Principles of Waste
Waste generation is an inevitable consequence of consumerism. As the costs of waste disposal increase (due to rising landfill tax, the increasing fuel costs associated with waste transportation and increasingly stringent environmental legislation), waste is being more actively managed at source.
Recycling rates in Hertfordshire are higher than the national average. However, the volume of waste being generated is increasing and a significant proportion of Hertfordshire's waste is still landfilled. Of the waste Hertfordshire sends to landfill, most is exported outside of the county. This cannot continue, the county must tackle its waste issues within county boundaries.
Municipal waste generation in Hertfordshire
Source: Hertfordshire County Council (2010)
Recycling rates in Hertfordshire
Source: Hertfordshire County Council (2010)
Types of waste
Waste generated by development is produced through three main activities: construction, operation and refurbishment/demolition:
- construction waste: major components include soils (often mixed with other materials), concrete, masonry, stone, metal (largely steel), glass, plasterboard, timber, packaging, insulation, bituminous materials such as road planings and architectural features. The table below shows the break down of waste generated during the construction phase of development.
|
Waste stream | Percentage(%) of waste by volume in comparison to the total volume |
|---|---|
|
Canteen/office/ad hoc |
11.2 |
|
Ceramics/bricks |
9.4 |
|
Concrete |
12.4 |
|
Electrical equipment |
1.0 |
|
Furniture |
0.5 |
|
Hazardous |
0.4 |
|
Inert |
4.4 |
|
Insulation |
7.1 |
|
Liquids and oils |
0.3 |
|
Metals |
3.8 |
|
Packaging |
17.6 |
|
Plaster/cement |
12.2 |
|
Plastics |
6.8 |
|
Timber |
12.3 |
- Operational waste: the largest share of waste can be generated by building operations, i.e. building occupation. Although operational waste management practices are at the discretion of the building user, effective operations are strongly influenced by the design and fit out of a building.
- refurbishment/demolition waste: includes all building materials, building services, furniture and landscape materials and features.
The construction industry is responsible for some 120 million tonnes of construction, demolition and excavation waste every year – around one third of all waste in the UK. Many organisations in the industry are publicly supporting the sector goal of halving the amount of construction, demolition and excavation waste being sent to landfill by 2012. The ‘Halving Waste to Landfill’ initiative is championed by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme). More information on WRAP and the initiative visit the website here.
For more information on waste arisings and management in Hertfordshire visit Hertfordshire's Waste Aware website.