Before the commencement of work, the contractor should prepare a Waste Management Plan. The waste management plan provides an overall framework for waste management and reduction. It identifies major waste types and defines ways for waste reduction. An appropriate waste management plan should contain:

• Key types of waste to be reduced

In general, waste that are hazardous to the environment, bulky, valuable, reusable or recyclable would obtain higher priority for reduction

• Waste reduction targets

For each identified item, waste reduction targets such as percentage reduction and recycling rate would be set out.

• Waste reduction programmes

Actions for waste reduction would be worked out for each identified waste type in the form of waste reduction programmes, procedures and guidelines.

• Waste disposal procedures

Proper waste disposal procedures would be defined for each waste type.

• Monitoring and Audit

Monitoring Programme would be set up to record the quantity of waste generated/ reduced/ recycled/ disposed as well as other performance indicators in the WMP. Review the performance of the WMP and update the plan whenever necessary.

ETWB has issued the technical circular, ETWB TCW No. 19/2005 "Environmental Management on Construction Site" which is recommended as a good reference for WMP.

Benefits of Waste Management

• Proper waste management could reduce material wastage by improper use and damage during handling and storage, and thus reduce project expenditure
• Reduced amount of waste costs less in waste transportation and disposal
• Reduced amount of waste conserves landfill space
• Proper waste management increases site safety, work efficiency and also increases company's public image

Levels of Management and Corresponding Roles on Waste Management

In the construction industry, different parties and levels of management should have specific roles on waste management.

• Client's responsibility: consider waste minimization concepts and specify waste in the brief minimization requirements for designer and contractor to follow.
• Designer's responsibility: incorporate waste minimization in the design concept, material selection, construction method, etc.
• Contractor's responsibility: implement waste minimization measures on-site, e.g. on-site sorting, recovery for reuse/ recycle, waste flow record, etc.