WST 03 - Operational Waste - BREEAM Knowledge Base

Contractual agreements for Shell Only / Shell & Core assessments - KBCN0942

For:

NC: Shell Only and Shell and Core assessments, or
RFO: Part 1, Part 2, and combined Part 1 & 2 assessments,

All relevant criteria are applicable. Contractual agreements confirming future provision of spaces are not acceptable. Either:

Evidence must be provided showing waste storage space(s) that are suitably sized, dedicated and unlikely to be used by the future tenants for other purposes. or
If the situation meets one of the accepted scenarios in KBCN0696, provide evidence for the alternative approach as outlined in that KBCN.

While the location of the space(s) may change when fitting out, at this stage a space that is conveniently located for the deposit and collection of operational waste must be provided.

30-Mar-2026 - Added text to align with KBCN0696. Scheme applicability updated.
16-Apr-2018 - Scheme applicability updated.
24-Apr-2017 - Published.

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.

Multi-residential: Waste storage shared by more than six bedrooms - KBCN0856

Where multi-residential buildings contain communal facilities shared by more than six bedrooms, the requirement for total waste storage can be increased on a pro-rata basis to demonstrate compliance. For instance, if the standard requirement is 30L for six bedrooms, this equates to 5L per bedroom. Where assessing a flat with eight bedrooms, this requirement increases to 40L (8 x 5L). The minimum size of individual containers remains unchanged as per the criteria.

Multiple assets on a wider site - KBCN1065

For one or more buildings / units assessed as part of a wider site or campus, compliance can be demonstrated through either:

The provision of dedicated centralised storage space and waste management facilities.
One of the accepted scenarios in KBCN0696.

In all cases the waste storage solution must have the capacity to accommodate the recyclable waste material generated from all buildings and their activities.

30-Mar-2026 - Added text to align with KBCN0696. Scheme applicability updated.
26-Mar-2018 - Published.

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.

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 facility – extension of definition – compliance principle - KBCN1716

The original intent in BREEAM was that an operational waste facility is a centralised, on-site permanent enclosed structure or dedicated internal space in the asset. However, this approach is not always suitable for all asset types. Compliance principle The definition of operational waste facility is expanded to include dedicated external spaces. The principles for operational waste facilities are that they:

Are adequately sized and equipped to manage expected waste streams.
Are designed with the appropriate access and accessibility arrangements for all relevant users and vehicles.
Are easy to find.
Minimise disruption to users or neighbours during operation.

The table below shows how the original principles are adapted for dedicated external spaces. BIU V6 Commercial only This compliance principle also applies to the storage of:

Construction waste for fit-outs. Rsc 02 | Answer E.
Re-usable construction products. Rsc 02 | Answer F.

Principle	Compliance principle
Dedicated and permanent.	This space can be a *dedicated and permanent external space.*
Adequately sized and equipped.	External spaces must still meet relevant requirements for size, required waste processing equipment and water outlets for composting. Where the asset contains multiple tenants or user groups with different needs, the waste facility can be multiple spaces, provided all of them meet the criteria. The minimum size calculation requirement is based on the combined area of all waste facilities.
Appropriate access and accessibility.	The external space must meet requirements for size and access for all relevant users and vehicles, Any external spaces must also be adequately lit through a permanent lighting solution that is fit for purpose. Compliance for this could be shown through meeting criteria in other issues relating to external lighting.
Easy to find.	As well as permanent signs, external spaces can be marked out through permanent ground markings, bollards, or other permanent features.
Minimises disruption.	Any external facilities must: - Minimise light pollution and disruptive glare to neighbours, if the space is lit at night. - Minimise any contamination and air quality issues arising from waste stored. - Minimise disruptive noise during operation. Justification and, where relevant, evidence of mitigation measures must be provided to show how these principles are being met. Evidence from other relevant assessment issues can be used.

04-Nov-2025 – Applicable to BREEAM NOR NC 2016 and V6

Operational waste requirement for catering – applicability - KBCN1162

The additional operational waste storage requirement for developments which include catering is generally only applicable where a commercial scale kitchen is present. Where the design team can justify that there will be no significant waste streams from a modest facility, such as a small cafe, selling only drinks and pre-prepared snacks, the additional waste storage area identified in the default values does not need to be provided to meet compliance.

21-Jan-2026 Applied to NC V6 and V7 standards

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.

Recyclable, general and organic waste storage – space, labelling and segregation - KBCN1577

Strategies may vary according to the specifics of each project, their waste streams and collection arrangements.

Any reference to ‘labelling’ refers to permanent markings or fixed, robust and weatherproof signage.
Colour coding of bins to identify waste streams is not in itself compliant labelling.

