Operational Waste Audits for BREEAM Wst03 and Circular Economy Statements
Operational Waste Audits (OWAs) help developers, architects and planning consultants understand the types and volumes of waste that will be generated once a development becomes operational. They support BREEAM Wst03 compliance, inform waste storage design, assist local authority reviews and contribute towards Circular Economy Statements and sustainable waste management strategies.
What is BREEAM Wst03?
BREEAM Wst03 focuses on operational waste generated during the occupation of a building. The credit encourages projects to design appropriate waste storage and collection facilities that support waste reduction, reuse and recycling throughout the building’s operational life.
What Are Operational Waste Audits?
Simply put, they are an assessment of the expected types and volumes arising from a development. They are important tools in helping Local Authorities identify the waste collection requirements of new developments and assess the impact on existing waste management services.
An OWA is a systematic review of all waste that is generated within a commercial or residential setting. It gives occupants a clear idea of what they are throwing out, how much, and what common contaminants people are producing. It helps determine how effective a waste management system already is and identify areas for implementing new strategies.
Using data from DEFRA and the BRE, OWAs can be used to:
> Predict the types and volume of waste expected to be produced.
> Identify cost effective means of storage and recycling on site.
> Identify local Waste Contractors.
> Inform the design of waste storage locations within the development.
Waste Storage Design and Planning
Operational Waste Audits help determine:
- Bin storage requirements
- Waste collection arrangements
- Recycling storage provision
- Food waste storage
- Commercial waste facilities
- Residential waste facilities
- Accessibility requirements
Why Are OWAs Needed?
Local Authorities can also use OWAs to inform decisions around waste management and ensure that sufficient bins are provided to occupants and that waste collections are adequately provided.
They are also a key requirement within Circular Economy Statements in accordance with the 2022 London Plan:
An operational waste management (OWM) plan should be submitted in the written report/appendix to CE statements to demonstrate that the proposed development will: achieve the relevant targets (depending on the operational activity) set out in London Plan Policy SI 7; 30 and include shared, adequate, flexible, and easily accessible storage space and collection systems, as required by London Plan policies D3, SI 7 and D6. Applicants should also note that both the 65 per cent municipal waste recycling target by 2030 (as required in London Plan Policy SI 7 and London Environment Strategy Policy 7.2.2) and 75 per cent minimum target for business waste recycling by 2030 (as required by London Environment Strategy Policy 7.2.2) may apply depending on the nature of the operations of the building. [1]
[1] London Plan Guidance: Circular Economy Statements 2022
Operational Waste Audits and Circular Economy Statements
Operational Waste Audits are frequently required as part of Circular Economy Statements, particularly for developments within London.
They help demonstrate:
- Waste reduction measures
- Recycling targets
- Waste storage provisions
- Resource efficiency objectives
- Compliance with relevant planning policies
Developments That May Require Operational Waste Audits
OWAs are commonly prepared for:
- Residential developments
- Build-to-rent schemes
- Student accommodation
- Offices
- Mixed-use developments
- Retail developments
- Industrial facilities
- Educational buildings
Benefits of an Operational Waste Audit
An Operational Waste Audit can:
- Support planning applications
- Assist BREEAM compliance
- Improve waste management performance
- Reduce operational waste costs
- Improve recycling rates
- Inform waste storage design
- Support Circular Economy Statements
How Can WPSCC Help?
At WPSCC we are experts in waste. Our OWAs are produced using data from DEFRA and the BRE and comply with the BRE’s standard for Wst 03 (operational waste) credits. We also work to the UK Government’s Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice (2018) and the Waste Hierarchy defined within to maximise the opportunities for recycling of wastes from developments.
WPS has extensive experience producing Operational Waste Audits across residential, commercial and mixed-use developments throughout the UK. Our reports utilise recognised data sources including DEFRA and BRE methodologies to ensure robust and compliant assessments.
> Our goal is to help you to achieve your goals with our flexibility of service offerings and delivery
> We will do our job without hindering you from doing yours’
> WPSCC has the privilege of consistently working with many exciting clients and will continue to develop and diversify to ensure its ever changing client needs are satisfied to the highest standards possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Operational Waste Audit?
An Operational Waste Audit assesses the types and quantities of waste expected to be generated once a development is occupied.
When is an Operational Waste Audit required?
Operational Waste Audits are commonly required for BREEAM Wst03 compliance, planning submissions and Circular Economy Statements.
What information does an OWA provide?
The audit identifies waste streams, expected waste volumes, storage requirements and collection arrangements.
Are Operational Waste Audits required in London?
Many developments in London require operational waste information as part of Circular Economy Statements and planning submissions.
Can WPS prepare an Operational Waste Audit?
Yes. WPS prepares Operational Waste Audits for a wide range of developments across the UK.