Construction Waste Management

The construction industry is one of the fastest-growing industries and one of the largest contributors of waste in Australia, to landfill and into the natural environment, land and sea.

According to the Federal Government’s National Waste Policy data, Australia’s construction and demolition industry generates more than 27 million tonnes of waste production annually worldwide, and building materials make up about half of all materials used and half the solid waste generated. This generated waste has the potential to impact the social and natural environment and requires management throughout the building process— starting from the initial extraction of raw materials, then to processing, manufacturing, transportation, construction and disposal, and decommissioning or renovation/reuse at the end of a building’s life cycle.
 
This Policy aims to build and share the industry’s collective knowledge of construction and demolition waste, especially with regard to how we can achieve a more circular economy through waste minimisation from the outset. This is closely followed by an emphasis on the reuse and repurpose of materials. A win-win for the environment and the costs of running business.

Our team at Footprint Energy offers a Site Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (SWMMP) preparation service which involves a practical and strategic approach to minimising waste generation, maximising recycling, and in turn minimising disposal and waste costs. With consideration of the nation-wide policy (as referred to above) our focus is helping your business to comply with waste management regulations at the state and local levels, outlined in local Development Control Plans (DCPs) technical manuals and development application permit requirements.  

Author - Paul Sedman, BD Manager and Building/construction specialist at Footprint Energy, February 2024