Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP)

What is a SWMP?

The SWMP is a planning document that must be created prior to the start of construction. It must:

Identify each type of waste expected to be produced during the project.
Estimate the quantity of each type that will be produced.
Identify the planned waste management action proposed for each different type, including on or off-site reuse, on or off-site recycling, or disposal.

During the project, the principal contractor must monitor the plan and update it with details of the waste of each type actually produced, along with the action taken and any removal activity.

Why do I need one?

Under the Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008, from 6th April 2008 every construction project in England, valued at over £300,000 is required to create, monitor, update and finally complete and analyse a Site Waste Management Plan. The SWMP Regulations do not currently apply to any other part of the United Kingdom. The Regulations differ slightly between projects of over £300,000 but less than £500,000, and those over £500,000, primarily in the level of analysis required on completion of the project.

When do I need one?

The initial SWMP needs to be produced before construction starts. It will be necessary to be able to estimate and predict the level of waste of the various types during the course of the project. The SWMP must be maintained and updated during the project, and analysed after completion.

What can CCAS Limited do to help?

CCAS Limited has extensive experience of construction projects and can work with you to:

Design:

Give SWMP presentation to client's project team and advise client on legal responsibilities (Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991).
Obtain design stage estimates and types / quantities of waste from project designers.
Produce SWMP at design stage and document waste predictions for project.
Ensure the principal contractor is aware of his statutory duties and a SWMP is in place prior to any construction works commencing.

Construction:

Carry out audits to ensuring the SWMP is compliant with current legislation and correctly documented by the principal contractor, these audits will be followed up by a formal letter of adequacy to the client.
Carry out investigations on waste carriers to ensure that disposal sites / waste carriers are legally registered as detailed by the Environmental Permitting (EP) Regulations 2008.
Within 3 months of completion of construction, undertaking a final review of the SWMP to ensure that the SWMP meets the requirements of the Regulations.
Obtaining a record copy of the SWMP for incorporation into the CDM Health and Safety File.