Introduction to site waste management plans

You should assign someone to collect relevant construction waste data as part of your site waste management plan (SWMP). This information can then help you identify whether any targets you set are likely to be met and what actions, if any, need to be taken.

Site waste management plan data collection

You can collect different types of data on the waste generated from the construction project, including:

• the type and quantity of waste generated on site
• the proportion that is separated
• reuse rates on and off site, recycling rates and diversion of waste from landfill
• the proportion of different materials wasted
• costs and savings
• movements of waste
• sources of waste
• a waste profile over the course of the project
• volumes of damaged materials

Your waste management contractor can provide at least some of this waste data, especially if this service is written into the contract.

On-site contractors can use their own systems to record the type and amount of waste generated - usually in volume. Contractors can also analyse the information on waste transfer notes.

Site waste management plan data analysis, benchmarking and setting targets

By analysing your data, you can:

• provide feedback to site workers, clients, designers and other members of the project team
• monitor the site's performance in minimising waste
• set realistic targets within the SWMP - these should also be reviewed regularly
• provide information for corporate reports

It is also useful to compare the actual amount of waste arising and the associated costs with the predicted values. This will help you set waste reduction targets in the future.

Site waste management plan key performance indicators (KPIs)

KPIs can be used to compare performance across sites, business-wide, against previous projects and against national averages.

You can read more about KPIs in how to set environmental performance targets.