A guide to recycling commercial construction waste.
Construction is facing enormous pressure to find ways to conserve and make best use of our increasingly scarce natural materials.
One way to do this is to reuse, reclaim or recycle materials, the major source of which is from demolitions.
In the past, building regulations were confusing. But providing the materials are suitable for their intended purpose, there is no reason why you can't reclaim or recycle them in line with building regulations.
RICS is leading the way with supporting sustainable construction by giving guidance to promote the policy of reuse, reclamation and recycling of waste materials.
Did you know?
30% of materials you purchase can go to waste but you can save much of this by reducing, reclaiming, reusing and recycling.
Why recycle?
Over 70 million tonnes of construction waste are generated each year.
But 60-80% of builders' on site materials are reusable, including:
- Wood, metals, aggregates, glass, plastics, slate, tiles, cardboard
- Fixtures and fittings
- Windows, doors, fixed furniture items
- Other common reusable items, such as site
hoarding materials.
Over 80% of construction materials use natural resources.
Landfill tax is currently £14/t in 2003-04, rising to £15/t in 2004-05.
What can I do?
You can reduce, reuse, recycle and reclaim by:
- Minimising waste generated
- Establishing and creating contacts and networks within industry and local communities
- Setting up networks for exchanging materials with other contractors
- Substituting new and primary materials with appropriate recycled/reusable materials
- Carrying materials over or onto the next project
Encouraging 'conserve' attitudes and discouraging 'throw away' culture
Minimising waste going to landfill sites:
- Saving money on landfill deposit costs
- Saving money on transport costs to landfill
- Reducing pollution impacts of travelling
- Promoting sustainable jobs by encouraging a construction salvage industry
- Reducing the use of primary resources from your waste management contractor or local authority.
What if I transport waste?
You need to be registered as a carrier of controlled waste - otherwise you may commit an offence.
You must register if:
- You transport construction or demolition waste including waste from preparatory work (construction waste includes waste from improvement, repair or alteration)
- You transport waste in the course of your business, or for profit.
Segregate and recycle waste:
- Eliminate or reduce waste occurring at source
- Segregate physical waste then recycle on site, sell it, donate it to a charity - only as a last resort dispose to landfill
- Collaborate with waste companies and salvage firms to develop disposal and collection services
- Put a value on waste items and educate people to understand and contribute to the process.
Who is responsible?
Everyone as individuals has a role to play
Everyone acting in groups can contribute to make an impact.
Where can I get help?
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
12 Great George Street
Parliament Square
London SW1P 3AD
T +44 (0)870 333 1600
contactrics@rics.org
Construction Industry Council
26 Store Street
London WC1E 7BT
The National Federation of Demolition
Contractors Limited
Resurgam House
1A New Road
The Causeway
Staines TW18 3DH
CIRIA
6 Storeys Gate
Westminster
London SW1P 3AU
