Last Updated on October 24, 2022 by Ossian Muscad
Construction waste is inevitable. It is generated from the construction or demolition of buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Therefore, proper construction waste management is critical to protecting the environment and public health. A well-developed construction site waste management plan (SWMP) will help you eliminate or reduce the amount of construction debris going to landfills. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to create a construction waste management plan template.
What is a Construction Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP)?
A construction site waste management plan is a document that outlines how construction waste will be managed, disposed of, or recycled. The plan should consider the type and quantity of construction waste and the available resources and facilities.
The main purpose of an SWMP is to minimize the environmental impact of construction waste. It should also help improve the efficiency of construction projects and reduce costs. With an SWMP in place, construction companies can save time and money by avoiding penalties for illegally disposing of construction waste.
5 Steps To Create and Implement SWMP
While a site waste management plan is unique for every construction site, they generally follow the same steps outlined below:
Step 1: Planning
Include the SWMP creation part of the construction project planning phase. That way, you can develop the plan before construction even starts. The planning process should involve the following points.
- Conduct a waste audit to determine the types and amounts of construction waste generated.
- Research local waste disposal facilities and transportation options.
- Determine which recycling options are available and feasible.
- Use the information gathered to develop a construction waste management plan.
Step 2: Oversee the Site Waste Management Plan
Implementing an SWMP should involve the collaboration and input of all parties. This includes the client, principal contractor, and subcontractors. However, the creation and implementation of the SWMP is mainly the job of the principal contractor. They will also be the ones responsible for updating the SWMP once the construction work commences.
By overseeing the construction waste management plan, the principal contractor can ensure that all construction workers know the waste management procedures. They can also track the progress and make necessary changes to the plan.
Step 3: Construction Waste Management
The materials used during the construction process will generate construction waste. That’s why it’s important to have a system to manage construction waste. Construction site managers should:
- Store construction waste in designated areas.
- Sort construction waste by type.
- Recycle or reuse construction waste whenever possible.
Document every instance that the waste management procedures are carried out. This will be helpful in case there’s an audit or inspection of the construction site.
Step 4: Communication and Training
All construction workers should undergo proper training and orientation on construction waste management procedures. This will ensure they know how to correctly handle and dispose of construction waste.
The construction site manager should also communicate with the local waste management authorities. This ensures that the construction site follows all the regulations and guidelines on construction waste management.
Step 5: Continuous Improvement
Monitoring construction site waste management is important to ensure the plan is followed correctly. Construction site managers should:
Keep track of construction waste generated.
Monitor construction workers to see if they’re following the waste management procedures.
Make changes to the construction waste management plan if necessary.
By constantly improving the construction waste management plan, construction companies can minimize the environmental impact of their construction projects.
Construction Site Waste Management Plan Example
Here’s an example:
- Construction workers will sort construction waste into designated bins.
- Recyclable construction waste will be sent to local recycling facilities.
- Non-recyclable construction waste will be brought to local landfills.
- Construction workers will be given proper training on construction waste management procedures.
- The construction site manager will communicate with the local waste management authorities.
Once you’ve gathered enough data through your SWMP, you can generate a Waste Datasheet. This tool will then be used for documentation and reporting purposes. For example, this waste data template can be used to:
Include construction waste removal details in the SWMP as required by law.
- Use the gathered data to confirm that the SWMP was monitored regularly.
- Customize the SWMP template to suit your business needs.
Implement SWMP with DATAMYTE
Regular and accurate documentation is crucial to implement a successful SWMP. It’s also compliant and ensures compliance with the law regarding waste management practices. However, SWMP can be challenging if the organization relies heavily on paper-based documentation. Fortunately, DATAMYTE has the solution for that.
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a workflow automation software that creates and implements construction site waste management plan templates. With the DataMyte Digital Clipboard, you can ditch traditional paper-based SWMP documentation in favor of a digital solution.
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard offers the following benefits:
- Create and implement an SWMP using an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.
- Automate construction site waste management plan documentation.
- Monitor construction site waste management plan progress in real-time.
- Share your template with stakeholders and other team members conveniently.
- Get real-time alerts if construction workers deviate from the plan.
- Gather data and generate reports with ease.
If you’re looking for a platform that lets you create and implement a construction site waste management plan, look no further than the DataMyte Digital Clipboard. Schedule a demo today to learn more!
Conclusion
Creating a construction site waste management plan is important to ensure construction waste’s efficient and proper disposal. Following the steps above, you can create a comprehensive and effective template.
