Construction site waste-management plans to be voluntary

Businesses to adopt site-waste management plans as a voluntary code of practice in Wales

DUE to the high recycling rates already achieved, the construction and demolition sectors do not need compulsory site waste management plans to improve the way they manage waste, John Griffiths (pictured), culture and sport minister for Natural Resources, has announced.  

Last year the Welsh Government launched a consultation on site waste-management plans which included a proposal for regulations to require developers, builders and contractors to consider how to prevent, minimize and recycle waste when planning a new construction or demolition project.  

The majority of consultation responses were supportive of proposals for site waste management plans for large works, although there were mixed views on the impact on smaller firms, enforcing the plans and fees.

Mr Griffiths said: ‘Recent studies estimate that the 87% of construction and demolition waste is recycled, prepared for re-use or recovered for use elsewhere. Our target is for the industry to achieve 90% by 2019/20, so the sector is on track and I congratulate them for their efforts so far.

‘I am keen to support businesses and the industry has already demonstrated that it can achieve high recycling rates. With this in mind, I intend to adopt site waste management plans as a voluntary code of practice in Wales, to be accompanied by best practice guidance.

‘The code and guidance will be developed with the industry, focusing on preventing waste, preparation for re-use as well as recycling for businesses, and to ensure it is practical, effective and meets the needs of the industry.’