Construction waste down

Construction and demolition waste has seen a significant decrease in the amount sent to landfill, according to a new report.


Figures have been released by WRAP in its Signatory Report 2011.

The figures come from 32 construction contractors who have signed up to a deal coordinated by WRAP; Halving Waste to Landfill Commitment.

Signatories are encouraged to register their baseline and targets within WRAP’s Waste to Landfill Reporting Portal.

The 32 construction contractors monitored and reported their annual performance for construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste.

Among them are some of the UK’s largest contractors and represent a total construction annual spend in excess of £21 billion over the reporting period.

The combined figures for the 32 companies show an absolute decrease of 28% in the CD&E waste sent to landfill between 2008 and 2009. This constitutes a cut from 3.1 million tonnes in 2008 to 2.2 million tonnes by year end 2009.

The data also showed that the companies had less waste arising relative to construction spend, indicating that the companies are taking action to prevent waste production.

WRAP CEO, Dr Liz Goodwin, said, “Today’s Halving Waste to Landfill figures are just the beginning and give me confidence that industry is working hard and well on track to deliver the target by 2012.

“In just over two years the Halving Waste to Landfill Commitment has gone from zero to influencing nearly £38 billion worth of construction projects.

“This demonstrates that the commitment requirements are being embedded within industry and this is delivering great results for business and the environment.”

Currently there are 602 signatories to the Commitment with 280 registered to use the WRAP Waste to Landfill Reporting Portal.

Alison Brown

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