6.0 Hauling Issues

Issue

Haulers need to address the source separation requirements of restaurants by providing appropriate collection containers accompanied by education on how to use them. Haulers will ultimately have to deal with any contaminated waste; therefore, it is in their interest to limit contamination. A more consistent approach to training and monitoring haulers is needed. As well, some restaurant owners, managers and associations are concerned that source separation may increase hauling costs.

Current Situation

Currently, most haulers use informal reporting strategies. Most are required to complete a daily report, but there are variations in what is worth reporting. Only some haulers educate clients, and again there are variations as to what information is offered. The owner of one hauling company stated that, “Haulers make reports to the office on an almost daily basis. Haulers are encouraged to educate clients, but it is difficult to ensure that they are actually doing it.”

Recommendations

6.1 Training

Waste educators should provide haulers with training and materials. In order to address the issue of high turnover rates, managers should be trained so that they can in turn train new employees. As well, an information package should be prepared for new employees.

6.2 Reporting

Currently some waste coordinators have waste separation issues included in reporting requirements for hauling companies. Often these procedures are casual and anecdotal. It is recommended that reporting be formalized and systematically documented. When restaurants re-offend, local waste educators should be contacted so that they can work with the restaurant to improve conditions.