Where do waste audits traditionally begin and end?

A traditional waste audit begins right at the dumpster because it is the point where waste is collected and stored before disposal or processing. By starting at the dumpster, auditors can obtain a clear, tangible understanding of the actual waste generated by a facility, as it includes all types of discarded materials that need to be assessed for their composition and volume.

Beginning the audit at this location allows for a comprehensive analysis of waste streams, making it easier to identify materials that can be recycled, composted, or reduced in future operations. This empirical approach enables organizations to gather real data that can be used to inform waste reduction strategies and improve resource efficiency.

In contrast, options like the corporate office or recycling processing facility do not provide direct insight into the specific waste generated, while focusing on the entire production cycle would be too broad without first examining the waste at its point of collection. Starting at the dumpster ensures that the audit is grounded in concrete evidence of what is actually being discarded.