Step-by-Step Guide to achieve Zero waste reporting credits 2: Track Financial Data For Diversion And Waste Disposal for TRUE Certification

Zero waste initiatives are becoming increasingly important in today’s society. With the growing concern about climate change and environmental sustainability, businesses are recognizing the importance of reducing their environmental impact. One way to do this is by implementing zero waste initiatives. However, simply implementing these initiatives is not enough. It is important to track the financial impact of these initiatives to fully understand their impact. This article will discuss the steps to comply with credit 2 under zero waste reporting for true certification: Track Financial Data for Diversion and Waste Disposal

The intent of this credit is to understand the fiscal impacts of zero waste initiatives. The requirements for compliance with this credit are as follows:

• Document diversion and associated costs: This includes landfill disposal cost, avoided landfill cost, recycling hauling costs, and any other fees/costs associated with waste diversion. Additionally, revenue from recycling should be documented if applicable.
• Calculate actual annual cost and overall net for the program: This involves calculating the financial impact of the zero waste initiatives on an annual basis.
• Calculate at least one year’s results including baseline data for each commodity: This requires documenting the financial impact of the zero waste initiatives for at least one year, including baseline data for each type of waste commodity.
• All financial data must be reported on a monthly and annual basis: This requires the regular documentation of financial data related to waste diversion.

To comply with this credit, there are several potential strategies that can be implemented. One such strategy is to track all expenses related to waste diversion from landfill and incineration (WTE). This includes the collection, sorting, and hauling fees associated with waste diversion. Additionally, rebate revenue from recycling should be documented. Tracking the cost per ton of waste can also be helpful in demonstrating the net benefit over tons that went to incineration and landfill.

To submit documentation for compliance with this credit, several pieces of information are required. Firstly, a narrative describing the methodology for collecting financial data and how it is tracked should be provided. Additionally, a tracking report of financial data meeting the requirements of the credit should be included. This report should include landfill disposal costs, avoided costs from diversion efforts, and revenue from recycling commodities sales for the baseline year and reporting year. Finally, documentation verifying costs and revenues for at least one month, including invoices, receipts, rebate statements, checks, etc. should be submitted.

Implementing zero waste initiatives is an important step towards environmental sustainability. However, to fully understand the impact of these initiatives, it is important to track the financial impact. Compliance with Zero Waste Reporting Credit 2 requires the regular documentation of financial data related to waste diversion. By following the steps outlined in this article, businesses can ensure compliance with this credit and gain a better understanding of the fiscal impacts of their zero waste initiatives.