New Construction / UK / 2018 / 07 Waste /

Wst 03 - Operational waste

Information correct as of 22ndMarch 2025. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.

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.

Compactor/baler/organic waste storage requirements – Speculative/Shell only/Shell and core - KBCN1662

For Shell only/Shell and core assessments and speculative developments, where the scope of works does not include the installation of such facilities but the building function suggests that they will be required, appropriately sized space, services and infrastructure for the relevant facilities must be provided. The facilities themselves do not necessarily need to be provided or installed to demonstrate compliance. 
01 Oct 2024 - Title and wording updated to clarify that this approach can be applied for shell only and shell and core, as well as speculative projects. Applied to International NC.

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

For Shell Only and Shell & Core (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. 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. While the location of the space/spaces 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.

Extension to existing buildings - KBCN1039

Facilities within the existing building can be used to assess compliance. These facilities must cater for the total volume of predicted recyclable waste arising from the new extension and existing buildings.

Free-standing recycling bins - KBCN1359

Free-standing internal recycling bins may be acceptable to demonstrate compliance for this Issue. These are not required to be built-in or fixed, as long as all the criteria are met, such as the provision of sufficient space in a suitable location. In cases where the recycling bins cannot be placed in the kitchen, but are located in a nearby store cupboard, for example, signage must be provided, to indicate the location of the recycling bins.

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:
  1. Located in a dedicated, non-obstructive position.
  2. Easily accessible to all users.
  3. Durable, low maintenance and cleanable.
  4. 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 buildings on a wider estate - KBCN1065

For one or more buildings or units assessed as part of a wider estate or campus, compliance can be demonstrated through the provision of dedicated centralised storage space and waste management facilities. These must have the capacity to accommodate the recyclable waste material generated from all buildings and their activities.

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:
  1. A waste management plan which provides on-site storage between collections, adequately sized based on the frequency of collection.
  2. An on-going waste recycling contract.
  3. The typical recycling rates from the waste management company.
  4. 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: 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: 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 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: 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:
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.
     

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.

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. 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: 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: 
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. 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 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:
  1. Provide compliant signage to the storage area and label bin spaces within the storage area according to the relevant waste streams.
  2. 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.
Information correct as of 22ndMarch 2025. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.