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Construction waste management plan

A construction waste management plan you write and keep on a phone or tablet. List the waste you expect by stream, with its classification code, an estimate and where it should go. Enter the diversion target you have been set, plan the skips and the waste area, record each carrier and receiving site with its registration or permit number, then log every load that leaves site. The form adds up the loads and works out the diversion rate against your target. For the transfer note itself, use the waste transfer note template; for a full environmental plan, the CEMP template.

For site managers, environmental leads and contractors who need a waste plan for a client, a planning condition or a building permit, and a record of what left site.

Written for the UK and the US. Legal notes cover England (and Wales where the law extends there) and California; elsewhere, take the rules from your regulator or building department.

Waste streams with classification codes, estimated quantities, planned routes and containers
A target diversion rate you enter, with where it comes from
Carriers and receiving sites with registration and permit numbers and the date you checked them
A log of every load: date, stream, quantity, carrier, destination, transfer note reference and photo
Totals and the diversion rate calculated against your target, plus dated waste area checks

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What is a construction waste management plan?

A waste plan is useful when it is kept up after it is written. Set one unit and a target you were actually given, list each stream with its code and route, check every carrier and receiving site before the first load, and log each load against its transfer note so the diversion rate is a figure you can show, not an estimate.

Last updated 27 October 2026. Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 (revoked), legislation.gov.uk, Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 34, duty of care for waste, GOV.UK, waste transfer notes, GOV.UK, dispose of hazardous waste: producers and holders and CalRecycle, SB 1383 and CALGreen construction waste diversion.

How to write a construction waste management plan

Start with whoever asked for the plan: the client brief, a planning condition or the building permit usually sets the target and what to report.

Set out the project and target
Describe the works and programme, choose one unit for all quantities, and enter the target diversion rate with where it comes from.
List the waste streams
For each stream, such as brick and block, timber, metals, plasterboard, packaging, mixed waste and any hazardous waste, add the code, an estimate, the planned route and the container.
Plan the waste area
Choose how waste is kept apart, mark the waste area on the site plan and photograph the set-up.
Check carriers and receiving sites
Record each carrier's registration number and each receiving site's permit or exemption number, and the date you checked them.
Log every load
Add a line for each load with the date, stream, quantity, carrier, destination and transfer note reference. For mixed waste, add the recovery rate the receiving site reports.
Review against the target
Check the diversion rate, add waste area checks, give each action an owner and a date, and sign.

What makes a construction waste management plan useful

The waste movements log

24 homes in Norwich, target 88% from the client. October: 7 loads, 52.8 tonnes. Two mixed ro-ros at the transfer station's reported 72% and 68%, and one 3 tonne plasterboard skip sent to landfill because trades had thrown food packaging in it. Diversion 86.2%, 1.8 points under target. Toolbox talk done, lidded skip ordered.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Writing the plan at the start to satisfy the client, then never logging loads, so at completion nobody can say what left site or where it went.

What happens next

Check each carrier's registration and each site's permit before the first load, then add a line to the log for every load the day it leaves.

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Every question in the construction waste management plan template

A construction waste management plan and log: the waste streams expected with codes, estimates and routes, a target diversion rate you set, segregation and waste area checks, carriers and receiving sites with registration and permit numbers, and a log of every load with transfer note references, photos, totals and the diversion rate calculated against the target. 7 sections and 117 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

Project: the project name
Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
Client or developer: the project's customer

