Understanding your construction waste management responsibilities
Construction waste management plays a significant role in any construction project. Proper handling and disposal practices help mitigate environmental impact, which is important for governments, stakeholders and community members who place a high priority on the environment’s health and longevity. Alternatively, improper waste handling can negatively impact a construction or demolition company’s reputation, finances and business prospects.
Unfortunately, construction waste management is not as simple as throwing a rubbish bag into the wheelie bin for weekly collection. There are stringent regulations that determine how waste is classified and how it must be handled. Failure to abide by these regulations can lead to legal ramifications like fines or imprisonment.
Here are some of the essential basics to help establish a strong foundation for best practices.
Consider the value of recycling
Construction waste management that incorporates recycling materials provides several advantages for the company involved and the entire industry. We have previously discussed how construction waste can generate more than 20 Mt in a year, and is primarily made up of materials such as concrete, brick, asphalt, soil & timber. All these materials are recyclable and can contribute to new, locally sourced construction products like road base, aggregates and soil blended material. Helping to create these materials generates positive brand perception, and reduces the rate of emissions required to produce new building materials. Working with construction waste recycling facilities like MET Recycling also contributes to the growing circular economy, which provides an opportunity for construction companies to capitalise on transport and landfill fees savings and the commercial value of using sustainable, low-impact materials.
What you need to know:
Construction waste recycling facilities can only accept and process materials under the terms of their processing licence. It is important to speak to a facility manager to find out how they can assist you.
Construction waste must be dumped lawfully
According to Section 143 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, construction waste must be transported to a place that can lawfully accept it[1]. Disposal sites and processing facilities must hold valid licences which clearly outline the type of materials they can legally deal with. There have been several cases over the years where fines have been issued for incorrectly storing or handling waste materials.
What you need to know:
If construction waste is transported to a place that cannot lawfully accept it, both the transporter and waste owner are legally responsible for the waste. Relying on advice from external sources such as consultants, contractors or waste facility managers is not a valid defence. In other words, saying, ‘I was told it was OK,’ will not prevent penalties including fines up to $5 million or jail time.[2]
Get to know your waste
The best way to ensure legally abiding construction waste management is to understand the nature of your waste. The NSW EPA, for example, identifies waste by classifying it as:
hazardous waste including coal tar or coal tar pitch waste or waste containing lead paint
restricted solid waste includes any waste with a specific contaminant concentration after a chemical assessment
general solid waste (putrescible) including household waste, food waste and animal waste
general solid waste (non-putrescible) including virgin excavated natural material, garden waste, wood waste or building waste. Building waste is most common on a construction site and includes glass, plastic, rubber, plasterboard, ceramics, bricks, concrete and metal.[3]
What you need to know:
There might be a test on your waste later! You may be asked at any time to provide information on your waste’s classification, composition or quantity. You might also be asked to divulge your intentions and plan for storage, transport, handling and processing. You will also need to provide details on your waste’s hazards or potential harm to the environment or human health.
Plan ahead
Construction waste management requires planning and reporting. This includes providing reports and written procedures on waste assessment and classification, handling and storage, and environmental impact prior to breaking ground on a new construction site.
What you need to know:
Providing false or misleading information can incur fines for companies of up to $500,000 and individuals of up to $240,000 and even imprisonment, regardless of information being knowingly or unknowingly incorrect. This may include information related to waste handling and disposal, or the environmental impact of your construction project.
At MET Recycling, our services include recycling general solid waste that is non-putrescible, including concrete, brick, sandstone, terracotta, sand, soil and clay. We do not accept GSW (CT2), asbestos soil (special waste), restricted waste, and hazardous waste. However, we can offer a Cart and Dispose service to a licensed landfill for these materials. If you want to maximise your disposal of recyclable materials out of your construction or demolition projects, contact MET Recycling on 1300 MET 123 or make an online enquiry. We provide affordable and comprehensive services for your construction needs.
[1] http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/poteoa1997455/s143.html
[2] https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/waste/industrial-waste/construction-demolition
[3] https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/~/media/EPA/Corporate%20Site/resources/wasteregulation/140796-classify-waste.ashx