Waste management is a critical part of overseeing a construction site.
Not only is proper waste management key to keeping your operations well-organised, but it is also a core component of health and safety, and legal compliance.
Below, our waste management experts have shared their guidance for managing waste on a construction site or demolition site, including the length of time that waste can legally be left on your site.
Waste management best practices
The regulations and guidance outlined by HSE all stress the importance of maintaining good order and management of waste. This is key to minimising the risk of trips and other fall-related injuries.
With that in mind, best practice tips for managing and storing waste on site include:
- Keeping your waste correctly stored, in designated, clearly signposted areas (more on correct storage below)
- Ensure that your waste management measures (including waste disposal) are clearly detailed in your Construction Phase Plan
- Create designated storage areas for hazardous or higher risk waste types (including flammable or hazardous waste).
- Ensure pedestrian routes and emergency access points are always kept clear
- Store any flammable waste away from all sources of ignition (including any potential sources of an accidental fire)
Correct waste management and storage – By waste type
General waste (non-hazardous)
For general waste, there is no maximum legal time limit for storing general waste on site.
However, the site manager is responsible for the secure storage of general waste. This includes its routine removal and safe disposal.
If general waste is stored on site for long periods of time, then you may need to secure a waste management licence. Furthermore, if it is insufficiently stored (for example, it is exposed to wind and rain) then you may face penalties for poor waste management.
Hazardous or Special Waste
For any hazardous or special waste, however, there are stricter regulations in place.
Site managers must separate this waste from general waste, and ensure that it is stored safely and securely. Thai means storing the waste in sealed and labelled waterproof containers.
Hazardous and special waste also comes with a strict time limit: these waste types cannot be stored on site for more than 12 months.
Common examples of hazardous and special waste include:
- WEEE waste
- Chemicals
- Aerosols and pressurised containers
- Contaminated soils
- Batteries
- Fluorescent tubes and light fittings
- Asbestos
- Insulation materials
- Paints and solvents
- Adhesives
Transporting waste off-site
When it comes to transporting waste away from your site, this process must be completed by a registered waste carrier.
Only work with trusted, registered waste carriers. That way, you can ensure that your site waste is being managed and disposed of in a secure, compliant, safe and responsible way.
Furthermore, for all general waste that is collected and disposed of, a Waste Transfer Note should be completed. We then recommend that you keep this record for at least 2 years.
For hazardous waste, you should complete a Consignment Note. Then, you should keep this record for at least 3 years. You may be requested to present this documentation, in order to demonstrate your legal compliance and suitable waste management practices.
At EnviroCraft, we are construction waste management professionals, trusted by construction and demolition sites across the country.
We specialise in safe and efficient removal of waste, including hazardous construction waste and complex waste types, such as WEEE recycling. To learn more about how we can support your operations, speak to a member of our team today.
The post How Long can Waste be left on a Construction Site? appeared first on EnviroCraft Waste Solutions.
