Site Waste and Resource Management Plans

Why do I need a Site Waste or Resource Management Plan?

Every business in the UK has a duty of care that they must abide by when disposing of commercial waste. Therefore, anyone who produces, imports, keeps, stores, transports, treats or disposes of waste must take all reasonable steps to ensure proper waste management.

The Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) regulations were revoked in December 2013, therefore these are not legally required. However, whilst these regulations no longer apply, a SWMP, also known as a Resource Management Plan (RMP) is required under BREEAM Wst01, Local Authority planning requirements and in conforming to section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which lays out the duty of care individuals and businesses have when disposing of waste, alongside the steps they should take to ensure it is disposed of properly.


What does a SWMP or a RMP include?

Working in accordance with the principles of the Site Waste Management Plan Regulations 2008, Revive Audits will prepare a SWMP or RMP, enabling the Principal Contractor to demonstrate how waste generated during the construction project will be minimised and controlled to reduce waste impacts during construction.

The SWMP should:

  • Ensure all waste materials are considered at each stage of the proposed scheme and that all waste streams are dealt with appropriately and as sustainably as possible
  • Identify all persons responsible for ensuring the requirements of the SWMP are followed
    Outline all training to be provided to ensure all operatives understand the requirements of the SWMP
  • Identify each waste type expected to be produced during the course of the project, which should include existing demolition materials as well as surplus waste from materials imported to the site
  • Estimate the quantity of each waste type expected to be produced throughout construction (with the support of a pre-demolition waste audit)
  • Record and outline how and where waste will be separated and stored on site, including control measures put in place to ensure compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements
  • Identify the waste management action proposed for each waste type, including reusing, recycling, recovery and disposal.
  • Ensure the SWMP is updated if necessary, throughout construction

For further information or to receive a quotation, contact Revive Audits to discuss your project.