Use resources efficiently in construction and building trades

Being proactive in finding ways to eliminate waste can save you money as well as reduce your environmental impact. You could:

• work out your own ways of eliminating waste from your work, for example by using leftover materials from one job on the next one - this is usually cheaper than having to dispose of waste and is better for the environment
• look for the shortest cabling route whenever possible - making sure you comply with wiring regulations
• recover and reuse lengths of wiring and cabling during and between projects
• avoid over-ordering, as this increases waste
• reduce your packaging, which can be a significant source of waste - see how to reduce packaging waste on your construction site
• recycle where you cannot eliminate or reduce waste - redundant cabling may be viewed as a valuable commodity by recycling businesses
• reuse or recycle cable drums - some organisations are prepared to pay for used pallets and drums and this will save you money and space in skips
• think about the types of waste you produce and whether you need to deal with them as hazardous waste - for example fluorescent tubes
• take steps to protect completed work so others cannot damage it
• work efficiently - for example reduce tails to a minimum and don't install more lights and sockets than are needed
• find out how much recycled content there is in the materials you use and trial those with a higher recycled content - for example plastic cable trunking
• encourage the use of low-energy lighting
• keep stores secure, dry and organised - bad storage can result in damage and waste
• make sure customers know how best to use what you have installed - leave manuals and clear maintenance instructions
• work with your supply chain to purchase sustainable materials from local suppliers

Make sure you comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. You should store and deal with WEEE separately from other waste. This includes power tools, mobile phones, CCTV and alarm systems, computers and microwaves (but not the fabric of the building, such as lifts).

You must help to ensure that your waste is properly dealt with - see duty of care for business waste.