Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:15 PM AWST
21/07/2026 11:15 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Carry out waste assessment
Carry out waste assessment
Unit of competency
National Code
PRMWM59A
PRMWM59A
State Code
S4413
S4413
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/11/2004
Field of Education
039901 - Environmental Engineering
Original Release Date
26/11/2004
Nominal Hours
11
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan for and conduct a waste assessment of a generator's waste stream (which includes recycling streams).It requires the ability to visually assess the composition and quantity of the waste stream under assessment, review relevant waste management documentation and to identify opportunities to improve resource management. The assessment process should be conducted in accordance with health and safety principles.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Determine assessment objectives and scope
- 1.1 Advise client on benefits and limitations of the process1.2 Clearly define boundaries of the project in terms of waste streams assessed, time period, processes, sites1.3 Consult with the client to agree on project outcomes and objectives1.4 Ensure the project scope will encompass applicable occupational health and safety, legislative and corporate responsibilities1.5 Identify necessary resources1.6 Identify the responsibilities of the client and assessor and communicate these responsibilities to them
2 Prepare for waste assessment
- 2.1 Review waste assessment outcomes and objectives to determine project requirements2.2 Obtain necessary resources2.3 Conduct project risk assessment encompassing corporate and legislative requirements2.4 Develop and implement risk management strategy2.5 Identify all variables impacting on waste generation such as types and quantities
- 2.6 Develop waste assessment action plan and communicate to all stakeholders2.7 Train personnel as appropriate
3 Conduct waste assessment
- 3.1 Conduct assessment in accordance with waste assessment objectives, OHS and relevant company and legislative requirements
- 3.2 Visually assess waste/recycling containers to determine composition and quantity of waste components in line with the assessment scope and objectives3.3 Record visual findings by waste type and quantity observed, by department or process3.4 Conduct a site review to obtain further data on rationale for waste generation, impacts associated with waste generated and barriers for implementation of improved resource recovery systems3.5 Undertake a review of waste documentation to enable assessment of annual quantities to be determined, by waste stream and/or type3.6 Conduct interviews with staff and/or stakeholders on waste management issues
4 Document and analyse waste assessment findings
- 4.1 Compile and validate all collected data and information4.2 Conduct consultations with stakeholders to determine opportunities for resource recovery and necessary resource requirements to implement those opportunities4.3 Analyse data and identify opportunities to improve resource management4.4 Review opportunities in terms of feasibility of implementation
- 4.5 Present outcomes of the feasibility review together with all data in a format consistent with the objectives of the project4.6 Prepare implementation and review strategy4.7 Present a documented report containing data, analysis, recommendations and implementation program to client
Benefits of process may include but are not limited to
compliance with legislative and corporate requirements
cost reductions
improved product quality
improvements in workplace safety
reductions in waste.
Client
includes all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies and private and public companies.
Emergency and personal protective equipment may include
appropriate footwear
communications equipment
eye protection
eyewash kit
fire extinguishers
First Aid kit
gloves
overalls and protective clothing
safety vests.
Emergency and personal protective equipment may also include
breathing apparatus
face shield/mask
hard hat
hearing protection
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
spill kit
emergency procedure guides.
Limitations of the process may include but are not limited to
historical data and other relevant information
results are volume-based
timeframe in which waste assessment occurs
type of containment may hinder ability to identify all waste issues
visual assessment does not provide exact data on waste stream.
Measurement of waste may include
number
proportion/percentage
review of documentation such as EPA transport certificates, contractor contracts and invoices, and corporate procedures and records
volume.
Performance of this unit is carried out in accordance with relevant requirements of the following
Australian Standards
industry standards, codes of practice and associated publications
manufacturers' specifications
organisational procedures
relevant state/territory legislation, policies and regulations.
Potential risks and hazards include but are not limited to
dust
fire
gases and fumes
hazardous waste (e.g. sharps and chemicals)
inadequately contained waste
maintenance activities
processing plant
site vehicles and equipment
weather.
Resource management includes the following processes
waste avoidance, re-use, recycling, energy recovery, composting
those that could occur on or off site.
Resources may include
camera
clean-up/decontamination equipment
personnel
personal protective equipment (PPE)
recording equipment
reference manuals
safety barriers and warning signs.
