Data should be collected both before the program starts (baseline data) and during the program's implementation, at regular intervals. ​ Baseline data captures the current situation. Collecting it over several months, where possible, helps you understand existing behaviours. ​ Continue data collection during the implementation phase (e.g., over 6 months) to monitor progress and measure success. ​ Methods for data collection for this program include: Monthly bin audits. Weekly or fortnightly observations of staff activities. Employee surveys at the start and end of the program. We recommend you include all 3 methods into your program, but this will depend on your capacity and needs. Decide on what data collection methods you'd like to include in the program (you can find more information on each one in the steps below) and add this into your Program Plan.

Waste audits gather quantitative data by counting and weighing single-use coffee cups and other discarded food ware items. Here is one we completed, to show you the process. Complete audits monthly, if possible, to allow you to track data changes through the length of the program. Waste audits require a clear process agreed upon with relevant stakeholders. For example, the property manager can coordinate with cleaners to ensure rubbish bags from designated office floors are placed in the audit room during their evening shift. After the audit, the bags can be left for cleaners to remove during their next shift and reweighed in the building’s data system. Create a schedule for waste audits for the duration of the program and share with appropriate stakeholders. We have provided several resources to assist you: Instructions and on preparing and conducting waste audits. A template Job Safety and Environmental Analysis (JSEA), to identify and mitigate risks. A template Waste Audit Data Sheet, to record the data during the audit A Waste Audit Data Tracker - a spreadsheet to record the data from each audit into. You can find them in the Downloads section below.

An observational survey involves watching a process or situation and documenting what is seen or heard without interfering with participants. For this program, observational surveys track the number of single-use and reusable cups (or other items) brought into the office. They allow you to observe actual behaviours, and see how these change over time. Conduct them at regular intervals (weekly or fortnightly) for at least one hour during peak times, such as mornings or lunch. Surveys should be discreet, ideally in the building lobby, where the observer is unlikely to be noticed. Avoid informing staff about the surveys and use an observer not known to staff. One limitation is difficulty distinguishing your staff from other building tenants. If this occurs, note it as a limitation in your final report. We have provided several documents to assist you: Instructions on preparing and conducting observational surveys. A template Observational Survey Data Sheet, to record the data during the survey. An Observational Survey Data Tracker - a spreadsheet to record the data from each survey into. You can find them in the Downloads section below.

Staff surveys are designed to gather insights into employees’ attitudes, opinions, and behaviours regarding reusable food ware. They help shape your program and evaluate its success. We recommend conducting both an initial and a final staff survey: Initial Survey - provides baseline data to guide your choice on behaviour change initiatives. Conduct after most waste audits and observational surveys are complete to avoid influencing behaviour, but before the finalising the Program Plan. Final Survey - conducted at the end of the program. Comparing these results with the initial survey will show how staff attitudes, opinions, and behaviours have evolved over time. Decide on the best survey delivery method, checking with your IT or security team to ensure it meets workplace security protocols. We have provided several documents to assist you, which can be tailored to suit your workplace: Instructions on preparing and conducting staff surveys A template Initial Staff Survey A template Final Staff Survey A example Kick off Memo - to get the word out to the staff and encourage them to complete the survey. You can find them in the Downloads section below.

Once you have prepared and scheduled all of your data collection activities, it's time to implement them. Just make sure to complete several baseline audits and observational surveys before sending staff surveys or informing staff about the program, to avoid influencing a change in behaviour while collecting baseline data.