It's Crunch Time

• 
• 10th June 2008
• Recycling
 

As the construction trade braces itself for the introduction of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) and the prospect of more EU legislation, Marcus Clay takes a look at how recycling measures will force all builders and contractors to take a new approach on site.

April looks set to be a crunch point for the building industry, as DEFRA enforces the need for all construction sites over £250,000 to implement SWMPs at the same time as both the aggregate levy and landfill tax increase. And the bad news doesn't stop there, as the tax on landfill will increase £8 a tonne every year until at least 2011. 

Not only will SWMPs bring increased paperwork and make all contractors more accountable for the entire site, but also failure to comply will hit hard, with fines of up to £5,000, enforceable by both local councils and the Environment Agency. These fines are on top of other potential fines that companies may unwittingly incur, including those for unlicensed waste carrying, unlicensed landfill and fly tipping, which may be as high as £50,000.

A cornerstone of the government's new approach to waste management is the Proximity Principle, which states: ‘waste should be managed as close as practicable to the point at which it is generated'. Put simply, this means if construction managers can recycle on site, then they must - no arguments. The Proximity Principle is also reinforced by waste transfer legislation which means that, strictly speaking, if waste concrete and brick is moved from a site - even it's taken back to base to recycle it - a waste carrier's license is required. On top of this, planning authorities are increasingly using the planning process itself to dictate recycling.

So is this a crisis for the industry, an unmanageable burden on contractors, a punitive clampdown on construction, or a very expensive learning curve? Or is it the undercover saviour of developers, securing the future of constructors in a new world climate? 

Hard-line approach

Sometimes it takes a hard-line approach to enforce positive change and while the new laws will inevitably hurt some contractors in the short term, it is also a real opportunity for the industry to improve standards, increase accountability and meet market demands for sustainable development. While waste management requires a change of outlook, it is not a catastrophe - there are already solutions working on sites and available, which actually make the job less expensive.

Of the 280 million tonnes of aggregates used every year in UK construction, only 25% is currently recycled. The new legislation will change this figure and with free advice and financial support from the Aggregates Programme, part of WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), it will be easier than many imagine. From mini tracked crushers or excavator mounted crushers to full sized 50 tonne machines, builders on site can now demolish structures and break up even reinforced concrete into reusable hardcore.

Manufacturers, including Digbits, are investing heavily in developing new tools for compact concrete and rubble recycling. It's just not good enough for us to simply produce a crushing machine - it has to work hard for the contractor - making life simpler and cheaper.

The real problem facing the industry is not the regulations, or a lack of affordable solutions, but the lack of awareness. A survey conducted through the Federation of Master Builders has found that although awareness of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) has increased from 34% of those surveyed in January this year, to 62%, still 38% were unaware that SWMPs are set to become a legal requirement.

For decades, larger developers, especially on brown-field sites, have had to take a ‘whole site' approach to jobs. They investigate and evaluate risks below ground, such as contamination (for which the new owner of any piece of land assumes legal responsibility) of soil or watercourses and they also look at the potential risks above ground, such as asbestos or unsafe structures. They also know that, on larger sites they will generally be required to recycle any concrete and rubble and keep vehicle movements to a minimum.

Opportunities for smaller developers

In contrast, some smaller developers have ducked beneath the radar of these requirements and have enjoyed immunity for many years. The slower the industry reacts, the more painful the change will be, with penalising fines punishing smaller contractors that are unprepared, as they are forced to take responsibility for recycling on site and also for evaluating and managing 'whole site' obligations. While larger developers are investing in crushing machinery, hiring companies are also embracing the need to conform, providing a real opportunity for smaller developers to access these machines, as they are needed.

By acting now, contractors will be able to save money, avoid fines, increase their market opportunities by promoting a sustainable approach and reduce the carbon footprint of their developments. When it comes to the crunch, it's hardly a crushing blow.

Overcoming contractors' concerns

By increasing the size of the hopper feed, developing patented designs to ensure personal safety on site, using hydrostatic jaw crusher systems, tailoring the size, weight and manoeuverability of the machine as well as removing the need for an operator to marshal the concrete on its latest BAVTRAK 025, Digbits has been able to overcome many concerns from contractors and develop a machine that offers a better solution to current methods.

 

Marcus Clay is the managing director of UK manufacturer of construction and recycling equipment company Digbits, Tel:01889 503020.