Grocery Recyclable Plastic Bag Program Audit

Audit grocery store plastic bag recycling program compliance, including bin labeling, collection practices, customer guidance, and store credit handling.

Program Signage and Bin Labeling

• Collection bin is clearly labeled for recyclable plastic bags only
  Label is visible from the customer approach path and identifies accepted materials without ambiguity.
• Accepted and prohibited materials are posted at the bin
  Signage lists what customers may place in the bin and what must not be included.
• Signage is legible, intact, and securely mounted
  No torn, faded, missing, or detached labels/signs.
• Bin location is convenient and visible to customers
  Bin is placed where customers can reasonably find and use it during normal store traffic flow.
• Program signage reflects current store policy and applicable bag rules
  Posted instructions do not conflict with current store procedures or current state/local bag requirements.

Collection and Storage Practices

• Collection bin is not overflowing
  Bin capacity is managed so bags are not spilling onto the floor or blocking access.
• Collected bags are kept clean and dry
  No visible food residue, liquids, or contamination that would make the material unsuitable for recycling.
• Storage area is designated and orderly
  Collected material is staged in a defined area and does not create housekeeping issues or obstruct operations.
• Collection frequency is sufficient to prevent overflow
  Inspector records whether pickup or emptying cadence appears adequate for store volume.
• Collection records or pickup log is available
  If the store maintains a log, it is current and shows routine handling of collected bags.

Customer Guidance and Participation

• Customers are instructed on how to prepare bags for recycling
  Guidance explains any required bag condition, such as empty, dry, and free of food waste.
• Staff can explain the program accurately
  Associate explanation matches posted guidance and store policy.
• Customer-facing guidance is easy to understand
  Instructions use plain language and are visible without needing to ask an employee.
• Program participation issues are documented
  Examples include repeated misuse of the bin, customer confusion, or missing signage.

Store Credit and Incentive Controls

• Store credit or incentive is issued only under approved conditions
  Credit is granted according to documented program rules and not ad hoc by individual employees.
• Credit issuance is logged or traceable
  If incentives are provided, there is a record showing date, amount, and authorization method.
• Cashier and customer service staff understand credit rules
  Staff interviewed can describe when credit applies and what documentation is required.
• Credit signage does not misstate program benefits
  Posted or verbal guidance does not promise incentives that are unavailable or inconsistent with policy.

Program Compliance and Corrective Actions

• No critical non-conformances observed
  Use this item to confirm there were no unresolved critical deficiencies in labeling, collection, customer guidance, or credit controls.
• Deficiencies documented with corrective action owner and due date
  Each non-conformance includes a clear owner, corrective action, and target completion date.
• Follow-up inspection required
  Select whether a reinspection is needed based on findings.
• Inspector notes
  Summarize overall compliance status, notable deficiencies, and any policy or training recommendations.