What are Site Waste Management Plans?
They are the result of government legislation to encourage a reduction in the amount of waste produced on construction sites. The plans are made up of structured criteria which enable waste producers to consider how they produce and manage waste.
Who will the SWMP proposals affect?
- anyone planning a construction project costing more than £250,000
- any construction project clients or architects that produce, manage or dispose of waste
- suppliers to the construction industry
- environmental regulators, ie local authorities and the Environment Agency
- anyone using a best-practice approach to site operation
What is the Purpose of a Site Waste Management Plan?
SWMPs are intended to change the construction industry’s attitude to waste by raising the profile of waste planning. By creating a list of criteria to consider when operating a construction site, the SWMP’s should encourage:
- greater resource efficiency in the construction sector
- improved re-use and recycling rates
- a reduction in fly-tipping
- a reduction in site accidents
Contents of a SWMP
The compulsory elements of a SWMP are:
- to identify the different types of waste that will be produced by the project
- to identify any changes in the design and materials specification of the project that seek to minimise this waste
- to consider how to re-use, recycle or recover the different wastes produced by the project
- to require the construction company to demonstrate that it is complying with the duty of care regime
- record the quantities and types of waste produced
Key Elements of the SWMP Process
- Responsibility for writing and implementing the SWMP will go to one person – usually the main contractor
- There will be two levels of SWMP – standard and detailed.
- The standard SWMP will be for projects costing between £250,000 and £500,000. The detailed SWMP will be for projects costing more than £500,000 and will require more detailed reporting.
- Local authorities and the Environment Agency will enforce SWMPs and they will impose penalties for failure to make, keep or produce a SWMP.
- The government will issue guidance when the SWMP regulations come into force.
Implementation
SWMP’s will be enforced from April 2008
More Information
For more information, please contact Countrywide Waste Management on 0800 542 0007 or click on the link below:
Please click on the link below for more information
www.netregs-swmp.co.uk