How to Conduct a Commercial Waste Audit

A waste audit is the foundation of any effective commercial recycling program. Without understanding what's actually in your waste stream, the material types, volumes, and sources, you can't design an efficient system or accurately predict savings. That's why RME's process, outlined in how our system works, starts with a waste assessment.

What a Waste Audit Covers

A commercial waste audit reviews several dimensions of your current setup: container types and sizes, pickup frequency and schedule, monthly waste costs, material types and estimated volumes, and current recycling practices. The goal is to identify where you're overpaying and what material could be recovered through baling.

What RME Looks At

During an onsite assessment, RME reviews your current dumpsters and containers, your pickup schedule, your monthly costs, your waste volume, and the recyclable materials you generate. We identify where you're overpaying, typically by paying for pickups of partially empty containers, and determine whether a baler makes financial sense.

The EPA waste characterization data provides context for what typical commercial waste streams contain, helping benchmark your audit findings.

What You Get

After the assessment, you get a clear picture of your current costs, your recoverable material, and a projected savings estimate if you switch to baling. There's no pressure and no assumption, just data. Our success stories show how assessments translated into real savings for businesses across Phoenix.

Who Benefits Most

Businesses spending $1,000 or more monthly on waste services are the strongest candidates, but any operation generating consistent cardboard, plastic, or metal volumes can benefit. See materials we recycle for what we recover.

Ready to see what's really in your waste? schedule a free onsite assessment to schedule your audit.