Audits of Responsible Unit Recycling Programs

The Waste and Materials Management Program has set a strategic goal to increase waste material reuse and recycling by 30% by 2015. One of the objectives we've set to help accomplish that goal is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Wisconsin's recycling program working with the responsible unit (RU) programs as well as efforts with businesses. As part of our efforts in working with RU recycling programs, we have identified several key administrative code (exit DNR) requirements which we will focus on during our recycling program audits for the year. We will be identifying areas for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of RU recycling programs so we can better direct our compliance assistance and outreach activities. We will be tracking the effectiveness of our efforts by looking at the changes in compliance rates and tonnage data over time.

RU audits conducted from May, 2006 through June, 2007 will focus on:

1. Evaluating the changes to effective program components that are being made by RUs.
2. Evaluating the accuracy of tonnage calculations.
3. Evaluating RU complaint response, compliance monitoring and enforcement systems.
4. Discussing the health and environmental impacts from open burning and ensuring ordinances contain a prohibition against burning of recyclables.
5. Evaluating multi-family and non-residential outreach.
6. Evaluating RU staffing levels and record keeping.
7. Conducting joint non-residential inspections with RUs to identify opportunities to provide assistance to both RUs and businesses.

Audit Resources

• Selecting waste hauler for you business (PDF, 74K)
• REI Grant
• Open Burning Publications