Changes in construction waste management are taking place in the UK soon. Here’s what you need to know!
What exactly ARE the changes in construction waste management?
The updated Controlled Waste Regulations 2023 will be effective from the start of 2024, presenting both challenges and opportunities for local councils. As homeowners face new restrictions on the disposal of waste from DIY projects, councils must proactively adjust their waste disposal management strategies. The limits on waste quantity, frequency of disposal, and the classification of waste generated by homeowners require councils to implement effective monitoring and compliance mechanisms.
How does this new construction waste management legislation affect citizens?
1. Waste from DIY Projects
Under the updated regulations, waste generated by homeowners carrying out their own small-scale construction or demolition projects at their homes will be treated as household waste.
2. Limits on Waste Quantity
To be classified as household waste, the maximum amount of waste that can be delivered to a waste disposal site in a single visit must be less than 100 litres, or can be transported in two 50-litre bags. For single items, the dimensions must not exceed 2000mm x 750mm x 700mm.
3. Frequency of Disposal
Homeowners are now subject to a limit of four single visits to a waste disposal site within any four-week period, in order to discourage excessive or unnecessary visits to disposal sites (and presumably to reduce overcrowding).
How does this new construction waste management legislation affect councils?
1. Construction Waste Management Disposal
Local councils must adapt their waste disposal management strategies to accommodate for the new regulations. This may involve adjustments to how their waste disposal sites operate and manage incoming waste to limit disruption for citizens and workers.
2. Monitoring and Compliance
To ensure compliance with the new regulations, monitoring mechanisms need to be established to track and manage citizen visits, the frequency of their visits, and the amount of waste they bring with them.
3. Public Awareness
It’s unlikely that citizens will be aware of these changes, so local councils play a pivotal role in informing them. Public awareness campaigns via direct mail, email, SMS, news updates, etc, will be needed to inform citizens about the updated regulations and why they are being introduced. You wouldn’t want citizens showing up to waste disposal facilities and being turned away because they’ve brought 105 litres of waste instead of 100!
How Abavus helps councils with the My Council Services waste management solution
Our dedicated waste management solution offers a comprehensive solution to assist UK councils in navigating these changes. By adapting our platform to the evolving regulatory landscape, we empower councils to streamline waste disposal management, monitor citizen visits, and ensure compliance with the new regulations. Our waste collection management solution with online and self-service capabilities facilitates efficient operations at disposal sites, minimising disruption for both citizens and workers.
Furthermore, the platform serves as a crucial tool for councils to enhance public awareness. With features such as direct communication channels via mail, email, SMS, and news updates, councils can educate citizens about the updated regulations and the reasons behind their introduction. This proactive approach helps prevent citizens from unwittingly violating the regulations and being turned away from disposal facilities.
In essence, our waste management solution stands as a valuable ally for UK councils, fostering a collaborative effort between citizens and local authorities to ensure a smooth transition to the new construction waste management regulations. By leveraging our waste module, councils can not only meet compliance requirements but also provide excellent support to their communities, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient waste management ecosystem.
