Waste sorting observations report
A walk-the-bins observation record: what you saw in each stream, the photos that back it up, and the corrective action you took. Use it weekly, biweekly, monthly, or whenever you are responding to a noncompliance notice.
This is a preview. The print-ready PDF and the editable Word, Excel, and CSV versions unlock for learners who pass the knowledge check in Core material of Recycling: Contamination Hotspots & Sorting. Sign in to start the lesson.
- Photograph every issue you record. Photos are what turn an observation into evidence during a reinspection.
- Tick boxes are the common failures taught in the modules — walk them in order so nothing gets missed.
- File the completed report in the compliance binder with the photos attached.
1. Observation details
- Date
- Property name
- Property address
- Waste observer (name and role)
2. Landfill stream observations
Photograph anything you record here and share the photos with this report.
Check anything you observed:
- Recyclables or compostables visible in the landfill bin
- Blue nitrile gloves correctly placed in landfill
- Bin over- or under-filled on pickup day
- Bagged material hiding contents
- Bulky or hazardous items that do not belong
- Lid closed, enclosure clean and accessible
- Signage present, legible, and in the right languages
- Bin color and labels match contents
Notes:
3. Recycling stream observations
Photograph anything you record here and share the photos with this report.
Check anything you observed:
- Food or liquid residue left in containers
- Greasy pizza boxes or soiled paper
- Plastic bags or film in the bin
- Loose shredded paper
- Polystyrene or clamshell packaging
- Items not emptied, rinsed, and flattened
- Signage present, legible, and in the right languages
- Bin color and labels match contents
Notes:
4. Compost stream observations
Photograph anything you record here and share the photos with this report.
Check anything you observed:
- Plastic-lined cups or containers
- Produce stickers left on food scraps
- Non-certified 'compostable' plastics
- Utensils and straws in the bin
- Excess liquid pooling in the cart
- Caddy liner correct and changed on schedule
- Signage present, legible, and in the right languages
- Bin color and labels match contents
Notes:
5. Additional notes
Notes:
6. Recommendations and actions taken
Record any corrective actions taken to fix contamination issues found during this observation report — retraining, signage replacement, service level change, tenant notice, or follow-up date.
Notes: