By challenging the traditional routes of waste disposal, companies can not only meet their waste objectives, but also improve their social and economic targets for reuse in the community
Waste and waste crime is one of the biggest issues facing the construction industry today. Government has stipulated that 65% of municipal waste and 75% of packaging waste must be recycled by 2030, but with 59% of the total waste generated in the UK coming from the construction industry, how are companies going to meet these targets?
The waste industry has remained unchanged for decades. We will undoubtedly see a significant shift in legislation concerning waste, either through planning or client stakeholders. Regardless of this, we need to be innovators now and look at ways to enhance the agenda around professional waste services. The traditional relationship between waste suppliers and construction needs to be integral in changing behaviours, increasing transparency and leading to greater opportunities for enhanced diversion of these valuable resources. Waste is no longer viewed in the same way it once was; views are changing from leadership downwards and greater understanding is sought - there is now opportunity to do something different.
With waste crime on the rise, the latest government statistics show that construction and demolition waste is the biggest contributor to illegal waste disposal. This is because there isn’t an adequate solution to help companies manage their waste effectively and responsibly.
Companies need to have complete transparency of their waste; how much and what waste they are producing and where they are disposing of it.
Waste has to be reduced; there is no escaping the fact and it has to be actioned now to ensure we build a sustainable future. Bodies governing and advising on construction waste are increasingly focused on the potential to reuse, recycle and reprocess materials coming from construction sites. It is no longer acceptable for waste suppliers to be the beneficiaries for these downstream opportunities. This must be driven by client organisations.
The government is fully aware of the issues and is also driving the need for waste reduction with the introduction of the Environment Agenda. We are committed to working with all companies to help them achieve this.
We have recently developed Project Divert, which is a web-based application to help construction sites donate recycled materials to local social enterprises, charities and schools. As client expectations regarding zero waste to landfill (100% diversion) grow, so the waste supply chain needs to evolve.
By challenging the traditional routes of waste disposal, companies can not only meet their waste objectives, but also improve their social and economic targets for reuse in the community.
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