One of the major byproducts of construction is construction waste which includes demolition debris, excess soil, packaging, extra materials, etc. Inefficient waste management practices on construction sites can lead to increased project costs, delays, and negative environmental impacts, such as increased landfill usage and resource wastage. As construction industry professionals are increasingly aware of the environmental and cost implications of poor waste management, there is a growing need for practical solutions and strategies to minimise waste generation, promote recycling, and streamline rubbish disposal on construction sites.
What are the major sources of waste in construction?
It is estimated that about 30% of materials arriving on a construction site end up as waste. More than 90% of construction debris comes from demolition activities, whether it’s a building, road or other structure. According to a 2018 EPA report, construction and demolition waste is comprised of the following materials:
- 5% concrete
- 8% asphalt concrete
- 8% wood
- 5% asphalt shingles
- 5% drywall and plasters
- 0% brick and clay tile
- Less than 1% steel
Why is waste management important in construction?
The importance of construction waste management is multifaceted. On the one hand, there is the environmental impact that waste can have, whatever the means of disposal.
On the other hand, there is the health and safety of the workers on-site to consider. Above those, there is the law and the hefty fines that are applicable if it isn’t followed.
Let’s break down those three sections and investigate the most crucial aspects of each.
Environmental
Construction sites have a massive impact on the environment. The waste that goes to landfill breaks down to CO2 and methane which greatly contributes to global warming. This is why there is a push to limit the amount of waste that is sent to landfill.
Construction is a unique industry such that many of the waste materials can be repurposed. For example, wood can be processed into mulch, fuel or composite boarding, brick can be turned into sand or gravel, and concrete can be broken up into aggregate for new concrete.
Health and Safety
Thousands of construction workers are injured every year by slipping or tripping runs into the thousands, with a huge number resulting in broken bones or dislocations. Most of these could be avoided through the simple measure of ensuring the site is free of rubbish. Also, workers can work more efficiently when the site is free of rubbish.
Legislation
The laws surrounding construction waste are numerous and can incur hefty fines if not adhered to. For example, if asbestos is removed without a license and without informing local authorities, you can even go to prison.
Why WPSCC For Waste?
WPSCC was founded to specialise in Construction Waste Management following the introduction of the Site Waste Management Plan regulations in 2008, therefore it was an obvious progression to apply our knowledge and experience to achieving the BREEAM credits for Waste Management. In 2012 Lara (our M.D.) was awarded Outstanding Woman in Construction for her achievement in Diverting Waste from Landfill!
What Is the WPSCC Process?
Each month we collect the data using the most efficient methodology for your project, e.g. this could be transparent by obtaining data directly from your Waste Contractor (possibly via their portal). We then update the SWMP/SRMP using SitePlan and issue an updated copy of the Plan so that your Site / Project manager always has the most up to date revision. If you are maintaining a hard copy folder on site, we will guide you as to which page numbers to replace.
At the end of the project, we will complete the Review process and produce a Final copy of the Plan for the BREEAM Assessor.
What Is SitePlan?
SitePlan is WPSCC’s online compliance tool for producing comprehensive, compliant SWMPs / SRMPs. Originally known as WastePlan when developed, to ensure clients’ SWMPs were compliant with regulatory requirements, it has been continuously enhanced and developed to maintain compliance for BREEAM accreditation.
The Waste Duty of Care regulations are automatically satisfied, and BREEAM Waste credits are calculated dynamically. It has been designed to be quick and easy to use with some great data entry time saving processes.
It will save you both time and money when used and the pricing is totally flexible – buy a licence for 1 project only, or for several projects during a year and all whilst giving you 24/7 access to all your information.
How Can WPSCC Help?
Whether you are working towards BREEAM 2014 or BREEAM 2018, we can help you achieve the credits you require. Managing the process and liaising with the Assessor can save you both time and stress. We start by analysing the credits selected by the Assessor to ensure the most cost-effective solution is selected and then ensure all the required evidence is collected and collated in the format required by the Assessor. Whether you are required to achieve “Good”, “Very Good” or “Excellent”, WPSCC can help ease you through the process to achieve the required credits.
References
What Is Construction Waste Management? – PlanHub
Why is Construction Waste Management Important? | Clear it Waste
