Off-site waste sorting / no dedicated on-site waste storage - KBCN0696
BREEAM assesses the
dedicated space for recyclable waste storage, assessing the asset's physical design and layout without relying on management practices that are subject to change. However, we recognise that in specific cases this is not always possible.
Accepted scenarios for off-site waste management
- NC, RFO and BIU: Waste management policy is outside of asset control for the foreseeable future. An external authority (for example, local government) requires mandatory off-site waste collection as part of wider masterplan or district waste collection policy.
- Additionally for BIU only: The asset cannot physically comply. The asset shows that a compliant on-site waste management facility is not feasible due to inherent site or spatial constraints (for example, in a dense urban environment), and that all reasonable opportunities to provide such a facility have been explored.
Requirements and evidence - NC, RFO and BIU Commercial
Using an off-site waste sorting approach must still meet all other relevant assessment criteria for the relevant scheme. This includes:
|
Requirements |
Evidence |
| Waste stream segregation |
- If recycling is separated: a minimum of three operational waste streams are segregated using clearly identifiable and labelled containers or bags.
- If recycling is mixed: show evidence that the waste is later separated into identifiable recyclable streams. |
Confirm:
- Number of waste streams and collection arrangements.
- Post-collection segregation (where applicable).
- An on-going waste recycling contract. |
| Operational waste management |
- Internal waste storage arrangements, defined on-street collection points and scheduled collection times collectively fulfil the functional role of an operational waste management facility.
- Storage arrangements must be suitable for the waste streams generated and be durable, hygienic, and clearly labelled. |
A waste management plan which:
- Outlines how the waste is managed and stored between collections.
- Shows interim storage is adequately sized based on the frequency of collection. |
| Accessibility |
- Waste storage and transfer arrangements must be reasonably accessible to relevant asset users and allow for safe preparation of waste for collection. |
- Relevant drawings or documentation. |
Compliance for all points above must be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis, and the assessor is responsible for confirming that the intent of the issue — facilitating optimal reuse and recycling of operational waste — is achieved.
Additional clarification for BIU Commercial V6 Rsc 02
This BIU issue further segregates operational waste into recyclable waste, construction waste, and reusable construction products.
- Yes these accepted scenarios can be applied to recyclable waste storage. Rsc 02 | Answers C + D
- Yes these apply to off-site sorting for construction waste arising from fit-out activities. Rsc 02 | Answer E.
This scenario is considered inherently compliant with the intent of the issue and is not required to meet the ‘accepted scenarios’ listed above.
- No they do not apply to the storage of reusable construction products Rsc 02 | Answer F.
A dedicated space must be provided in all cases.
30-Mar-2026 – Approach updated to clarify and expand on acceptable scenarios where off-site waste collection is accepted. Scheme applicability updated.
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.
Information correct as of 14