How does waste affect my business's carbon footprint?

Estimate waste emissions using an appropriate method, your waste composition and documented treatment destinations. A single factor for every tonne of waste cannot reliably describe cardboard, food, metals and mixed residuals alike.

Information to gather

• Choose a reporting boundary and calculation method suitable for the intended use.
• Collect weights by material and treatment, clearly marking estimates.
• Record the factor edition, assumptions and any excluded transport or processing stages.

What to check before deciding

Keep estimated operational emissions separate from hypothetical avoided emissions. A higher diversion percentage is not enough on its own to quantify a carbon saving or support a carbon-neutral claim.

NGA Factors provide annually updated estimation methods; they are not the methods for mandatory NGER reporting. See DCCEEW - National Greenhouse Accounts Factors.

Related resources

• How to Reduce Commercial Waste Costs
• Waste Audit Checklist

Ask about your site

Send your site details and collection requirements to discuss the available options and written terms.

Sources

• DCCEEW - National Greenhouse Accounts Factors. Overview and annual editions. Checked 18 September 2026; confirm current guidance before acting.