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FEM 2025 - Waste Level 1

  • Updated

Table of Contents

Wstsourcenh

Which non-hazardous waste streams does your site produce? Select all that apply:

  1. Waste is any material or substance that has no further use and is discarded from a facility which can pollute or contaminate the environment and surrounding communities.
  2. Non-hazardous Waste is any waste that causes no harm to human or environmental health. Non-hazardous waste usually includes both non-hazardous production waste and domestic waste. 
  3. Examples of non-hazardous waste include:
    1. Non-hazardous production waste such as textile, leather, plastic, paper, metal, or packaging waste, etc.
    2. Domestic waste such as food waste and sanitary wastes including household waste from the office and/or dormitory areas (e.g., toilet paper, yard/garden waste, glass, and food packaging), etc.

Wstsourcenh Verification And Scoring

How This Will Be Verified:

When verifying a facility’s waste data, Verifiers must review all aspects of the facility’s waste tracking program that could produce inaccuracies including:

  • The initial data collection processes and data sources (e.g., weighing records, manifest/invoices/receipts, etc.)
  • The process and tools used to aggregate the data (e.g., spreadsheet calculations, unit conversions, etc.)

If any inconsistencies or errors are noted, the reported information must be corrected, where possible, and detailed comments should be included in the Verification Data field.

Full Points:

Facilities will receive full points for completely tracking all non-hazardous waste streams generated at the facility including the quantity and the disposal method of each waste stream.

Documentation Required: 

  • List of all non-hazardous waste produced by the facility, including but not limited to: 
    • Production Waste
    • Packaging waste
    • Domestic Waste
  • Documentation that supports the reported waste quantity and final disposal destination which may include:
    • Tacking records for all non-hazardous waste quantities (e.g., invoices from waste contractors, weighing records, etc.).
    • Contracts or agreements with waste disposal carriers or facilities that indicate how waste is treated.
    • Scale calibration records if applicable (e.g., as per manufacturer’s specifications)
    • Documented estimation methodologies if applicable. 

Interview Questions to Ask: 

  • Staff responsible for managing wastes are able to explain the information in the waste inventory, how waste sources are identified, and waste quantities are tracked. 
  • Key staff should understand:
    • The procedures in place for tracking non-hazardous waste, including tracking the waste collection process, quantity measurement and type of disposal.
    • How data quality of the waste data tracking program is maintained.
    • Any estimation methodologies used to calculate annual waste quantities.

Inspection - Things to Physically Look For: 

  • All non-hazardous waste streams observed are properly identified and tracked.
  • Appropriate equipment for waste quantity measurement if applicable.
  • Collection site(s) for waste disposal.

Partial Points:  

  • Partial Points will be awarded if at least one (1) non-hazardous waste source is tracked in full (e.g., quantity is accurately measured, and final disposal method is known) and there is evidence to support these responses.

Wstsourcenhtrack

Does your facility track any of its non-hazardous waste streams? (Ref ID: wstsourcenhtrack )

  • Answer Yes if: You track the quantity of at least one (1) non-hazardous waste stream generated at your facility.

Wstsourceeach

Does your facility track each non-hazardous waste stream your facility generates? (Ref ID: wstsourceeach )

  • Answer Yes if: You track the quantity of all waste streams generated at your facility.
  • Answer Partial Yes if: You track the quantity of at least one (1) non-hazardous waste stream generated at your facility.

Note: If your facility does not track any of its waste streams, the answer to both questions above should be No.

If you answer Yes or Partial Yes to the questions above, you will need to complete a table with the following questions to provide details on your annual non-hazardous waste generation for each waste type during the reporting year:

  • Do you track this waste stream?
  • Description (of the waste)
  • What quantity of this waste stream did you generate during the reporting year?
  • Unit of Measure
  • Which method was used to track this waste stream?
  • How was this waste disposed of?
  • Describe your waste management and disposal processes for this waste stream.

Suggested Uploads

  • A waste inventory of all non-hazardous waste streams generated at the facility.
  • Waste quantity/disposal tracking records that show the quantity of wastes disposed of in the reporting year (e.g., waste manifests, internal tracking records)
  • Documentation that shows the final disposal method for each waste (e.g., contracts with waste disposal carriers or facilities)

What is the intent of the question?

