Firms throughout the supply chain are urged to commit to targets on reducing non-recycled waste

A voluntary scheme to cut the amount of non-recycled construction waste is to be launched next month by the government.

From 16 October, firms can “publicly commit” to halving the amount of rubbish sent to landfill by 2012 through government quango WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).

The body said that the agreement would allow the industry, plus its supply chain and clients, to meet the target set out in the government's Strategy for Sustainable Construction, published in June.

The scheme includes a set of actions for each part of the construction supply chain to measure and report on its progress and an online Net Waste Tool, to help forecast waste created from construction projects.

We want to see the whole supply chain getting involved to halve the waste to landfill. This voluntary agreement provides a supportive framework that will enable the whole industry to move in the same direction

Mike Watson, head of construction at the Waste & Resources Action Programme

Mike Watson, head of construction at WRAP, said: “Every year, the UK construction sector produces 120m tonnes of waste, of which 25m tonnes goes straight to landfill.

“We want to see the whole supply chain getting involved to halve the waste to landfill, through reducing waste generated, recycling more and increasing the use of recycled and recovered materials. Taking action will bring economic and environmental benefits.

“However, achieving this target will only be made possible by adopting a co-ordinated approach across the supply chain. This voluntary agreement provides a supportive framework that will enable the whole industry to move in the same direction.”

Bovis Lend Lease, Wates and Laing O'Rourke were praised by WRAP for already setting targets to reduce waste.

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