Category 5 Starter Kit: Waste Generated in Operations

Build a defensible waste dataset: tons by stream, evidence links, and improvement levers

Scope 3, Made PracticalCoreStarter Kit45 min

What you'll accomplish

  • Inventory waste streams across your portfolio
  • Build a minimum viable waste dataset (tons by stream)
  • Calculate Cat 5 emissions using standard factors
  • Identify improvement opportunities (diversion, recycling)

Common waste streams in real estate

Municipal solid waste

General trash from operations

Recycling

Paper, cardboard, plastics, metals

Organic/compost

Food waste, landscaping

Construction & demolition

TI projects, renovations

Quick start (45 minutes)

  • •List all waste haulers by site
  • •Request tonnage reports by stream (landfill, recycling, compost)
  • •Aggregate by waste type and disposal method
  • •Apply EPA WARM factors or regional equivalents
  • •Document gaps and estimation methods

Common pitfalls

Mixing tenant vs landlord waste

Fix: Clarify operational control boundaries

Missing C&D waste from projects

Fix: Include construction waste if you control it

Using volume instead of weight

Fix: Convert to tons using hauler data or conversion factors

Incomplete hauler coverage

Fix: Audit all sites for waste contracts

Change log

v1.0 (2026-01): Latest release