Bin Audit
Curriculum links (for schools):
Learning Area
Science
Mathematics
Outcome
Aspect
Natural and processed  Different materials have different properties and these
materials
processed materials properties can be related to their uses.
 Collect and record information relevant to the investigation
Number measurement  Use a calculator for all four operations
What you need:
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Rubber gloves & tongs.
Newspaper or tarpaulin.
Weighing scales.
Recording sheet (prepare you own or click here).
Rubbish (from waste and recycling bins).
What to do:
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Spread waste onto newspaper or tarpaulin.
Separate waste. You can either separate plastic from the other waste or separate into different
categories such as food/compostables, cardboard, paper, metal and plastics.
Separate plastics into type - bottles, other containers, cling film, bags etc.
Weigh or count pieces in each group.
Write down weights or counts.
Examine all of the items in the plastics category and see how many of each type were collected. Think
about how to reduce these items, what alternatives could have been purchased and what could be reused?
A key to Plastic Free July is to be prepared and plan alternatives. In your workplace you may be able to
purchase handwashing liquid in refillable containers, milk in glass bottles and toilet paper wrapped in paper.
Schools may wish to encourage "nude food" lunchbox competitions.
Stuck for ideas for alternatives? See our A-Z of Alternatives page at www.plasticfreejuly.org or post a
question on our Plastic Free July facebook page (www.facebook.com/plasticfreejuly).
Carry out a bin audit again at the end of the challenge and see where you have improved.
www.plasticfreejuly.org
Bin Audit Record Sheet
Waste
categories
Weight of
waste
(Kilograms)
(optional)
Number of
items
Items/weight of
waste produced
per week
Items/weight of
waste produced
per month
PLASTICS
Bottles
Containers
Cling film
Other plastic
OTHER WASTES
Food waste
Paper
Metal
Total
waste
of
all
www.plasticfreejuly.org
Items/weight of
waste produced
per year