The aim of these requirements is to encourage recycling, ensuring that it is correctly sorted and to prevent cross-contamination of waste streams. Label the recycling area This is required to alert building users and collection agencies to the location of the recycling facility. Label each recyclable waste stream This can be done by labelling the bins or their dedicated space within the recycling facility, or both. Mixed recycling bins and / or spaces are clearly labelled with their constituent waste streams. General or organic waste have their own dedicated spaces Sufficient space for general and, where relevant, organic waste is required in addition to meeting the requirements for recyclable waste. This does not have to be within a separate facility, but if combined with recyclable waste storage, there is greater risk of cross-contamination. The following requirements apply in this situation:

For organic waste, see also additional hygiene-related requirements within the technical manual.
In line with the requirement for the recycling area to be clearly labelled, general or organic waste must be stored in labelled bins and in a labelled, dedicated space within the combined waste facility.

If provision of waste bins is out of scope Where the provision of waste bins is outside the scope of the developer, it is clearly not possible to label the bins. In this situation, the following compliance options are available:

Provide compliant signage to the storage area and label bin spaces within the storage area according to the relevant waste streams.
Where future waste streams are unknown, provide compliant signage to the storage area and a written commitment from the developer to ensure that the bins and/or bin spaces are labelled.

21-May-2024 - Link to KBCN0696 removed. Merged with KBCN1380. Minor clarification added on mixed recycling.

Self-contained dwellings / bedrooms with shared facilities – mixed recycling - KBCN1664

Where there is mixed recycling, the number of recyclables containers can be reduced to match the final waste streams being collected. For example, the standard BREEAM requirement is three recyclables containers per dwelling / communal facility.

Where there are two waste streams (for example mixed paper, plastics and metals with a separate glass collection) then only two containers are required.
Where there is only one waste stream, only one container is required.

The total combined storage volume requirements are the same as stated in the manuals. To apply this KBCN, the project team must provide evidence to QA of the waste collection policies that apply to the asset.

Suitability of waste storage facilities - KBCN0186

In situations where direct vehicular access to the recyclable waste store is limited by logistics or if size is a problem, for example inner city locations, some flexibility to the application of the criteria is allowed. The assessor can use their judgement on whether the storage space is appropriately sized and if the distance and changes in level via lifts or steps are acceptable. Convenience, H&S issues and the volume and type of waste likely to be generated must be considered. Where the assessor deems the arrangement to be satisfactory this would be acceptable. Typically ‘accessible’ is defined as being within 20m of a building entrance. In some circumstances site restrictions or tenancy arrangements could mean it is not possible for the facilities to be within 20m of a building entrance. If, in the opinion of the BREEAM assessor it is not feasible for the facilities to be within 20m of a building entrance, their judgement can be used to determine if the facility is deemed to be ‘accessible’ to the building occupants and for vehicle collection.

Waste management practices - KBCN0247

16/04/2018 This compliance note is no longer valid as it does not fully explain how to approach this Issue. Please refer to the technical guidance and other compliance notes, such as KBCN0696, which deals with co-mingled recyclable waste. ^{The requirement to provide a dedicated space for the segregation and storage of operational recyclable waste, as well as relevant facilities (e.g. for large amounts of packaging and/or compostible waste), relates to the building, not the occupier or the local authorities. A dedicated space and facilities must be provided irrespective of the waste management practices of the relevant stakeholders.} ^{The BREEAM certification relates to the building, not the occupier's or the local authorities' waste management practices. Therefore, the provision of a dedicated space and the relevant facilities is required to ensure the building's operational recyclable waste streams is diverted from landfill.}

^{22/02/2017 Amended to include facilities (in addition to dedicated spaces)}

Waste storage provision for catering - KBCN0755

As the manual states, the additional 2m2 per 1000 m2 of waste storage area provided for catering is measured against the "net floor area where catering is provided" and NOT the floor area of the catering facility. Generally, a catering facility will serve building users throughout the building. If it can be demonstrated that this is not the case, for example if part of the development is subject to a separate tenancy, not served by the catering facility, the area calculation can be adjusted accordingly. Where the net floor area is not indicative of the actual occupancy, the default values may not be appropriate. In such cases, the predicted waste streams should be calculated based on the actual occupancy and waste streams generated. This requirement accounts for the increase in waste produced by building based on the likely number of building users served by the catering facility. Please note that these default calculations are only intended for use where it is not possible to determine accurately what provision should be made based on predicted waste streams.

15 06 2017 Wording updated to clarify

[Withdrawn] Labelling and signage – Where provision of waste bins is out of scope - KBCN1380

[This KBCN has been merged with KBCN1577]. Where the provision of waste bins is outside the scope of the developer, it is clearly not possible to label the bins. In this situation, the following compliance options are available:

Provide compliant signage to the storage area and label bin spaces within the storage area according to the relevant waste streams.
Where future waste streams are unknown, provide compliant signage to the storage area and a written commitment from the developer to ensure that the bins and/or bin spaces are labelled.

See also KBCN1577 It is recognised that the bins may be provided by the tenant, local authority or waste management company after the time of certification.

21-May-2024 - Withdrawn. Merged with KBCN1577.
22-Mar-2023 - Updated to align with KBCN1577 and to clarify applicability to all assessment types where providing bins is out of scope.

Refurbishment and Fit Out / International / 2015 / 07 - Waste /

WST 03 - Operational Waste

Alternatives to composting - KBCN0465