Harvard has a goal to reduce waste per capita 50% by 2020 from a 2006 baseline. Help us reach this goal by conducting a waste audit to understand what your School, unit, or department’s waste reduction opportunities are.
Benefits of a waste audit:
- Answers the question, “is this recyclable, compostable, or reusable?”
- Reveals how much of your trash could have been recycled, composted, or reused.
- Creates a baseline to reference your progress from one waste audit to the next.
- Allows you to target your waste reduction efforts.
Step 1: Pick a Time
-
Waste Audits are held from 1-4 pm every Thursday and Friday and can be booked through your Outlook Calendar
-
Invite the Outlook resource “Waste Audit” to the desired date/time of your waste audit, see availability and book your audit.
-
Follow-up with an email introducing yourself to Kieran Clyne, Associate Manager for Recycling Services, and cc your School OFS Contact or sustainability@harvard.edu.
-
Confirm and discuss plans for the audit.
-
Kieran will connect with your building manager to explain goals of audit.
-
Step 2: Plan for the Audit
-
Allow two–eight weeks to book, plan, and organize the audit.
-
Plan for three hours to complete the audit, plus additional time for travel to Allston.
-
Recruit Volunteers:
-
Find at least two volunteers to participate.
-
Connect with your local Green Team.
-
Share your goals and expectations with your team.
-
Make the outing fun! Consider grabbing a cup of coffee or lunch with your group before the audit.
-
Step 3: Last Minute Details
-
Kieran will provide bag audit forms at the audit.
-
Wear comfy shoes, leave loose items behind, and limit jewelry.
-
Safety gloves/materials will be provided.
Step 4: Day of the Audit
-
Meet Kieran at 28 Travis Street, (156 Western Ave for GPS purposes), Allston, MA, unless other location determined by Kieran. Note: Audits may take place inside or outside depending on the weather.
-
Kieran will share safety precautions and the importance of confidentiality with the group before the audit. What you find in the audit stays in the audit.
-
Participants will sort the trash with Kieran's guidance (gloves, tongs, and protective gear provided for clothing).
-
Ask questions and have fun!
Step 5: Share Results
-
One week following the audit, Kieran will share:
-
A comparison of current waste audit data to past data, if available.
-
A report of findings and next steps.
-
Suggestions for improving waste reduction.
-
-
Spend time at the next staff meeting discussing results and next steps.
Waste Audit Location and Contact Information:
Kieran Clyne, Associate Manager for Recycling Services
156 Western Ave, Allston, MA
Phone: 617.495.3042
Office for Sustainability Contact: sustainability@harvard.edu.