10th January

Construction Waste Statistics

Whether it is from the packaging or building materials used in a project, waste in the construction industry is inevitable. It is also expensive, and often underestimated.

Waste can account for a massive 2-3% of construction cost, impacting significantly on profit margins. Therefore making it hugely important that you keep waste to a minimum. Take a look at the following facts to find out a little more about construction waste in the UK.

Construction Waste Statistics

• The UK construction industry is responsible for 32% of landfill waste. A further 29% of waste to landfill is generated by mining and quarrying.
• Since April 2008, it has been a legal requirement that a construction project in England worth more than £300,000 must have a Site Waste Management Plan.
• Around 420 million tonnes of materials are used by the UK construction industry each year, and approximately 120 tonnes becomes waste.
• The production and transportation of construction materials are estimated to use 6% of UK energy
• Between 1999 and 2008 the proportion of construction and demolition waste recycled by crushers and screeners has increased from 35 per cent to 61 per cent.