The intent is to ensure facilities are aware of all non-hazardous waste types (both production and domestic waste) produced at the facility and track the quantity and disposal methods of each waste type.

Technical Guidance:

Identifying all of the facility’s waste streams and tracking waste quantities, provides facilities important information that can be used to identify opportunities to reduce waste and quantify these reductions.

Note: This guidance also generally applies to hazardous waste management covered in the Higg FEM questions related to hazardous waste.

Creating a Waste Inventory:

Developing a waste inventory is an important first step in waste management. When establishing your waste tracking and reporting program, start by doing the following:

  • Determine what types of waste are generated. 
  • Determine where (location and processes) waste is being generated.
  • Establish procedures to collect and track waste data:
  • Examples include on-site scales, waste invoices/manifests, receipts for waste materials that are sold, etc. 
  • If estimation techniques are used to calculate the amount of waste, the methodology should be clearly defined and be supported by verifiable data. 
  • Record data (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly waste quantities) in a format that is easy to use and review such as Microsoft Excel

Note: Waste materials that are not generated from a “business as usual” situation should not be reported in the FEM. Examples include: 

  • Medical waste
  • Major construction and demolition projects waste 
  • Waste from natural disasters such as flood, fire, tornado, hurricane.

Selecting Waste Disposal Method

The table provided in the Introduction section provides a description of the waste disposal method options that can be selected in the FEM.

Estimating Waste Quantity Data

In some cases, calculating annual waste quantities may require estimation. Any estimation methodology used should include documented and verifiable processes that includes details on the following:

  • The calculation methodology and any data or assumptions used.
  • Any production volume or facility operating data used in the calculations.
  • Description of any updates or changes to the calculation methodology

Note: If an estimation technique is used, the methodology should be applied consistently and based on reasonable estimation factors that are derived from relevant data (e.g., actual weights of a representative sample of the waste).

An example of how waste quantity data can be estimated is provided below:

  • A facility generates waste in barrels which are sealed when full and sent weekly for disposal. Weighing every barrel may not be possible. Therefore, the average weight of a full barrel can be determined by weighing a representative sample of barrels and then multiplying this average weight by the number of barrels disposed each week or month as shown below:
    • Average weight of a barrel = 25kg (based on representative weights of barrels from different days, months, production scenarios, etc.) 
    • Number of barrels disposed of in 1 month = 65
    • Total waste for this source in 1 month = 1,625kg (25kg x 65 barrels)
  • Similarly, the same methodology above could be used to estimate food or sanitary waste from a canteen or dormitory by collecting representative weight measurements of the average bag or bin and then multiplying the average weight by the number of bags or bins disposed of per month. 

Reporting Waste Data in the FEM

Do:

  • Review source data (e.g., weighing records, invoices/manifests, etc) against aggregated totals.  
  • Compare the current year with historical data. Any significant changes (e.g., an increase or decrease of over 10%) should be attributable to known changes. 
  • Ensure the most recent and updated versions of data tracking spreadsheets are being used and that all automated calculations/formulas are correct.
  • Ensure the proper units are reported and verify any unit conversions.
  • Review any assumption or estimation methodology/calculations to ensure accuracy.
  • Verify how waste is disposed and ensure reported the disposal method (e.g., landfill, recycle, incineration) is accurate.
  • Ensure waste vendors have the appropriate licenses to handle each waste type.

Do Not:

  • Report data that is not accurate or if data is unknown or has not been verified.
  • Report estimated data that is not supported by verifiable and reasonably accurate estimation methodology and data (e.g., engineering calculations).

Wstsourceh

Which hazardous waste streams does your site produce? Select all that apply:

  1. Waste is any material or substance that has no further use and is discarded from a facility which can pollute or contaminate the environment and surrounding communities.
  2. Hazardous Waste is any waste that could cause harm to public health and/or the environment because of its chemical, physical, or biological characteristics (e.g., it is flammable, explosive, toxic, radioactive, or infectious). Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, or gases. 
  3. Examples of hazardous waste include:
    1. Hazardous production waste such as used chemicals, chemical containers/drums, waste oils, contaminated materials (e.g. materials that contain other substances that are hazardous waste such as rags containing solvents), etc.
    2. Waste from facility operations such as wastewater treatment sludge if hazardous, fly ash, fluorescent light bulbs, electronic waste, batteries, etc.
  4. For all companies manufacturing or distributing in or to the European Union, the WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive is an important directive to follow. The WEEE directive governs the reduction and separation of electronic waste.

