What is TRUE Certification and How Can My Company Get It?
TRUE stands for "Total Resource Use and Efficiency.” It is a certification program administered by the U.S. Green Business Certification Inc. (USBI). The TRUE Certification helps organizations and businesses develop sustainable waste management practices with the goal of achieving zero waste.
GBCI defines TRUE as “a whole systems approach aimed at changing how materials flow through society, resulting in no waste.”
TRUE is one of the most recognizable credentials in the industry and can add credibility to your business when you apply for contracts or projects that have specific sustainability requirements.
“TRUE is whole systems approach aimed at changing how materials flow through society, resulting in no waste.”
To obtain TRUE Certification, organizations must demonstrate that they have clear sustainability goals and that they are taking action to achieve these goals. They do this by completing a rigorous assessment of their waste reduction and diversion efforts to ensure that they are meeting the criteria set by TRUE.
Obtaining a TRUE Certification offers many benefits to organizations, including the ability to qualify for contracts that have corporate sustainability requirements. Many organizations also find that by adopting new and innovative recycling processes, they often save money in their overall waste management costs.
Keep reading to learn more about the requirements TRUE Certification, the benefits of TRUE Certification and how The Recy Group can help your company become TRUE certified.
How can a company get the TRUE Certification?
To attain TRUE Certification, an organization must complete an assessment of its waste diversion and reduction efforts. The certification process evaluates its waste management practice to ensure that the organization is meeting the criteria set by TRUE.
Some factors that are evaluated when applying for TRUE Certification:
Waste Reduction Goals: Does the organization have a clear and measurable zero waste policy in place?
Waste Diversion: Does the organization meet the waste diversion goals set by TRUE?
Procurement Policies: Does the organization prioritize environmentally responsible products and materials?
Compliance: Does the organization follow all federal, state/provincial and local solid waste and recycling laws?
Tracking and Reporting: Does the organization accurately track and report its waste generation and diversion strategies?
Employee Training and Engagement: Does the organization educate its employees about its sustainability goals?
Innovation: Does the organization implement innovative practices and technologies to further reduce waste?
Organizations that meet the criteria are awarded the TRUE Zero Waste Certification, which is a credible and recognized symbol of a demonstrated commitment to sustainability and waste reduction.
Keep in mind that certification programs can evolve, and new ones may emerge. It's important to check with the organization that issues the certification or visit their website for up-to-date information on any recycling certification, including TRUE.
What are the Benefits of Obtaining TRUE Certification?
Obtaining TRUE Certification offers several benefits for organizations committed to sustainable waste management practices. Some of the key advantages include:
Environmental Stewardship: TRUE Certification demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility by actively working towards reducing, reusing and diverting waste from landfills.
Cost Savings: Having an effective waste reduction strategy can cut costs. Organizations can reduce waste disposal costs and identify sources to generate revenue through recycling programs.
Improved Reputation: The TRUE Certification is a recognized symbol of an organization's commitment to sustainability, enhancing brand image and attracting environmentally conscious clients and partners.
Employee Engagement: TRUE Certification encourages organizations to implement training programs and awareness campaigns for their staff, creating a more environmentally conscious workplace culture.
Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Achieving TRUE Certification ensures that an organization complies with waste management regulations.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement: TRUE Certification encourages organizations to adopt innovative waste reduction practices and technologies.
Competitive Advantage: Having TRUE Certification provides a competitive edge in today’s marketplace and can open opportunities for environmental focused projects and partnerships.
Market Access and Requirements: TRUE Certification can open the door to contracts with organizations and markets with specific sustainability requirements.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: TRUE Certification involves comprehensive tracking and reporting of waste management metric which helps organizations make informed decisions when improving their sustainability practices.
Networking Opportunities: TRUE Certification connects organizations with a broader network and can lead to collaborative initiatives, shared best practices and access to a community focused on environmental stewardship.
TRUE Certification provides a holistic framework for organizations to integrate sustainable waste management practices into their operations to foster positive environmental, social and economic outcomes.
How Can The Recy Group Help With TRUE Certification?
The Recy Group (TRG) is a full-service recycling company. We provide streamlined waste management and recycling services and have always found innovative solutions to both eliminate waste and save money. We are also a partner of Zero Waste USA.
We keep a pulse on the market rates for recycled goods to maximize rebates to our customers. Most clients save money on their waste management services after making the switch to TRG.
Our new service for clients who want to obtain the TRUE Certification is just an extension of the work that we have always done. We begin with a waste audit and then collaborate with you to maximize your rebates through new recycling processes.
Ready to learn more? Schedule your free waste audit now.