Site may include
any other site where business activities occur
business premises
landfill site
plant/factory
resource recovery facility
waste processing plant.
Site review may involve but is not limited to
constraints to further segregation of waste
discussions with employees about waste management
review of placement, size and design of waste containers
review of production process and flow of materials through the site.
Variables impacting on the waste may include but are not limited to
maintenance downtime
product changeovers
production flows
quality control procedures
seasonal activity variations
shift times
start-up processes
waste collection routines
waste collection systems.
Waste assessment objectives may include but are not limited to
compliance with company or legislative requirement
determining components of a resource recovery implementation program
determining waste profile including type and quantity of waste
establishment of resource recovery goals and targets
identifying barriers to implementation of opportunities
identifying cost of waste and cost reduction opportunities
identifying improvements in management of waste on site
identifying opportunities to reduce or divert waste from landfill.
Waste streams refers to solid waste only and may include
general waste stream
other resource recovery streams
prescribed waste stream (i.e. legislative wastes)
recycling streams
reprocessed (on-site) material stream
re-used product stream.
compliance with legislative and corporate requirements
cost reductions
improved product quality
improvements in workplace safety
reductions in waste.
Client
includes all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies and private and public companies.
Emergency and personal protective equipment may include
appropriate footwear
communications equipment
eye protection
eyewash kit
fire extinguishers
First Aid kit
gloves
overalls and protective clothing
safety vests.
Emergency and personal protective equipment may also include
breathing apparatus
face shield/mask
hard hat
hearing protection
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
spill kit
emergency procedure guides.
Limitations of the process may include but are not limited to
historical data and other relevant information
results are volume-based
timeframe in which waste assessment occurs
type of containment may hinder ability to identify all waste issues
visual assessment does not provide exact data on waste stream.
Measurement of waste may include
number
proportion/percentage
review of documentation such as EPA transport certificates, contractor contracts and invoices, and corporate procedures and records
volume.
Performance of this unit is carried out in accordance with relevant requirements of the following
Australian Standards
industry standards, codes of practice and associated publications
manufacturers' specifications
organisational procedures
relevant state/territory legislation, policies and regulations.
Potential risks and hazards include but are not limited to
dust
fire
gases and fumes
hazardous waste (e.g. sharps and chemicals)
inadequately contained waste
maintenance activities
processing plant
site vehicles and equipment
weather.
Resource management includes the following processes
waste avoidance, re-use, recycling, energy recovery, composting
those that could occur on or off site.
Resources may include
camera
clean-up/decontamination equipment
personnel
personal protective equipment (PPE)
recording equipment
reference manuals
safety barriers and warning signs.
Site may include
any other site where business activities occur
business premises
landfill site
plant/factory
resource recovery facility
waste processing plant.
Site review may involve but is not limited to
constraints to further segregation of waste
discussions with employees about waste management
review of placement, size and design of waste containers
review of production process and flow of materials through the site.
Variables impacting on the waste may include but are not limited to
maintenance downtime
product changeovers
production flows
quality control procedures
seasonal activity variations
shift times
start-up processes
waste collection routines
waste collection systems.
Waste assessment objectives may include but are not limited to
compliance with company or legislative requirement
determining components of a resource recovery implementation program
determining waste profile including type and quantity of waste
establishment of resource recovery goals and targets
identifying barriers to implementation of opportunities
identifying cost of waste and cost reduction opportunities
identifying improvements in management of waste on site
identifying opportunities to reduce or divert waste from landfill.
Waste streams refers to solid waste only and may include
general waste stream
other resource recovery streams
prescribed waste stream (i.e. legislative wastes)
recycling streams
reprocessed (on-site) material stream
re-used product stream.
Critical aspects of competency
Identify different waste/material types.
Visually estimate waste volumes.
Understanding of material flows and organisational processes.
Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
Possible benefits and outcomes from conducting a waste assessment
Visual assessment procedures.
Available reprocessing options.
Waste types.
Waste streams and characteristics.
Material densities.
Sampling techniques.
Recording techniques.
Company requirements.
Potential risks and hazards.
Emergency response procedures.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
Duty of care in provision of services.
Relevant industry standards and codes.
Relevant legislation.