Wstsourcehtrack

Does your facility track any of its hazardous waste streams? (Ref ID: wstsourcehtrack)

  • Answer Yes, if you track the quantity of at least one (1) hazardous waste stream generated at your facility.

Wstsourcehtrackeach

Does your facility track each hazardous waste stream your facility generates? (Ref ID: wstsourcehtrackeach )

  • Answer Yes, if you track the quantity of all hazardous waste streams generated at your facility.
  • Answer Partial Yes, if you track the quantity of at least one (1) hazardous waste stream generated at your facility.

Note: If your facility does not track any of its hazardous waste streams, the answer to both questions above should be No.

If you answer Yes or Partial Yes to the questions above, you will need to complete a table with the following questions to provide details on your annual hazardous waste generation during the reporting year:

  • Do you track this waste stream?
  • Description (of the waste)
  • What quantity of this waste stream did you generate during the reporting year?
  • Unit of Measure
  • Which method was used to track this waste stream?
  • How was this waste disposed of?
  • Is this hazardous waste transporter, treatment, and disposal facility licensed and permitted?
  • Upload a copy of the permit.
  • Describe your waste management and disposal processes for this waste stream.

Suggested Uploads

  • A waste inventory of all -hazardous waste streams generated at the facility.
  • Waste quantity/disposal tracking records that show the quantity of wastes disposed of in the reporting year (e.g., waste manifests, internal tracking records)
  • Documentation that shows the final disposal method for each waste (e.g., contracts with waste disposal carriers or facilities)

What is the intent of the question?

The intent is to ensure facilities are aware of all hazardous waste types produced at the facility and track the quantity and disposal methods of each waste type.

Technical Guidance:  

Identifying all of the facility’s hazardous waste streams and tracking waste quantities, provides facilities important information to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and information that can be used to identify opportunities to reduce waste and quantify these reductions.  

Note: The legal classification of hazardous waste may differ from one country or jurisdiction to another. Facilities should, at minimum, follow local regulatory requirements and definitions for classifying wastes as hazardous or non-hazardous. 

Reporting Hazardous Waste Data in the FEM

The guidance provided in the Technical Guidance section of Question 1 for non-hazardous wastes should be applied to hazardous waste tracking and reporting.   

Estimating Waste Quantity Data

In most cases, local laws require the detailed tracking and reporting of hazardous waste quantities, however in some cases, calculating annual waste quantities may require estimation. Any estimation methodology used should include documented and verifiable processes that includes details on the following:

  • The calculation methodology and any data or assumptions used.
  • Any production volume or facility operating data used in the calculations.
  • Description of any updates or changes to the calculation methodology

Note: If an estimation technique is used, the methodology should be applied consistently and based on reasonable estimation factors that are derived from relevant data (e.g., actual weights of a representative sample of the waste).

An example of how waste quantity data can be estimated is provided below:

  • A facility disposes of empty chemical drums or full drums (containing liquid hazardous waste) Weighing every drum may not be possible. Therefore, the average weight of an empty or full drum can be determined by weighing a representative sample of drums and then multiplying this average weight by the number of drum disposed each week or month as shown below:
    • Average weight of a drum = 20kg (based on representative weights of drums from different days, months, production scenarios, etc.) 
    • Number of drums disposed of in 1 month = 10
    • Total waste for this source in 1 month = 200kg (20kg x 10 drums)
  • Similarity, the same methodology above could be used to estimate other hazardous waste quantities such as printing screens or fluorescent light bulbs.

Selecting Waste Disposal Method

The table provided in the Introduction section provides a description of the waste disposal method options that can be selected in the FEM.

Wstsourcehtrackeach Verification And Scoring

How This Will Be Verified:

When verifying a facility’s waste data, Verifiers must review all aspects of the facility’s waste tracking program including:

  • The data collection processes and data sources (e.g., weighing records, manifest/invoices/receipts, etc.)  
  • The process and tools used to aggregate the data (e.g., spreadsheet calculations, unit conversions, etc.)

If any inconsistencies or errors are noted, the reported information must be corrected, where possible, and detailed comments should be included in the Verification Data field.

