What is an SWMP?

An  SWMP is a ‘living’ plan that details the amount and type of construction waste that is estimated, and is in fact, produced on a construction site and how it will be re-used, recycled or otherwise disposed of.

Preparing a Site Waste Management Plan

A Site Waste Management Plan should be prepared as early in the project planning as possible and before beginning a construction project or demolition project.  SWMPs are now included on the supplementary list of information that may be required by the local planning authority before they validate a planning application.

The level of detail contained in a SWMP depends on the estimated build costs, excluding VAT.

For projects estimated at between £300,000 and £500,000, the SWMP should also contain details of the:

· Types of wastes removed from the site

· Identity of the person who removed the waste

· Site that the waste was taken to

For projects estimated over £500,000, the SWMP should contain all of the above plus:

· Identity of the person who removed the waste and their waste carrier registration number

· A copy of, or reference to, a written description of the waste

· Environmental permit or exemption held by the site where the material was taken

Within three months of the end of the project, the principal contractor must review the plan and record reasons for any differences between the plan and what actually happened.

Regular updating during the construction phase should make this a relatively straightforward process.