January 17, 2025

What is a site waste management plan?

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.

A SWMP includes:

Details of the client, principal contractor, writer, site location and estimated project cost
Waste minimization decisions taken
Waste type and quantity forecasts
Proposed waste management actions
Declaration that all waste produced on site is dealt with according to DoC.

Who can use SWMP?

SWMP can be used in all construction sites, and it has become an important part of sustainable construction management. The client and principal contractor work on it together with input from the project team.

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.

Additional benefits of SWMP include:

Increased Efficiency – Clear waste disposal steps reduce indecisiveness and streamline the construction process.
Enhanced Profitability – Cost-efficient recycling reduces disposal costs, increasing overall project profitability.
Environmental Awareness – Promotes recycling and reduces environmental impact.
Legal Compliance – Avoids fines and project disruptions by adhering to legal requirements.
Improved reputation and community relations – Demonstrating an active commitment to responsible waste management and recycling practices can enhance your reputation as an environmentally conscious builder and foster better community relations.

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.

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 BREEAM needs.