SAPCA comment
Don’t get wasted!
You are responsible for the disposal of any construction waste. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t end up in an illegal site causing environmental pollution.
WHEN planning a sports facility project the main focus is, understandably, on the end result. Ensuring the facility is fit for purpose and matches the needs of users means that a lot of time and effort is spent on deciding the specifications, designs and potential construction options. There is one aspect of a facility project, however, that is sometimes overlooked, but one that you ignore at your peril – the disposal of waste created during the construction phase. This could be anything from building materials and discarded playing surfaces to hazardous matter produced (or unearthed) during the building process.
authorised destinations There are two main requirements to consider when getting rid of construction waste. The first is to ensure all waste ends up at an authorised treatment facility (ATF), and the second is that it is transported there by a registered carrier. An ATF is a waste management facility with
an environmental permit and waste management licence in place. All ATFs are licensed by the Environment Agency to ensure they meet standards on safety, quality and sustainability and have acceptable business practices in place. There are plenty of illegal waste sites across
the UK, which cause environmental pollution and undercut legitimate businesses. There is a public register you can use to see if a waste site is properly licensed.
getting it there Most facility owners rely on contractors or third parties to dispose of the waste created during construction projects. It is important to remember, however, that you are still liable for the waste until it is accepted by the treatment facility. If you contract someone to dispose of your
waste – and the haulier tips it in a layby or field, or takes it to an illegal site – you are liable for the waste under the Environmental Protection Act. It isn’t until the waste has been accepted into a facility with the appropriate environmental permit or exemption, that you are no longer responsible for it. You also have a legal obligation to keep all
duty of care waste transfer notes for two years. At any point within this time frame, you can be asked to produce documentation for any project that you have completed. All this means that you need to make sure any
person or company transporting waste – from the project site it was produced at – must be a registered waste carrier with the correct licence. A waste carrier will need to renew their
SAPCA is the recognised trade association for the sports and play construction industry in the UK. Its role is to foster excellence, professionalism and continuous improvement throughout the industry, in order to provide the high quality facilities needed at all levels of sport, physical activity, recreation and play. For details on the above stories and more visit
www.sapca.org.uk
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pactfacilities.co.uk
licence every three years. If you use a number of companies on a regular basis, it’s worth keeping a record of the expiry dates for each registered waste carrier, broker and dealer.
peace of mind Concerns over the handling of waste is another reason to use a SAPCA member in facility projects. Handling and disposing waste in the appropriate way is a requirement of the association’s Code of Professional Conduct – which every member signs and adheres to. To learn more, visit
www.sapca.org.uk
www.sapca.org.uk
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