Full Points:

Facilities will receive full points for completely tracking all hazardous waste streams generated at the facility including the quantity and the disposal method of each waste stream, and the waste is being transported and disposed of by licensed vendors.

Documentation Required: 

  • List of all hazardous waste produced by the facility, including but not limited to: 
    • Production Waste
    • Facility Operations waste
  • Documentation that supports the reported waste quantity and final disposal destination which may include:
    • Tracking records for all hazardous waste quantities (e.g., hazardous waste manifests, invoices from waste contractors, weighing records, etc.).
    • Permits for hazardous waste handling if applicable.
    • Contracts or agreements with waste disposal carriers or facilities that indicate how waste is treated.
    • Scale calibration records if applicable (e.g., as per manufacturer’s specifications)
    • Documented estimation methodologies if applicable. 

Interview Questions to Ask: 

  • Staff responsible for managing hazardous wastes are able to explain the information in the waste inventory, how waste sources are identified, and waste quantities are tracked. 
  • Key staff should understand:
    • The procedures in place for tracking hazardous waste, including tracking the waste collection process, quantity measurement and type of disposal.
    • How data quality of the waste data tracking program is maintained.
    • Any estimation methodologies used to calculate annual waste quantities.

Inspection - Things to Physically Look For: 

  • All hazardous waste streams observed are properly identified and tracked.
  • Appropriate equipment for waste quantity measurement if applicable.
  • Collection site(s) for waste disposal.

Partial Points:  

  • Partial Points will be awarded if at least one (1) hazardous waste source is tracked in full (e.g., quantity is accurately measured, and final disposal method is known) and there is evidence to support these responses.

Wstsegregatestreams

Does your facility both segregate waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) and store these wastes separately? (Ref ID: wstsegregatestreams )

Answer Yes if:  Your facility segregates hazardous and non-hazardous wastes for appropriate management and disposal.

Suggested Uploads: 

  • Photos of segregated storage areas 
  • Photos of segregated waste streams at waste collection points

What is the intent of the question?

The intent is for facilities to segregate hazardous and non-hazardous waste for appropriate management and disposal.

Technical Guidance:

The segregation of waste streams is important because different wastes (e.g., hazardous and non-hazardous wastes) often require different storage, handling and disposal methods. Segregating hazardous and non-hazardous waste can also:

  • Prevent unwanted reactions between incompatible waste streams. 
  • Reduce pollution, harm to environment, and waste disposal costs (e.g., mixing wastes can increase the volume of waste classified as hazardous which costs more to dispose of).
  • Reduce exposure risk for employees.

Additionally, facilities should:

  • Have established procedures for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste including collection, segregation, handling, and storage of wastes . 
  • Provide sufficient working instructions and training to employees that handle wastes (e.g., formal training, awareness campaigns).
  • Provide clear and consistent signage in the workplace directing employees where and how to segregate and dispose of each waste type (e.g., waste container labelling, posters, etc.) 

Wstsegregatestreams Verification And Scoring

How This Will Be Verified:

Full Points:

Documentation Required: 

  • Documentation that supports the facility’s waste segregation program for hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. This may include:
    • Work instructions or operating procedures for the segregation of waste streams.
    • Training materials and records of waste management, handling and disposal training.
    • Awareness campaign documentation (e.g., posters, signage for segregating waste)

Interview Questions to Ask: 

  • Staff responsible for waste management and the handling, disposal and storage of wastes understand and are knowledgeable on the facilities waste segregation procedures.

Inspection - Things to Physically Look For: 

  • On-site observations demonstrate that the facility is appropriately segregating wastes.
  • Waste collection, storage and disposal areas have appropriate signage and waste disposal instructions (e.g., labelling, posters). 

Partial Points: N/A

Wsthstorage

Does your facility have well-marked, designated hazardous waste storage areas and proper containers for all hazardous waste? (Ref ID: wsthstorage )

Answer Yes if:  Your facility has designated hazardous waste storage areas and hazardous wastes are stored in appropriate containers.

