WST 03b

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.    

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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.

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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.

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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.

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