Waste minimisation: sustainable solutions

What should be the priorities for reducing waste?

• According to Government policy and sustainability principles, the following waste hierarchy should be followed (with priority given to actions at the top):
• Reduce waste at source.
• Reuse rather than discard.
• Recycle and/or compost.
• Recover energy through incineration or methane extraction.
• Dispose without recovery.

How can waste be minimised or utilised effectively during construction projects?

• Design and specify in order to minimise wastage of materials, (e.g. use of prefabricated units) and ensure accurate control of ordering systems.
• Consider re-using or refurbishing existing buildings on site.
• Audit materials on site and assess the extent to which they could be put to good use in the new development.
• Consider durability of new materials and how they might be reused or recycled in the future (see Building Design & Specification).
• Minimise damage or loss during storage through weatherproof covering of materials.
• Separate out waste on site to facilitate recycling.
• Arrange for return delivery of packaging materials (such as pallets) to suppliers.
• Check the skip/ waste container regularly to ensure that materials are not being thrown away unnecessarily.
• Avoid burning surplus (often polluting) materials on construction sites.
• Reuse excavated soil or rubble on site to assist with screening / landscaping.

What are the opportunities for using recycled materials in construction? 

Give preference to: 

• Products that contain a high content of recycled materials e.g. loft insulation made from waste paper.

• Locally reclaimed aggregates e.g. crushed brick, glass or concrete used as a sub-base for paths, driveways, car parks etc. 20% represents good practice.

• Re-manufactured plastic products, many of which are made from recycled plastic, including timber substitute, street furniture and cladding boards.

• Reconditioned components which are increasingly available and range from complete steel buildings to pieces of electrical equipment.

What steps should be taken to ensure provision of sufficient facilities for recycling?

• Set aside space for a recycling centre if there are none nearby. There may be opportunities for sharing facilities with other existing or planned developments.
• Liaise with the Waste Management team at the City or County Councils or with district authorities.
• Provide sufficient space for recycling bins to allow separate storage of paper, cans, organic waste, glass and plastics, both within the property and at any kerbside collection points.
• Ensure that waste bins are carefully sited to aid collection and ease of use.

How can householders/businesses reduce their waste stream further through good design and management practices?

• Separate as many recyclable wastes as possible into containers.
• Purchase locally produced products with minimal packaging and use more durable products.
• Arrange for bulk purchasing through a number of households or businesses.
• Invest in composting bins, allowing sufficient external space.
• Be aware of charity/community recycling networks which can provide door-to-door or kerbside collection of materials/clothes, often where local authority services do not yet operate.