WST 03b

Alternatives to composting - KBCN0465

In anaerobic digesters, organic waste is digested by micro-organisms which break down fats, oils and grease. Digesters where the only output is water that is safe to discharge into drains and sewers are acceptable alternatives to composting. Macerators which simply reduce solids into small pieces through a shredding or grinding process and flush the residue into the drainage system are not an acceptable alternative to composting.

Communal waste storage – Requirement for this to be external in Criterion 1 - KBCN1513

Communal waste storage areas can be located within the building. However, where such waste is stored internally, it must be in a location that demonstrably provides suitable environmental conditions, meets relevant fire, health and safety requirements for waste storage and has appropriate external access for waste collection.

Home composting facilities – clarification - KBCN0927

Home composting facilities are individual composting containers placed within the kitchen area or communal space for each self-contained dwelling, bedsit or communal kitchen. These containers are either emptied into local on-site communal facilities or are collected by composting collection services run by the waste collection authority. Individual composting containers should be:

Located in a dedicated, non-obstructive position.
Easily accessible to all users.
Durable, low maintenance and cleanable.
Enclosed to manage odour and pest issues.

Multi-Residential: Internal recyclable waste container if waste is sorted off site - KBCN0354

Where the Local Authority or waste management company for the scheme provide evidence confirming that recyclable waste will be sorted after they have collected it from site, it is acceptable to provide one internal storage bin of a minimum capacity of 30 L rather than 3 separate internal bins. The relevant recycling scheme must collect at least 3 of the following materials; paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, metals or textiles.

Off-site waste sorting / no dedicated on-site waste storage - KBCN0696

BREEAM assesses the dedicated space for recyclable waste storage. Where this space does not exist: For NC or RFO The aim of the issue is met by provide evidence covering all points 1-4:

A waste management plan which provides on-site storage between collections, adequately sized based on the frequency of collection.
An on-going waste recycling contract.
The typical recycling rates from the waste management company.
A permanent internal or external space within the asset site boundary that can be converted to comply with all criteria requirements. Drawings must be provided showing how this space could be converted in future, including meeting all relevant criteria for: • User and vehicle access, • Area requirements for waste storage, • Appropriate size and number of containers for the expected waste streams, and • Space allowance for any additional waste processing requirements e.g. compactors, composting containers, water outlets etc.

This ensures that there is:

A robust off-site waste management strategy,
Proof of future convertibility for on-site waste storage.

BIU V6 Commercial only The above approach for NC / RFO only applies to waste storage for construction fit-outs, which are temporary in nature. It does not apply to any other credits, and compliance cannot be met based on future commitments. This means that the above approach:

Does not apply to recyclable waste storage. Rsc 02 | Answers C + D
Does apply to off-site sorting for construction waste arising from fit-out activities. Rsc 02 | Answer E. Only points 1-3 apply - a future commitment for permanent storage facility is not required.
Do not apply to the storage of reusable construction products Rsc 02 | Answer F.

For BIU, new storage areas will be recognised once they are completed and assessed in future certification cycles.

22-Jan-2025 - Updated text to allow for permanent external spaces, aligning with KBCN1716. Scheme applicability updated.
18-Nov-2024 - Requirements for BIU projects clarified relating to all answers in Rsc 02. Title clarified.
09-Feb-2024 - Requirements clarified. Applicability updated to include construction waste storage for BIU V6 Rsc 02.
17-Jan-2024 - Scheme applicability updated.
16-Apr-2018 - Wording clarified.

Operational waste – Additional requirements for multi-residential buildings with individual bedrooms and communal facilities only - KBCN1519

These criteria are intended for situations where occupants of individual rooms have access to shared kitchens, which can be used to prepare food, regardless of whether central catering is also available. In developments where all catering is managed centrally and no communal/shared kitchens are provided, these requirements do not apply. If, for example, catering is managed centrally, but there are small satellite kitchens for staff to sort/reheat food for residents, the assessor must justify whether and to what extent recyclable waste will be generated in these kitchens and demonstrate that adequate recyclable waste storage provided as appropriate.

Operational waste storage sizing - KBCN0560

The dedicated space requirements given in the technical manual are default guidance, for situations where it is not possible to demonstrate the required size based on known waste streams. Compliance can, therefore, be achieved provided that it is clearly demonstrated and evidenced that there is adequate justification for the type of facilities & size of waste storage provided, and that the assessor is satisfied that the sizes and facilities meet the criteria based on the building type, occupancy and the likely waste volumes generated as a result of these.