Legislation

The internet hosts a vast array of information on legislation relating to waste management and material recycling within the construction industry. Disseminated by numerous central government agencies, local councils and non-governmental organisations, it can be difficult to establish what regulations and guidance notes are relevant for those businesses operating within the construction sector.

The first port of call for legislative information is the UK Government’s Netregs website. The site is a straight-forward resource that documents a list of definitive environmental regulations applicable to the construction sector. Further information is available on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (DEFRA) website. Both DEFRA and Netregs cover some of the more mainstream subjects such as SWMPs and Duty of Care obligations. The Environment Agency's website also offers a small section focusing on ‘what you must do’ when operating in the construction industry or carrying out ‘waste management’ operations. A similar facility is available on the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency's website.

Perhaps one of the most helpful resources is WRAP's Aggregain website. Although tailored towards sustainable aggregates, there are some helpful tools especially relating to Waste Management Regulation (WMR). These include a step by step guide to regulations affecting recycled and secondary aggregates, an overview of all waste management regulations, as well as permitting and exceptions.