Collecting Accurate Data for TRUE Certification: A Guide for Sustainable Waste Management
To achieve TRUE certification for sustainable waste management, organizations must collect accurate data on their waste diversion efforts. There are several methods for collecting this data, including working with TRUE Point of Contact (POC) and requiring suppliers to provide “real” data using standardized files and methodologies.
Here’s a closer look at each of these data collection methods:
- Working with TRUE POC: TRUE POC obtains data using shipping papers, manifests, bills of lading (BOL), invoices, calculations, and other methods. This data is then used to track waste generation and diversion rates. Working with TRUE POC can be beneficial for organizations that have limited resources or expertise in waste management data collection.
- Requiring suppliers to provide “real” data: TRUE POC can require all suppliers to provide “real” data using standardized files and methodologies. This can be included in the Statement of Work or Purchase Order. To implement this method, the POC will need to develop a relationship with the suppliers to ensure they understand the requirements and can provide accurate data. Data can be collected on a 15-day or one-month lag to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information is collected.
Regardless of the data collection method used, it’s important to ensure that the data collected is accurate, complete, and verifiable. To do this, organizations should follow these best practices:
- Standardize data collection: Develop a standardized methodology for collecting data to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Verify data accuracy: Verify the accuracy of the data by reviewing data collection methodologies, spot-checking data, and ensuring that all waste streams are accounted for.
- Maintain data quality: Regularly monitor data quality and address any issues that arise, such as incorrect data entry or missing data.
- Document data: Document all data collected, including the source of the data and any calculations or assumptions used.
Here’s a sample data collection template for waste diversion data:
| Waste Stream | Quantity Generated | Quantity Diverted | Diversion Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | 1000 kg | 600 kg | 60% |
| Plastics | 800 kg | 400 kg | 50% |
| Glass | 500 kg | 300 kg | 60% |
| Metals | 300 kg | 150 kg | 50% |
| Organics | 1200 kg | 800 kg | 67% |
| Other | 200 kg | 50 kg | 25% |
| Total | 4000 kg | 2300 kg | 57.5% |
This template includes information on the waste stream, the quantity generated and diverted, and the diversion rate. Using a template like this can help ensure that all necessary data is collected consistently and accurately, making it easier to track progress towards waste reduction goals and achieve TRUE certification for sustainable waste management.
By following these best practices and utilizing the data collection methods outlined above, organizations can ensure that their waste diversion data is accurate, complete, and verifiable. This data can then be used to set waste reduction targets and implement effective waste management strategies to work towards achieving TRUE certification for sustainable waste management.