What waste types should I include in Category 5?

Include all waste generated by your operations that is treated at third-party facilities: general waste, recyclables, food waste, hazardous waste, construction waste, electronic waste, and wastewater. Waste treated on-site in facilities you own falls under Scope 1.

How do I calculate waste emissions if I only know the total weight?

If you know total waste weight but not the composition, use DEFRA’s mixed waste emission factors for your disposal method (landfill, incineration, recycling). For better accuracy, work with your waste contractor to obtain a breakdown by waste type and disposal route.

Waste Generated in Operations (Scope 3 Category 5)

Category 5 of Scope 3 covers emissions from the disposal and treatment of waste generated by the reporting company’s operations in facilities not owned or controlled by the company.

What is Waste Generated in Operations (Scope 3 Category 5)?

This category captures the emissions from waste sent to landfill, incineration, recycling, composting, or other treatment methods at third-party facilities. It includes solid waste, wastewater, and any other operational waste streams.

The emissions depend on both the type of waste and the treatment method. Landfill produces methane from organic waste decomposition; incineration releases CO₂ from combustion; recycling and composting have lower emission intensities but are not zero. DEFRA publishes emission factors for common waste types and disposal routes in the UK.

While Category 5 is rarely the largest Scope 3 category, it is one of the most actionable. Organisations can reduce these emissions through waste minimisation, improved recycling rates, diversion from landfill, and switching to lower-emission treatment methods.

Practical Examples

A hotel chain tracks waste by type (food waste, general waste, recyclables) across 50 properties and calculates Category 5 emissions using DEFRA waste disposal factors.

A manufacturing company diverts 80% of its waste from landfill to recycling and energy recovery, reducing its Category 5 emissions by 60% compared to the base year.

An office-based company estimates waste emissions using average per-employee waste generation rates and typical office waste composition data.

How Climatise Helps

Climatise tracks waste data by type and disposal method, applies DEFRA waste emission factors, and shows the impact of waste reduction initiatives on your Scope 3 footprint. The platform highlights opportunities to reduce emissions through improved waste diversion.

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