Relevant environmental regulations.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:
oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions
visual quantity estimates
reading and interpreting skills
written communication skills for documentation and report writing
methodical organisation of work
identification of waste types
using photographic equipment
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
estimating
hazard identification
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
safe and efficient work practices.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function for example:
PRMWM04B Develop waste management strategies
PRMWM05B Identify and segregate waste
PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
MSDS
client waste profile
market opportunities.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Evidence of competency is best obtained by observing activities in the relevant environment and by carrying out a waste assessment under normal industry operating conditions. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.
Consistency in performance
Assessment requires that strategies meet the objectives of clients and comply with industry expectations in the particular client environment. If the environment is narrowly defined or is not representative of industry needs, it will be necessary to assess the unit within a variety of waste management environments or different client needs to assess competency in the development of waste management strategies.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral and written questions, questions are to be identical.)
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Note: All practical demonstrations must adhere to the safety, environmental and other regulations e.g. health regulations, relevant to each state or territory.
Communicating ideas and information
Discuss assessment plans with clients and colleagues. Discuss alternative options with contractors, re-processors and other stakeholders, such as environmental protection agencies. (2)
Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather, analyse and organise information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, client organisation, relevant personnel and company specifications). (3)
Planning and organising activities
Prepare detailed action plan and methodology for the waste assessment. Clearly define responsibilities. (3)
Working with others and in teams
Discuss the process and activities with on-site client personnel and colleagues. (2)
Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Analyse the waste assessment data and conduct data validation processes and extrapolations of the data. (3)
Solving problems
Apply problem-solving skills during planning and conduct of the waste assessment to overcome operational and site constraints and ensure objectives are met. If necessary, develop alternative strategies for resource recovery together with implementation programs. (2)
Using technology
Manage and analyse data and demonstrate understanding of technology and its capability to meet resource recovery objectives. (1)
Identify different waste/material types.
Visually estimate waste volumes.
Understanding of material flows and organisational processes.
Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
Possible benefits and outcomes from conducting a waste assessment
Visual assessment procedures.
Available reprocessing options.
Waste types.
Waste streams and characteristics.
Material densities.
Sampling techniques.
Recording techniques.
Company requirements.
Potential risks and hazards.
Emergency response procedures.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
Duty of care in provision of services.
Relevant industry standards and codes.
Relevant legislation.
Relevant environmental regulations.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:
oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions
visual quantity estimates
reading and interpreting skills
written communication skills for documentation and report writing
methodical organisation of work
identification of waste types
using photographic equipment
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
estimating
hazard identification
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
safe and efficient work practices.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function for example:
PRMWM04B Develop waste management strategies
PRMWM05B Identify and segregate waste
PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
MSDS
client waste profile
market opportunities.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Evidence of competency is best obtained by observing activities in the relevant environment and by carrying out a waste assessment under normal industry operating conditions. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.
Consistency in performance
Assessment requires that strategies meet the objectives of clients and comply with industry expectations in the particular client environment. If the environment is narrowly defined or is not representative of industry needs, it will be necessary to assess the unit within a variety of waste management environments or different client needs to assess competency in the development of waste management strategies.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral and written questions, questions are to be identical.)
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Note: All practical demonstrations must adhere to the safety, environmental and other regulations e.g. health regulations, relevant to each state or territory.
Communicating ideas and information
Discuss assessment plans with clients and colleagues. Discuss alternative options with contractors, re-processors and other stakeholders, such as environmental protection agencies. (2)
Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather, analyse and organise information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, client organisation, relevant personnel and company specifications). (3)
Planning and organising activities
Prepare detailed action plan and methodology for the waste assessment. Clearly define responsibilities. (3)
Working with others and in teams
Discuss the process and activities with on-site client personnel and colleagues. (2)
Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Analyse the waste assessment data and conduct data validation processes and extrapolations of the data. (3)
Solving problems
Apply problem-solving skills during planning and conduct of the waste assessment to overcome operational and site constraints and ensure objectives are met. If necessary, develop alternative strategies for resource recovery together with implementation programs. (2)
Using technology
Manage and analyse data and demonstrate understanding of technology and its capability to meet resource recovery objectives. (1)
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC200 | CPPWMT3059A | Plan and conduct waste assessments | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S467 | PRM40504 | Certificate IV in Asset Maintenance (Waste Management) | Qualification |