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be asked a set of sub questions to indicate which of the following practices your facility has in place for hazardous waste storage areas and containers:

Hazardous waste storage areas:

  • The hazardous waste storage area is ventilated, dry and protected from the weather and fire risk.
  • The hazardous waste storage area is protected from unauthorized employees Eating, smoking and drinking are not permitted in these areas.
  • The hazardous waste storage area is clearly marked.
  • Where liquid wastes are stored, the floor is solid and non-porous, containers have lids, there are no water drains that the liquid could spill into, and there is no evidence of spilled liquid.
  • Flammable substances are kept away from sources of heat or ignition, including the use of grounding and explosion-proof lighting.
  • Incompatible waste must be segregated.
  • Spill response equipment including necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be located near storage areas including accessible emergency eyewash and/or shower stations.
  • Employees must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in these areas.
  • Adequate aisle space must be maintained between containers.
  • Instructions for safe handling of hazardous waste and other appropriate signage should be displayed.

Hazardous waste storage containers:

  • Storage containers are in good condition, appropriate for their contents, closed and clearly labelled with their contents.
  • Containers must have lids.
  • Containers must be secured to prevent falling and safely stacked.

Suggested Upload: 

  • Photos of hazardous waste storage areas and containers

What is the intent of the question?

The intent of this question is to ensure that hazardous waste is stored in a way that is safe for employees, the environment, and the local community. 

Technical Guidance:

The proper storage of hazardous wastes is important to prevent unintended contamination of other wastes, the surrounding environment and to reduce exposure risks to employees.  Facilities should have dedicated storage areas for hazardous waste storage and implement appropriate controls practices based on the hazardous characteristics of the waste such as those listed in the sub questions. 

Information on the hazardous characteristics of waste can sometimes be found in Safety Data Sheets (SDS) of the hazardous raw materials used in the processes that generate the waste. For example, if flammable cleaning solvents are used, any waste that is contaminated with these solvents will likely have the same hazardous characteristics as the solvent (i.e., the raw material used).

Facilities should refer to material SDS for important information on the storage and handling requirements and any chemical incompatibilities which can be found in Sections 8 and 10, respectively on a GHS compliant SDS. Other important information such as measures to take in the event of fire, accidental release/spill, or employee exposure can also be found on the materials SDS. 

Hazardous waste storage areas should also be inspected regularly to ensure good storage and housekeeping practices are continuously implemented.

Wsthstorage Verification And Scoring

How This Will Be Verified:

Full Points:

Facilities will receive full points for having dedicated hazardous waste storage areas and implemented all the control measures listed in the sub question.

Documentation Required: 

  • Documentation to support the facilities procedures to ensure that hazardous wastes are stored appropriately. This may include:
    • Procedures or work instructions for hazardous waste storage areas
    • Safety Data Sheets, if relevant to the waste material(s).
    • Hazardous waste area inspection records  

Interview Questions to Ask: 

  • Staff responsible for hazardous waste management handling and storage understand risks associated with the materials stored in the waste storage areas and how to properly store waste materials (which containers to use, chemical segregation, etc.)

Inspection - Things to Physically Look For: 

  • On-site observations indicate that wastes are being stored in designated areas with appropriate controls.

Partial Points:

  • Partial Points will be awarded to facilities that have dedicated hazardous waste storage areas and have implemented some, but not all, the control measures listed in the sub questions.

Wstnhstorage

Does your facility have well-marked, designated non-hazardous waste storage area(s) and containers? (Ref ID: wstnhstorage )

Answer Yes if:  Your facility has designated waste storage areas and wastes are stored in appropriate containers.

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be asked a set of sub questions to indicate which of the following practices your facility has in place for non-hazardous waste storage areas and containers:

Non-hazardous waste storage areas:

  • The non-hazardous waste storage area is ventilated, dry and protected from the weather and fire risk, and must be stored on impervious surfaces.
  • The non-hazardous waste storage area is clearly marked.
  • Flammable substances are kept away from sources of heat or ignition, including the use of grounding and explosion-proof lighting.
  • Waste must be segregated by type.
  • Employees must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in these areas.

Non-Hazardous waste storage containers:

  • Storage containers are in good condition, appropriate for their contents, closed and clearly labelled with their contents. 
  • Containers must be secured to prevent falling and safely stacked.

Suggested Upload: 

  • Photos of non-hazardous waste storage areas and containers

What is the intent of the question?

The intent of this question is to ensure that non-hazardous waste is stored in a way that is safe for employees, the environment, and the local community. 

