Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP)
A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) is used to plan, implement, monitor and review waste minimization and management in construction and demolition sites.
SWMP helps to describe the procedures by which wastes will be handled and lists the methods needed to minimize waste, responsibly manage produced waste, measure quantities and costs of waste produced and, finally, on review, provide lessons to advance the future phases.
SWMPs are designed with keeping the Duty of Care (DoC) regulations in mind and therefore, ensures that DoC obligations are met during each phase of development of the site.
SWMP is prepared by the client, the client’s principal contractor and the site consultant (if employed) and they have the responsibility of making sure that it is carried out in a proper manner.
Why do I need a SWMP?
It is a requirement for obtaining the Wst 01 BREEAM credit and as conditions for planning operations. SWMP satisfies both Wst 01.1 Construction Resource Efficiency and Wst 01.2 Diversion from Landfill.
Are they still required?
Under the 2008 regulations, all construction projects in England worth over £300,000 were required to have a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) in place before a project could begin. These applied to all aspects of construction work including preparatory work such as demolition and excavation as well as for civil engineering and engineering projects, maintenance, alteration and decoration of existing structures. The plan would have to include details of what kind of waste the site produces; how the waste is disposed of; a waste carrier registration number; and details of the environmental permit or exemption number of where waste from the site is being sent to.
Instead, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is hoping that businesses will use the SWMPs on a voluntary basis as ‘flexible resource efficiency tools’, rather than as an ‘inflexible piece of legislation’. Therefore, an announcement was made stating that from 1st December 2013, construction businesses in England no longer are legally obliged to produce Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) for building projects. However, some projects will still require SWMPs to comply with the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification which is used to assess the sustainability of buildings. Moreover, SWMPs are good practise due to the following benefits:
- Environmental protection – a SWMP helps mitigate the environmental impact of construction and demolition, conserving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Protection of valuable resources – having a plan reduces the need to extract more resources through efficient recycling and reusing.
- Cost savings – a site waste management plan minimises waste disposal costs by reducing waste, reusing materials and recycling initiatives.
- Improved efficiency – planning for waste management in advance streamlines processes, reduces material surplus and delays caused by waste handling and disposal issues.
- Legal compliance – having a site waste management plan ensures that construction firms and clients comply with relevant regulations and standards, thereby reducing the risk of fines, penalties and legal liabilities associated with potentially illegal waste management practices.
- Marketing opportunities – demonstrating a commitment to sustainable construction practices through the implementation of a SWMP can improve the reputation of construction firms, attract environmentally-conscious clients and differentiate themselves from direct competitors.
- Risk control – proper waste management practices outlined in a SWMP reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and health hazards associated with poor waste handling, promoting a safer work environment for workers and stakeholders.
How Can WPSCC Help?
Here at WPSCC, we are experts in waste. Using our exclusive, self-developed site resource management software, SitePlan, we have been producing SWMPs/SRMPs for more than a decade. With a range of cost-effective, flexible process options available, we can always find a methodology to suit your individual needs.
We offer a choice of methodologies:
- Full Management – We do everything!! We will collect data monthly, compile waste and delivery notes, carry out all the Duty of Care obligations and more. We will also wrap everything up at project end (Review) and provide you with all you need to satisfy the BREEAM requirements.
- Partial Management – A hybrid partnership between us and you, we will manage aspects of the SWMP/ SRMP, whilst you handle others.
- SitePlan – We set you up and provide training on SitePlan, and off you go. Flexible, cost-effective Plans are available, either on a project-by-project basis, or as an annual licence fee.
References
What a site waste management plan should contain | nibusinessinfo.co.uk
The Growing Trend of Site Waste Management Plans
Site waste management plan | What is a site waste management plan
Microsoft Word – The_Site_Waste_Management_Plans_Regulations_2008.doc
B3.10.11 Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP)
Barker Consultants – The Repeal of the Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008
Site Waste Management Plan regulations no longer an obligation
