While this practice is not mandatory or enforced, it is becoming widespread. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) developed this colour-coding system.
Why is waste segregation necessary?
Most of us are now familiar with separating our waste into recycled and general waste at home. It doesn't take much longer to select the right bin, and massively reduces the impact on the environment by reducing how much waste goes to landfill.
Our recent study found that the construction industry is the second-largest producer of plastic waste, generating a significant proportion of the 3.7 million tonnes discarded in the country as a whole.
Considering how much waste comes from construction sites highlights the importance of proper waste management. Waste segregation is an integral part of this process. Not only does it make recyclable processing materials quicker and easier, but it also reduces the risk of contamination by other types of waste.
What are the colours of waste streams?
White: Gypsum – gypsum and plasterboard products (do not contaminate these materials with other substances as this will affect their recyclability.)
Grey: Inert – clean concrete, rubble, hardcore, brick and block etc., that will not decompose or create a hazard when buried.
Black: Mixed general waste – any waste except contaminated waste that cannot be recycled in other skips on the site.
Blue: Metal – all types of clean metal, including rebar offcuts, scrap metal (no empty paint tins, as these, are considered hazardous) etc.
Green: Wood – all types of clean, untreated timber or wood products (treated timbers may contain hazardous preservatives.)
Brown: Packaging – cardboard, paper products etc. (not polythene sheeting or ties, this should go in the "mixed" skip.)
Orange: Hazardous – only for contaminated waste such as asbestos, paint tins, mastic tubes, tarmac, or any product fitted with a COSHH label.
Summary
Waste segregation is important for all construction sites. These colour-coded waste streams may seem to be a relatively simple solution, but they're still integral towards achieving sustainability goals and reducing costs.
What else can construction companies do to reduce waste?
Waste isn't only bad for the environment; it hurts our pockets too. Using better practices on-site such as The SiteStak System, prevents drainage materials from going to waste. Securely storing materials in a SiteStak workstation protects them from damage, and it also provides a safe location to return excess materials as each part of the job is completed. If you are interested to learn more about how SiteStak can help your sites please contact us.
Written by
Mark Chambers
Marketing Manager
As Marketing Manager, Mark plays an active role in running strategic projects to increase our brand profile.
