How Local Authorities can meet SWMP regulations

Digbits director Marcus Clay reports on how Local Authorities can work closely with the construction industry to help meet SWMP regulations and cut costs.

As the impact of the economic crisis is felt by the construction industry, more and more builders are turning to their Local Authorities for advice on recycling to further cut costs and sustain their businesses.

Local authorities and the Environment Agency (EA) have the power to enforce site waste management plans (SWMPs) and are encouraging businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials, to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.

Currently more than 70% of waste produced by local households and 60% from local businesses is carted away for burial in landfill sites.

Recognising that this is no longer sustainable, local authorities are making sure that all the relevant information is on hand for contractors and developers.

These companies are embracing the green agenda and responding to government plans and EU legislation, which has actually led to cost savings for many builders, simply by recycling their concrete on-site.

Some councils have actually begun to promote the use of small crushers on site, which has created demand for appropriate solutions like the BAVTRAK machines, designed and manufactured by Digbits in the United Kingdom.

The environmental cost of tipping waste materials into landfill, while plundering natural resources for materials to build has been an ongoing issue for the building trade, but as budgets are squeezed and the recession bites, many contractors are turning to technology for the answer, to help them crush their waste on site, producing useable hardcore on the spot, saving time, money and resources.

Of the 280 million tonnes of aggregates used every year in UK construction, only 25 per cent is currently recycled.

EU 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.

Digbits is investing heavily in developing new tools for compact concrete and rubble recycling like the BAVTRAK 025 and BAVTRAK 009 making it easier for construction workers to be greener.

This is exactly the type of machinery local authorities are urging contractors to hire to help meet the new regulations.

Local authorities are at the forefront of the fight to reduce landfill in the UK, having already made great in-roads by increasing household recycling.

By embracing European legislation they also have the power to make a huge difference and by working alongside other key organisations can make on-site recycling the new standard.

Many contractors are starting to see it as a great way to invest, adapt and innovate.

When it comes to the crunch, sustainable practices lead to a sustainable business.

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