Thanks to their high recycling rate, the construction and demolition sectors do not need compulsory site waste management plans to improve the way they manage waste, Natural Resources, Culture and Sport Minister John Griffiths has announced.
The Welsh Government launched a consultation last year on site waste management plans. The consultation included a proposal for regulations to require developers, builders and contractors to consider how to prevent, minimise and recycle waste when planning a new construction or demolition project.
The majority of consultation responses were supportive of proposals for site waste management plans for large works, but there were mixed views on the impact on smaller firms, enforcing the plans and fees.
John Griffiths said: “Recent studies estimate that the 87% of construction and demolition waste is recycled, prepared for re-use or recovered for use elsewhere. Our target is for the industry to achieve 90% by 2019/20, so the sector is on track and I congratulate them for their efforts so far.
“I am keen to support businesses, and the industry has already demonstrated that it can achieve high recycling rates. With this in mind, I intend to adopt site waste management plans as a voluntary code of practice in Wales, to be accompanied by best practice guidance.
“The code and guidance will be developed with the industry, focusing on preventing waste, preparation for re-use as well as recycling for businesses, and to ensure it is practical, effective and meets the needs of the industry.”
The Welsh Government will work with the industry to develop the guidance.