Curbside Recycling Program Quality and Contamination Audit Checklist
Curbside recycling program quality directly impacts MRF revenues and recycling market sustainability. This audit evaluates contamination levels, community education effectiveness, and program performance.
- Industry: Waste Management
- Frequency: Quarterly
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Solid Waste Program Coordinator
- Total Items: 36
Contamination Rate Monitoring
Monitor contamination rates in collected recyclables.
- Quarterly contamination rate sampling conducted?
- Current contamination rate documented?
- Contamination rate below MRF contract threshold?
- Contamination data analyzed by route to identify high-contamination areas?
- MRF rejection load rate tracked and below target?
- Contamination trending upward (trigger for education campaign) or downward?
Accepted Materials Review
Verify accepted materials list is current with MRF requirements.
- Accepted materials list current per MRF contract requirements?
- Materials list updated when recycling markets change?
- Glass acceptance decision current with MRF capabilities?
- Plastic bags clearly prohibited from curbside recycling?
- Community education targets wishful recycling (textiles, hoses, plastic bags)?
- Current materials list on website and in new resident materials?
Community Education Effectiveness
Evaluate community recycling education.
- Dedicated recycling education budget allocated?
- Digital tools (website, app) for recycling guidance current?
- Social media recycling tips posted regularly?
- Materials available in all prevalent community languages?
- Contamination tags left on bins with specific instructions for residents?
- School recycling education program active?
Cart and Bin Management
Verify recycling cart conditions.
- Cart inventory current and delivery to new residents tracked?
- Damaged cart replacement process operational?
- Carts labeled with accepted materials or lid sticker?
- Cart registration linked to address for service tracking?
- Cart set-out rate monitored to identify non-participating households?
- New resident recycling kits distributed at move-in?
Diversion Rate Performance
Track diversion rate performance.
- Current recycling diversion rate calculated?
- Diversion rate on track for state mandate compliance?
- Cost per ton of recycled material tracked?
- Commodity revenue or processing fee tracked per MRF contract?
- Annual recycling program report to state submitted on time?
- Local recycling data reported to EPA program if participating?
Documentation
Maintain required recycling program documentation.
- Monthly tonnage reports by material on file?
- MRF processing contract current and on file?
- Contamination monitoring records on file?
- Current education materials archived?
- All state required reports submitted on file?
- Annual program evaluation report completed?
Related Waste Management Checklists
- Community E-Waste Collection Event Safety and Compliance Checklist
- Organics Processing Facility (Anaerobic Digestion) Operations Checklist
- Recycling Market Development and Commodity Sales Compliance Checklist
- Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Daily Safety Inspection Checklist
- Landfill Closure and Post-Closure Care Monitoring Checklist
- Commercial Food Waste Diversion and Source Reduction Program Checklist
- Municipal Waste Combustion Ash Handling and Disposal Compliance Checklist
- Solid Waste Facility Inspector Daily Operations Log Checklist
Related Recycling Facilities Checklists
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Why Use This Curbside Recycling Program Quality and Contamination Audit Checklist?
This curbside recycling program quality and contamination audit checklist helps waste management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for solid waste program coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Curbside Recycling Program Quality and Contamination Audit Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Contamination Rate Monitoring, Accepted Materials Review, Community Education Effectiveness, Cart and Bin Management, Diversion Rate Performance, Documentation. It is designed for waste management operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Curbside Recycling Program Quality and Contamination Audit Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Solid Waste Program Coordinator 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.