EHS Intern (Waste Recycling)

Job description

About the role As an EHS Intern (Waste Recycling) at our Turnhout facility, you will play a central role in driving environmental sustainability and operational excellence. In this position, you will be responsible for coordinating and moderating our roadmap project focused on waste improvement, rerouting, and waste prevention, with a dedicated emphasis on shifting disposal pathways toward high-value recycling streams.

You will also lead comprehensive waste mapping efforts to establish full end-to-end traceability from waste origin through to final disposal and processing. You will not work on a waste island; instead, you will actively connect with our broader network, partnering closely with other Avery Dennison sites, regional sustainability teams, Enterprise Lean Sigma (ELS) teams, and external waste recyclers, participating in frequent touchpoints to track progress and proactively address opportunities, challenges, and threats.

This internship is scheduled to start on January/February for a duration of 3-6 months. The role requires a minimum commitment of 3-4 days per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day per week.

Key Responsibilities

This is a hybrid position requiring on-site presence at our Turnhout facility. Coordinate and moderate the end-to-end site OGSM project dedicated to waste improvement, reduction, and prevention. Drive the rerouting of waste streams with a strong operational focus on diverting materials away from general disposal and toward recycling solutions. Conduct comprehensive waste mapping to establish complete traceability from waste generation points to ultimate disposal and recycling processing.

Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (including site operations, ELS, and sustainability networks across other Avery Dennison sites) as well as external waste recycling partners. Organize and participate in regular touchpoints to monitor project milestones, evaluate progress, and proactively identify opportunities, risks, and challenges.

Qualifications

Required

Currently enrolled in a relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree program (e.g., Environmental Health & Safety, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Chemical/Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline). Strong analytical mindset with the ability to map complex processes, analyze operational data, and establish traceability systems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English to coordinate cross-functional initiatives and engage with diverse teams.

Skills you need to succeed

Proactive project management abilities with strong organizational skills to track deliverables, identify roadblocks, and maintain momentum on key initiatives. A collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills to connect effectively with internal operational networks and external partners.