Date of article: 08/10/2007
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Responses published today to a government consultation will feed into Defra's preperation of new regulations to be introduced in England 2008, which focus on cutting waste on construction sites in England and Wales.
The consultation introduced the idea of legally binding site waste management plans SWMPs) to reduce illegal waste disposal and improve efficiency, which 75% of respondents supported the idea of.
SWMPs aim to reduce the quantity of materials used and to encourage reuse and recycling, as well as environmentally sustainable disposal where necessary. Around 13% of all the solid materials delivered to construction sites goes unused, and up to one third ends up in landfill.
During construction, the plans would be updated to record what actually happens to the waste, including the legitimate disposal of materials that cannot be reused or recycled. This audit trail would reduce the potential for fly-tipping and increase the accountability of contractors.
Commenting on response to the consultation, the Minister for Waste, Joan Ruddock, said:
"The government is determined to drive down waste production and increase recycling and reuse. It is very good to have the backing of the industry as we move towards new regulations."
The issues addressed in the consultation included whether to make SWMPs a statutory requirement or to continue the existing voluntary approach, the minimum level at which a project should require a SWMP, the level of detail they should offer, and how the SWMP can improve resources efficiency.
Responses to the consultation were mixed on the criteria and the threshold to be used in setting minimum requirements for SWMPs.
Project value was generally felt to be most practical approach to setting criteria and Defra will now do further analysis of the costs and benefits for different types of construction activity to inform decision-making on the threshold level.
Once the regulations are finalised, Defra will produce guidance to help businesses prepare for and implement them.
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