Brighton makes a head start on waste management

Brighton and Hove city council will be one of the first to start working with local builders on the new government regulations for recycling construction and demolition waste.


From 15 November construction businesses will have to have Site Waste Management Plans in place for developments over £300,000. Failure to do so could result in a fine or prosecution.

The Site Waste Management Plans Regulation (SWMP) 2008 was introduced on 6 April 2008. As a result it is now a legal requirement for all construction projects in England over £300,000 to have a SWMP, with a more detailed plan required for projects over £500,000. Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales are not covered by the regulation.

Under the plan, the client (such as a local authority) is jointly responsible with their principal contractor to ensure the rules are met. The SWMP provides a framework for forecasting, measuring and reporting Construction, Demolition and Excavation (CD&E) Waste and are being promoted as an example of best practice in the construction industry.

Brighton and Hove council has been working with the South East Centre for the Built Environment (SECBE) to provide free training on the Site Waste Management Plans to those in the industry. Council officers are also visiting construction sites to advise and assist contractors on how to comply with the regulations.

The area produces a total of 1.2 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste each year, enough to fill 120,000 skips.

Brighton and Hove city council leader, Mary Mears said: “We’ve been working with local construction firms and making sure they are aware of the new regulations. The more construction waste they can re-use or recycle, the cheaper it becomes as landfill tax reduces and the more they can save on costs of new materials.

“Companies with management plans already in place can make a significant saving on their development costs. Our programme of training has been well received and we will continue to provide support and advice to businesses so that they are well informed.”

Alison Brown

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe