F – List of Figures and Tables

List of Figures Figure 1.1 - The Waste Diversion Hierarchy

List of Tables Table 0.1 - Waste Hierarchy Acceptable Means of Diversion

Table 1.1 – Example Audit Schedule

Table 2.1 - Data Collection Guidance

Table 3.1- Onsite Audit Overview

Table 4.1.1 - Example Opportunity Table for Cleaning Rags

6.0 Appendix F – List of Figures and Tables