Technical Guidance:

The proper storage of hazardous wastes is important to prevent unintended contamination of other wastes, the surrounding environment and to reduce exposure risks to employees as well as the risks of fires.  Facilities should have dedicated storage areas for non-hazardous waste storage and implement appropriate control practices based on the characteristics of the waste such as those listed in the sub questions.

Non-hazardous waste storage areas should also be inspected regularly to ensure good storage and housekeeping practices are continuously implemented. 

Wstnhstorage Verification And Scoring

How This Will Be Verified:

Full Points:

Facilities will receive full points for having dedicated non-hazardous waste storage areas and implementing all the control measures listed in the sub question.

Documentation Required: 

  • Documentation to support the facilities procedures to ensure that non-hazardous wastes are stored appropriately. This may include:
    • Procedures or work instructions for non-hazardous waste storage areas
    • Non-hazardous waste area inspection records  

Interview Questions to Ask: 

  • Staff responsible for non-hazardous waste management handling and storage understand risks associated with the materials stored in the waste storage areas and how to properly store waste materials (which containers to use, waste segregation, etc.)

Inspection - Things to Physically Look For: 

  • On-site observations indicate that wastes are being stored in designated areas with appropriate controls.

Partial Points:

  • Partial Points will be awarded to facilities that have dedicated waste storage areas and have implemented some, but not all, the control measures listed in the sub questions.

Wstpolburn

Does your facility forbid all irresponsible waste disposal actions including open burning, open dumping, burying waste and intentional release into soil and/or water? (Ref ID: wstpolburn )

Answer Yes if:  Your facility has policies and procedures in place to forbid all irresponsible waste disposal practices.

If you answer No to this question, you will be asked the following sub questions on your facility’s waste disposal practices:

  • Which of the following have your facility not yet forbidden? (Select all that apply)
    • Open burning
    • Open dumping
    • Burying waste
    • Intentional release into soil and/or water
  • If open burning is not forbidden, please describe your current practice.
  • If open dumping is not forbidden, please describe your current practice.
  • If burying waste is not forbidden, please describe your current practice.
  • If intentional release into soil and/or water is not forbidden, please describe your current practice.

Suggested Upload: 

  • Documented policies and procedures in place that forbid all irresponsible waste disposal practices at your facility. 

What is the intent of the question?

The Intent of this question is to ensure that facilities have policies and procedures in place to forbid all irresponsible waste disposal practices.

Technical Guidance:

Unauthorized or Irresponsible waste disposal practices including on-site open burning, landfilling, burying of waste can contaminate the surrounding environment and pose significant environmental and human health risks. 

Facilities should strictly prohibit these practices and have appropriate policies and procedures in place that are communicated to all staff. 

If waste disposal activities occur on-site, facilities must have the required approvals and permits in accordance with local law (e.g., for incineration of textile wastes).

Wstpolburn Verification And Scoring

How This Will Be Verified:

Full Points:

Documentation Required: 

  • Documented policies and procedures that demonstrate the facility has prohibited all forms of irresponsible waste disposal. 
  • Supporting evidence that policies and procedures have been communicated to all relevant staff (e.g., training records)
  • If waste is disposed of onsite, all required legal permits and approvals. 

Interview Questions to Ask: 

  • Staff responsible for waste management and handling understand the facility’s policies and procedures for responsible waste disposal which practices are prohibited. 

Inspection - Things to Physically Look For: 

  • On-site observations confirm that there are no irresponsible waste disposal practices (e.g. burying, open burning, or dumping) at the facility ground or into the surrounding environment. 

Partial Points: N/A

Wsttraining

Does your facility provide awareness training to employees regarding segregation of waste? (Ref ID: wsttraining )

Answer Yes if:  Your facility provides awareness training to all employees on waste segregation. 

Answer Partial Yes if:  Your facility provides awareness training to employees on waste segregation and this training has been provided to 50% or more, but not all employees.

Note: The intent of this question is that all employees at minimum have received training on waste segregation. Training does not need to be provided annually for each individual employee, however facilities are encouraged to provide refresher training at regular intervals as part of their on-going environmental training program (e.g., every 2-3 years) or if there are any significant changes in the facility's waste management program.

Suggested Upload: 

  • Records of waste segregation training. 
  • Copies of waste segregation training material used. 
  • Employee training plans or procedures that demonstrate waste segregation training is provided to all employees. 

