Site Waste Management Plans - Defra Consultation

5th June 2007

You may already be aware that from April 2008 the Government intend to make Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) mandatory for all construction projects over £250k in value in an attempt to reduce waste crime and reduce the environmental impact of construction waste. See the end of the email for a brief description of SWMPs.

You can find out more about SWMPs in the attached document or follow this link:
https://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/legislation/380525/1555007/?version=1&lang=_e

DEFRA have recently issued a consultation document on Site Waste Management Plans and are looking for responses to specific questions that are asked in the body of the consultation document. You can find the consultation at:
https://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/construction-sitewaste/index.htm

The EAUC would like to provide a co-ordinated response on this consultation to Defra to maintain our profile with Government and ensure your voice is heard. To do this we ask that you respond to these 5 key questions.

1. If you agree that regulation is necessary or desirable, what is the minimum value above which a SWMP should apply? Should further information be required for higher value projects? (Q2 & Q11).
2. Does the proposed definition of construction capture the full range of construction work to which SWMPs should apply? Should any of these activities be excluded or new ones included and, if so, why? (Q9)
3. What level of detail should be required in a SWMP? Is the level of detail proposed about right or would it be helpful to record other information? Is any of the information unnecessary? (Q3, 13 & 14)
4. Who is best placed to write and implement a SWMP? (Q16)
5. Are there any other ways to encourage awareness of SWMPs and how should they be used? (may be we should ask this question for HEIs rather than trying to think about the construction industry & follows on from your request for help in putting together the SWMP seminars)

Please send your comments and answers to theses specific questions to Neil Smith (nfs@soton.ac.uk) by Friday 22nd June. Neil will then compile a response to Defra by the deadline of 9th July 2007. The consultation response will be posted on the EAUC website soon.

The EAUC is planning a staff development event on the 16th October on SWMP’s at the University of Newcastle and this will include sector case studies to present how some colleagues are responding. If you would like to contribute to this event, please get in touch with the EAUC office at info@eauc.org.uk

In Brief, an SWMP should:

i) identify the different types of waste that will be produced by the project, and note any changes in the design and materials specification that seek to minimise this waste
Ii) consider how to re-use, recycle or recover the different wastes produced by the project
Iii) require the construction company to demonstrate that it is complying with the duty of care regime record the quantities of waste produced.

Powers were included in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 for regulations requiring a site waste management plan (SWMP) for works involving construction or demolition waste. Following the voluntary code of practice launched by DTI in 2004, Defra has developed proposals for compulsory site waste management plans in England.

As clients, it will be the responsibility of HE/FE institutions to ensure that the Principal Contractor for a project nominates an appropriate person to draw up and implement the SWMP. Basic information is required on projects over £250k with additional detailed information being required for larger projects over £500k. Local Authorities and the Environment Agency will enforce the regulations with a maximum fine of £5,000 or even imprisonment for non-compliance.