Introduction
A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) is used to plan, implement, monitor and review waste minimization and management in construction and demolition sites.
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.
A SWMP includes:
- details of the client, principal contractor (if any) and person who designed the SWMP
- location of the proposed construction work and its cost
- any decisions that were made regarding the minimization of quantity of waste produced
- each waste type expected to be produced during the project and their quantity
- the waste management action proposed for each different waste type, including re-using, recycling, recovery and disposal
- a declaration that the client and the principal contractor (if any) will take all reasonable steps to ensure that all waste from the site is dealt with in accordance with the waste duty of care in section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 and that all waste materials will be handled efficiently and managed appropriately
When is a SWMP required?
The initial SWMP needs to be produced before construction starts as it will be necessary to estimate and predict the level of waste of various types during the project.
The SWMP must be regularly maintained and updated during the project and analysed after completion.
The main focus is to uphold the Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice, under Section 34 of the 1990 Environmental Protection Act, and raise awareness of the many benefits a SWMP has to offer. The Code applies to ‘anyone dealing with waste to keep it safe, make sure it’s dealt with responsibly and only given to businesses authorised to take it’. The code aims to ensure all parties involved take all responsible measures to meet their duty of care with regards to site waste management. Failure to comply can result in prosecution and, on conviction, a fine and a resulting criminal record.
How does a SWMP work?
- Waste auditing and analysis – A typical SWMP begins with the auditing of a site to confirm the streams of waste expected to be generated during the project. This involves someone attending a site to identify the sources of waste being generated and confirming a full list of existing and potential waste streams.
- Waste analysis and strategy planning – Once the auditing of the waste has taken place, a planned strategy will be agreed with a set number of goals which involves preventing waste generation and applying the first step of the waste hierarchy.
- Prioritising waste segregation – Prioritising segregation of a site’s waste streams is crucial for both their recycling and disposal methods. As part of a tailored SWMP, it will specify how waste should be segregated on site and provide guidance on how to store it safely and efficiently until collection.
- Monitoring and reporting through site officers – Throughout the duration of the site’s project, progress in the overall waste management will be monitored and documented regularly by a team of site officers. Using the data collected, reports will be generated to track performance against waste generation, recycling rates, and carbon reduction.
Why is a SWMP important?
- It increases the overall sustainability efforts of the site
- Reduce costs
- Ensure compliance against the latest legislations
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.
- 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.
Our award-winning team are on hand to offer support for your project throughout, and are driven to constantly learn and innovate, bringing a uniquely tailored, flexible, and dynamic solution for your needs.
References
Microsoft Word – The_Site_Waste_Management_Plans_Regulations_2008.doc
Site waste management plan | What is a site waste management plan
