Yard Waste and Organics Collection Program Compliance Checklist
Organics diversion programs divert food scraps and yard waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions. This checklist ensures collection program quality, contamination control, and compliance with state organic waste diversion mandates.
- Industry: Waste Management
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 20-25 minutes
- Role: Solid Waste Program Manager
- Total Items: 36
Accepted Materials Policy
Verify accepted materials list is clear and communicated.
- Clear accepted and prohibited materials list distributed to participants?
- Compostable plastic acceptance policy established per composting facility requirements?
- Food scrap acceptance categories clearly defined (all food vs. no meat/dairy)?
- Compliant collection containers distributed to all program participants?
- Educational materials multilingual if community is diverse?
- Resident hotline or FAQ available for program questions?
Contamination Monitoring
Monitor and manage contamination in collected organics.
- Monthly contamination rate measured in collected organics?
- Contamination rate within target threshold (typically below 5-10%)?
- Rejected or contaminated loads documented and reported?
- Contaminated bin feedback mechanism for residents in place?
- Targeted education to high-contamination areas or buildings?
- Regular feedback received from composting processor on material quality?
Collection Logistics
Verify collection operations are efficient.
- Collection routes and schedules documented and communicated?
- Collection vehicles maintained and clean to prevent cross-contamination?
- Seasonal volume increases (fall leaves, spring yard waste) anticipated with extra capacity?
- Composting or processing facility capacity confirmed for peak volumes?
- Missed pickup complaints tracked and resolved within 24 hours?
- Monthly collection tonnage by material type documented?
State Organic Waste Mandate Compliance
Verify compliance with state organic waste diversion requirements.
- State organic waste diversion mandate applicability assessed for jurisdiction?
- Required service coverage area served per state mandate?
- Organic waste diversion rate meeting state targets?
- Food scrap collection program operating per mandate timeline?
- Annual diversion reporting submitted to state agency?
- No non-compliance notices or penalties from state?
EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy
Implement EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy priorities.
- Source reduction programs promoted to community (buy only what you need)?
- Food donation connections made with food banks or community organizations?
- Food scraps suitable for animal feed diverted before composting if applicable?
- Organics diverted to composting before landfill disposal?
- Anaerobic digestion considered as higher-value alternative to composting?
- Program approach documented using EPA food recovery hierarchy?
Documentation
Maintain required organics program documentation.
- Monthly tonnage reports by material type and destination on file?
- Contamination monitoring records on file?
- Composting facility contract current?
- State required reports submitted on schedule?
- Resident communication logs (complaints, inquiries) maintained?
- Annual program effectiveness evaluation completed?
Related Waste Management Checklists
- Waste Fleet Maintenance Shop Environmental Compliance Checklist
- Commercial Food Waste Diversion and Source Reduction Program Checklist
- Waste Collection Driver Safety Training Verification Checklist
- Waste Transfer Station Receiving and Load Inspection Checklist
- Community Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Checklist
- Curbside Recycling Program Quality and Contamination Audit Checklist
- Landfill Closure and Post-Closure Care Monitoring Checklist
- Community E-Waste Collection Event Safety and Compliance Checklist
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Why Use This Yard Waste and Organics Collection Program Compliance Checklist?
This yard waste and organics collection program compliance checklist helps waste management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for solid waste program manager professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Yard Waste and Organics Collection Program Compliance Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Accepted Materials Policy, Contamination Monitoring, Collection Logistics, State Organic Waste Mandate Compliance, EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy, Documentation. It is designed for waste management operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Who should use this Yard Waste and Organics Collection Program Compliance Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Solid Waste Program Manager professionals in the waste management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.