What is the intent of the question?

The intent of this question is to ensure training is provided to employees on proper waste segregation practices at the facility. 

Technical Guidance:

Separating wastes into different waste streams (i.e., waste segregation) allows facilities to understand and quantify the amount of each waste type that facilities produce. This also helps identify opportunities to reduce waste and increase recycling rates which can lower waste disposal costs.

To ensure that wastes are effectively segregated it is important that all employees are trained and understand how to properly separate wastes in the workplace. In addition to providing training, it is equally as important to have the proper waste disposal facilities in place such as 

colour-coding of bins and having clear and consistent signage throughout the facility to make it easy for staff to dispose of waste appropriately.

Wsttraining Verification And Scoring

How This Will Be Verified:

Full Points:

Full Points will be awarded to facilities that provide awareness training to all employees on waste segregation. 

Documentation Required: 

  • Documentation that demonstrates that employees are trained on waste segregation at the facility. This may include:
    • Records of waste segregation training 
    • Copies of waste segregation training material used. 
    • Employee training plans or procedures that demonstrate waste segregation training is provided to employees. 

Interview Questions to Ask: 

  • Staff responsible for waste management and handling can explain the facility’s waste segregation program and how employees are trained.
  • Employees throughout the facility understand the facility’s waste segregation program and have received training. 

Inspection - Things to Physically Look For: 

  • On-site observations indicate that wastes are being separated in accordance with the facility’s waste segregation program.

Partial Points:

  • Partial points will be awarded to facilities that provide awareness training to 50% or more, but not all employees on waste segregation 

Wsthtrain

Does your facility provide training to all employees whose work involves hazardous waste handling (such as maintenance and custodial staff) within the facility? (Ref ID: wsthtrain )

Answer Yes if:  Your facility provides annual training to all employees who handle hazardous waste and the training covers proper handling, storage and disposal, waste minimization, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Answer Partial Yes if: Your facility provides annual training to all employees who handle hazardous waste, but the training does not cover all of the topics listed above.

If you answer Yes or Partial Yes to this question, you will be asked the following sub questions on your training program: 

  • Select all topics included in your training: 
    • Proper handling
    • Storage and disposal techniques and procedures
    • Specific operational procedures for waste minimization
    • Use of personal protective equipment
    • Other
  • How many employees were trained?
  • How frequently do you train your employees?
  • Do you evaluate your employees after the training?
  • How do you evaluate the knowledge of your employees after the training?
  • Please upload documentation.

Suggested Upload: 

  • Records of hazardous waste training. 
  • Copies of training material used. 
  • Employee training plans or procedures that demonstrate hazardous training is provided to all employees who handle hazardous wastes. 

What is the intent of the question?

The intent of this question is to ensure facilities have procedures in place to train all employees who handle hazardous waste on practices to minimize environmental and health risks associated with hazardous waste. 

Technical Guidance:

Hazardous waste can pose significant risks to the environment and human health. Employees who handle hazardous wastes on-site should understand these risks and know how to effectively minimize, handle, and dispose of hazardous wastes. Employees should also understand how to properly protect themselves when there is risk of exposure (e.g., through the use of appropriate PPE). 

Wsthtrain Verification And Scoring

How This Will Be Verified:

Full Points:

Documentation Required: 

  • Documentation that demonstrates that all employees who handle hazardous waste are trained annually on proper handling, storage and disposal, waste minimization, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This may include:
    • Records of hazardous waste training. 
    • Copies of training material used. 
    • Employee training plans or procedures that demonstrate hazardous training is provided to all employees who handle hazardous wastes. 
    • List of PPE required for handling of hazardous wastes generated at the facility.

Interview Questions to Ask: 

  • Staff responsible for hazardous waste management can explain the facility’s hazardous waste handling procedures and how all relevant employees are trained.
  • Relevant employees understand the facility’s hazardous waste handling procedures and have received training. 

Inspection - Things to Physically Look For: 

  • On-site observations indicate that hazardous wastes are being handled in accordance with the facility’s hazardous waste handling procedures.
  • Appropriate PPE is available and being used by employees.

Partial Points:

  • Partial Points will be awarded to facilities that provide training to all employees who handle hazardous waste, but the training does not cover all of the topics listed above.

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