According to research released by the Strategic Forum for Construction as part of its Strategy for Sustainable Construction, 12.55 million tonnes of construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste was sent to English landfills during 2008, an amount that could be significantly cut through enhanced waste management practices and greater reuse and recycling of resources.

Keep up to date with all the latest industry legislation and pick up handy tips that can help your business by attending RWM’s free seminars.

On day 2 of the show, (Wednesday 15 September) the Business Seminar Theatre focuses on construction. Sessions are set to discuss:

• Minimising waste in construction 
Dr Chindarat Taylor, Director, Pathway to Zero Waste

• Panel Discussion:  Waste to energy plant construction 
Allan Wilen, Economics Director, Glenigan

• Applying sustainable resource and waste management best practice to the construction industry 
Rainer Zimmann, Resources & Waste Management, Arup

• The logistical benefits of in cab technology for CD collections: a trial 
David Pugh, Senior Consultant, AMEC Entec

Throughout the three-day show RWM exhibitors will be showcasing the latest methods of sorting and handling construction and demolition waste for reuse and recycling. Case Construction will launch its new 21 and 24 tonne excavators as well as the 821EXRecycler and Master Magnets will exhibit new separation equipment that can remove the metal contaminants (i.e. nails) from wood waste, increasing the value of the recycled woodchip that is now used in playgrounds, pathways, gardens and parks. Other major names in vehicle and plant technology include Mercedez-Benz, Isuzu, WCR, Liebherr, Manvik Hire, Terex, Hammel, Broxap and Continental Plant Services.

Also exhibiting at RWM will be compliance companies, consultants and waste management contractors who can advise you of your legal obligations. Site Waste Management Plans for example force construction companies to detail the amount and type of waste that will be produced on projects worth more than £300,000 including how it will be recycled and disposed of.

RWM is designed to help you stay up-to-date with the latest regulation and technologies, which could ultimately make a crucial difference to your profitability.

•    The Government’s Waste Strategy for England 2007 sets out a target to halve building and excavation waste going to landfill by 2012
•    Landfill tax just went up 25% from £32 to £40 per tonne and the Chancellor confirmed in his budget that it will also go up by a further £8 per tonne every year until 2013
•    Waste typically costs up to 4% of a company’s turnover (Defra 2007)
•    A staggering 90% reduction in construction waste could be achieved through more modern working practises and off-site manufacturing (Defra 2007)
•    400 million tonnes of solid material are used in the UK construction industry each year, but only two thirds is added to the building stock. The rest is sent directly to landfill. (Defra 2007)
•    During a time of oversupply, 95 per cent of the UK’s biggest construction companies will use a subcontractor’s environmental credentials as a key factor in deciding how to award contracts (NetRegs.gov.uk, May 2009)