The REBRI contract specifications for waste management [WORD, 55KB] set out standard wording that could be included in construction or deconstruction contract tender documentation between the principal and the contractor.
Contractors should also prescribe waste reduction as a condition of contract with subcontractors and set targets for waste produced.
Contract documentation with subcontractors
Outline waste management requirements in the tender information:
- Clearly identify that waste minimisation techniques have been adopted in the design and request that tenderers respond to these in their submissions.
- Nominate waste streams to be recycled and set targets.
- All contract documents should include a copy of the REBRI waste management plan [WORD, 115KB], as this will form the basis for targets, on-site methods and responsibilities.
The following is an example of different clauses that could be inserted into a contract document as part of a REBRI project:
The subcontractor is aware this is a REBRI project and shall make every effort to cooperate with the recycling programme. The subcontractor shall attend an orientation meeting with the on-site recycling personnel when starting work at the job site. The subcontractor shall also submit an itemised quantity breakdown (in tonnes or m³) of material removed from the job site, how much of this was recycled and where the materials were recycled.
OR
A formal construction waste reduction plan will be in operation, and the tenderer will be required to incorporate waste reduction as part of their works. Tenderers should submit waste minimisation details, including as a minimum, the following:
- Two practical measures associated with the tenderer's scope of works to prevent waste entering the site.
- Two waste streams resulting from the tenderer's scope of works that can be recycled and will be actively managed as part of a site waste reduction plan.
Tendering period
- Promote economic benefits of waste minimisation and recycling to tenderers.
- Familiarise tenderers with waste management and minimisation strategies.
- Answer questions and allay concerns (including costs).
- Engender a spirit of cooperation to achieve waste minimisation objectives.
Awarding tenders
- Check that waste reduction requirements have not been tagged out. If so, consider whether the subcontractor offered an acceptable alternative method or solution. Some subcontractors may have different waste management systems that achieve the same targets or goals.
- Evaluate the waste reduction approach alongside other tender variables.
- Review the supply chain interfaces to reduce waste - for example, subcontractor purchasing policies and procedure.
Negotiate contracts
Once the tender has been awarded, negotiate the terms of the contract to:
- maximise the benefits of salvage and recycling
- provide economic incentives for recycling or for reaching a target of waste reduction
- agree which party or parties receive financial benefits of salvaged and recycled material from demolition or construction.
Managing the contracts
- Make sure the necessary training is given to all subcontractors and staff so that everyone understands the requirements needed to minimise waste - see Responsibilities for more information.
- Supervise the subcontractor's workmanship, making sure it is of a high standard. This will prevent work having to be repeated, which would use more materials and products.
- Verify subcontractor performance to ensure they are doing what they have said they would in terms of waste minimisation.
Relevant case studies
