DEVELOPERS across Merseyside are being warned that for most projects commenced after July 1 there will need to be prepared plans for managing and reducing site waste.
Failure to comply could result in a substantial fine.
New legislation means that any "construction" project costing more than £300,000, including building work, maintenance, alteration, decoration and demolition, will need a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) in place before any work begins.
Earle Brady, a construction lawyer at DLA Piper Liverpool, said: “It is a highly significant change. If the work is started without the appropriate documentation both the developer and principal contractor are guilty of an offence. Breach of the new regulations could lead to a fine of up to £50,000 or, if in the Crown Court, an unlimited amount. Failure to produce the plan at any time could also result in a £300 "on the spot" fine.
“Around 20m tonnes of construction waste is fly-tipped every year and the SWMP is being introduced to help reduce this figure and cut down on the amount of waste going to landfill sites.�
The SWMP must include information about the client, principal contractor, and the person who drafted the SWMP as well as a description of the site, the work proposed and the estimated project cost.
In addition to this, the document should specify the type and quantity of waste which will be created and the measures to reduce it.
“This new legislation is designed to help protect the environment, by reducing site waste and encouraging the use of recycled materials," Earle added.
“It should make it easier for companies to manage the waste disposal process, which will eventually help to reduce costs - by providing strict estimates of the materials needed it will encourage contractors to keep to the targets and provide a useful reference point for future projects.