Improving construction and demolition waste data

[edit] Introduction

Specialists in construction and demolition (C&D) waste at BRE, undertook a study to assess the shape of information regarding C&D waste in the UK. This is part of the work the BRE Trust is doing to help 'building a better world together'.

A summary of the study is provided below, and the full study is available by contacting the SmartWaste team at BRE.

[edit] A study of UK construction and demolition waste data

Data on C&D waste is used in different ways by different stakeholders – from setting targets for individual projects, to providing information to report against EU targets.

However, a recent report by the RWM Ambassadors highlighted the significant gaps and weaknesses in C&D waste data. The BRE study is intended to improve the C&D waste data used by DEFRA to report against EU targets.

Waste data reports have been developed over a number of years by DEFRA, but some areas are based on assumptions that may be outdated or where better data may now be available.

Two main areas for reporting against European targets were highlighted, and their various sources of data assessed.

[edit] Recycled aggregate and internally recycled materials estimates

To calculate the amount of C&D waste produced, information from the Environment Agency about waste managed at treatment facilities is used.

However, this does not include recycled aggregate or soils produced and dealt with on site (known as ‘under an exemption’). This is estimated from the Minerals Products Association (MPA) data from 2008 which is adjusted annually based on construction industry value. This review aimed to supplement this useful information with additional, more recent data.

The table below shows various sources of information – highlighting the benefits and issues associated with each.

[edit] Currently there is no way to know the breakdown of materials in C&D waste

As with home recycling, when mixed waste goes through a sorting facility, many different types of waste from different sources are combined. Once this mixed waste is sorted, it is not known how much of the segregated materials come from each source.

In the construction industry, knowing the proportions and quantities of individual materials in mixed waste can help both individual companies and the sector as a whole to identify issues and set targets.

Various data sources were reviewed around this issue, showing a significant difference in the breakdowns produced from each.

In particular, the WRAP (Waste Resources Action Programme) data suggests there are very low proportions of metal, timber, plastic and glass; whereas company specific data (from a review of a variety of organisations’ CSR reporting) indicates much higher proportions of these materials.

[edit] September RWM discussion panel

The issue of availability and weaknesses of C&D data was recently discussed at RWM, where Stuart Blofeld from SmartWaste took part in a panel discussion.

The main points from this session were that:

• The construction sector is quite good at collecting data but that more use could be made of it to effect real change on construction and demolition sites.
• Ongoing discussions with various (construction professionals, waste management professionals and government agencies), should continue to ensure progress is made in collecting reliable, useful data.
• Ongoing analysis of SmartWaste data could help provide information for the industry, helping set targets for waste reduction and improved materials management.

[edit] How can this situation be improved?

Data from NFDC and SmartWaste could be used alongside MPA information to allow improved estimates of internally recycled materials – resulting in a better understanding of how these materials are managed, enabling government and key construction stakeholders to develop and improve on this.

The data contained within SmartWaste could be used alongside more information from individual companies to provide an estimate of material breakdowns – this will help construction companies identify materials to target for waste reduction.

This article was originally published here by BRE Buzz on 17 Jan 2017. It was written by Maggie Blackwell.

--BRE Buzz

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
• BRE SMARTWaste John Muir release.
• Circular economy.
• Design for deconstruction – helping construction unlock the benefits of the circular economy.
• How data can stop waste.
• Landfill tax.
• National Federation of Demolition Contractors NFDC.
• Recyclable construction materials.
• Site Waste Management Plan.
• SiteSmart.
• SMARTWaste.