Operational Waste Management Plan (OWMP)
Improving Waste Outcomes Through Smarter Design & Operations
Project Overview
Knowwaste prepares Operational Waste Management Plans (OWMP) to help improve operational efficiency, stronger recycling outcomes, and alignment with council planning requirements and sustainability targets.
Development can include multiple commercial tenancies, shared loading dock infrastructure, food and beverage outlets, and high-volume office occupancy. Clients often require a practical and compliant waste management strategy that could be realistically implemented by building management, cleaners, tenants, and contractors.
Objectives
The OWMP aimed to:
Ensure compliance with local council operational waste requirements
Improve recycling diversion rates across the building
Reduce contamination within recycling streams
Optimise bin infrastructure and collection arrangements
Improve loading dock safety and operational efficiency
Support sustainability targets including NABERS Waste performance
Provide clear guidance for building management and tenants
Knowwaste Approach
Knowwaste completes detailed reviews of building design, tenancy operations, waste generation profiles, and collection logistics.
Our work includes:
Waste generation modelling by tenancy type and occupancy
Bin infrastructure sizing and service frequency calculations
Review of loading dock operations and vehicle access
Assessment of recycling opportunities including paper/cardboard, co-mingled recycling, organics, secure paper and dry waste recycling
Development of operational procedures for cleaners and tenants
Preparation of clear signage and contamination reduction recommendations
Future-proofing the site for evolving recycling streams and sustainability targets
The OWMP is prepared in accordance with relevant council requirements and industry best practice standards.
Key Recommendations
Practical improvements to strengthen operational outcomes, including:
Introduction of a dedicated office dry waste recycling stream to divert soft plastics, coffee cups, paper towel, stationery and other recoverable office materials from landfill
Standardised waste signage throughout tenant areas and loading dock spaces
Improved bin placement to reduce contamination and increase recycling participation
Right-sizing of collection frequencies to reduce unnecessary servicing costs
Clear operational responsibilities for tenants, cleaners and building management
Safer and more flexible front-lift bin arrangements within the loading dock
Outcomes
Following implementation of the OWMP recommendations, sites can achieve:
Significant improvement in recycling diversion performance
Reduced contamination within mixed recycling streams
Improved loading dock efficiency and cleaner access
Reduced waste servicing costs through optimised collections
Stronger alignment with NABERS Waste objectives
Improved tenant understanding of waste separation requirements
The operational waste strategy also provides the client with a clear long-term framework for managing future tenant changes and evolving recycling opportunities.
Why Clients Choose Knowwaste
Knowwaste combines practical operational experience with detailed technical knowledge of waste systems, council requirements, and sustainability frameworks.
Our Operational Waste Management Plans are designed to be:
- Practical and easy to implement
- Tailored to each site and operational environment
- Focused on improving real-world diversion outcomes
- Suitable for commercial, residential and mixed-use developments
- Aligned with council approvals and sustainability targets
Knowwaste has extensive experience preparing Operational Waste Management Plans across commercial buildings, residential developments, industrial sites, education facilities and government assets throughout Australia.