Tips to reduce waste
It is easier than you might think to reduce the waste you create and divert rubbish from landfill. We have come up with four ways to help you – if you need specific advice please call us. Our top tips are:
- Manage your waste better
- Reduce the waste you create
- Buy and store materials properly
- Adopt better site practices
Manage your waste better
In the UK an average of 13% of all materials delivered to site go into the skip without ever being used. Do you know what your waste costs? Time and money can be saved by improving the way you work and avoiding prosecution. It is becoming increasingly expensive to dispose of waste, so always remember:
REDUCE the amount used to start with by planning your work carefully
REUSE on-site materials on-site
RECYCLE materials on and off-site
DISPOSAL is the most expensive option
Reduce the waste you create
- arranging just in time deliveries
- rejecting deliveries if damaged or incomplete
- handling materials carefully
- re-using materials where possible on site or on other jobs
Store waste correctly by:
- segregating different types of waste at they are generated
- using suitably labelled containers
Dispose of waste correctly by checking that:
- all staff are aware of how waste should be disposed of
- licensed waste collectors and disposal sites are used
- notifications for hazardous waste have been completed
The average 8 cubic yard skip costs around £120. The average cost of what’s being thrown away is over £900!
Buying and storing materials
Did you know that 50% of the cost of a building is spent on materials?
Incorrect storage of materials can lead to increased:
- damage and associated costs
- risk of injury
- changes of pollution
- waste
- likelihood of theft
Costs
To save money and decrease risk:
- order the correct amount of materials
- do not accept poor quality deliveries
- make sure storage areas are safe and secure
- handle materials carefully
Good Practice on Site
When ordering materials, consider:
- timber from legal and well managed sources
- paints with low odour and VOC emissions
- how much of each material is needed
- when and where materials are required
- asking suppliers to minimise packaging
Be prepared for deliveries:
- know when deliveries are coming
- reject deliveries if incomplete or damaged
- have appropriate storage areas ready
- know whether special handling is required
When storing materials always remember to:
- follow suppliers’ storage instructions
- keep harmful chemicals in secure areas
- protect lightweight materials from wind
- store liquids and sand away from drains
- secure the site to avoid theft and vandalism
Landfill tax has increased by 750% in the last eight years!
It is set to more than double again by 2011.