Plan details

ProjectShort answer
Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.
Fills in from the project name
Site addressShort answer
Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
Client or developerShort answer
Fills in from the project's customer
Location (GPS)Short answer
Plan date*Date
Prepared by*Short answer
Where is the project?*Choose one
Sets which legal notes you see.
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- California, USA
- Elsewhere in the USA
- Other country
Main or principal contractorShort answer
Who or what asks for this planShort answer
For example the client brief, a planning condition, the building permit, a local ordinance or your own policy.
Plan revisionShort answer
Plan status*Choose one
- Draft
- Issued for use on site
- Submitted to the client or authority
- Accepted by the client or authority
- Closed at completion
Person responsible for waste on site*Short answer
CheckThis is the waste plan for the project and the record of each load that leaves the site. It sets out the waste expected, the target, how waste is kept apart, who carries it and where it goes. Completing it does not show that any law, permit or condition is met: the rules that apply depend on where the site is and who asked for the plan.
GuidanceEngland. The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 required a plan for projects over £300,000. They were revoked on 1 December 2013 (SI 2013/2854), so there is no general legal duty to have one now. Clients and planning conditions may still ask for a plan. The waste duty of care still applies (Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 34).
Shown when “Where is the project?” is “England”
GuidanceCalifornia. CalRecycle says projects needing a local construction permit must divert at least 65% of the construction and demolition materials generated on site from landfill (CALGreen, sections 4.408.1 and 5.408). A waste management plan is one way to show it, and enforcing agencies can require contractors to keep one and document diversion and disposal. Check what your city or county asks for.
Shown when “Where is the project?” is “California, USA”
CheckOutside California, waste rules for building sites are set by the state, county or city. Check the permit and any local ordinance for a plan, a diversion target or reporting.
Shown when “Where is the project?” is “Elsewhere in the USA”
CheckWaste law in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and other countries has its own rules and forms. Use this plan for the structure and take the rules from your regulator.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Project and target

Description of the works*Notes
What is being built or demolished, for example 24 homes with roads and drainage on a former yard.
Start on siteDate
Expected completionDate
Contract value (optional)Short answer
Floor area being builtShort answer
With the unit, for example 2,150 m2 or 23,000 sq ft.
Unit for all quantities in this plan*Choose one
Use one unit throughout so the totals and the diversion rate add up. Weighbridge tickets usually give weight.
- Tonnes
- US tons
- Cubic metres
- Cubic yards
Target diversion rate (%)*Number
The share of waste, by quantity, to be reused, recycled or recovered rather than sent to landfill. Enter the figure you have been set.
Where the target comes from*Choose one
- Client requirement
- Planning condition
- CALGreen (California)
- City or county ordinance
- Rating scheme (for example BREEAM or LEED)
- Company target
- Other
Reference for the targetShort answer
For example the condition number, the ordinance or the client document.
How waste will be reduced at sourceNotes
For example offsite-made components, cut lists, take-back schemes for packaging and plasterboard offcuts, reusing crushed concrete as fill, ordering to size.
GuidanceEngland. GOV.UK says businesses must keep waste to a minimum by doing everything they reasonably can to prevent, reuse, recycle or recover waste, in that order.
Shown when “Where is the project?” is “England”

Waste expected

GuidanceList each waste stream you expect, with an estimate. Keep a stream separate wherever it can be reused or recycled. Use the code from your waste contractor or the classification guidance.
Waste streams
Repeat for each stream. Each one asks:
- Waste stream*Choose one
  - Inert: concrete, brick, block, tiles
  - Soil and stones
  - Timber
  - Metals
  - Plasterboard and gypsum
  - Packaging: cardboard, film, pallets
  - Plastics (not packaging)
  - Insulation
  - Mixed construction waste
  - Hazardous: asbestos
  - Hazardous: other (oils, paints, contaminated soil)
  - Other
- What it is and where it comes fromShort answer
  For example brick and block offcuts from the superstructure.
- Waste classification code (EWC or List of Waste)Short answer
  For example 17 01 07 mixed concrete and brick, 17 02 01 untreated wood, 17 04 05 iron and steel, 17 08 02 gypsum. An asterisk means hazardous.
- Estimated quantityNumber
  In the unit chosen on page 2.
- Planned route*Choose one
  - Reused on site
  - Reused off site
  - Recycled
  - Other recovery
  - Mixed, sorted off site
  - Landfill or disposal
- Container or storageChoose one
  - Segregated skip
  - Mixed skip
  - Roll-on roll-off container
  - Bulk bag
  - Wheeled bin or cage
  - Locked or sealed container
  - Stockpile on site
  - Other
- Carrier and receiving site plannedShort answer
- s_divWorked out by the form
Estimated total wasteWorked out by the form
Estimated to be reused, recycled or recoveredWorked out by the form
Mixed waste is not counted here: its recovery is only known from the receiving site.
Planned diversion rate (%)Worked out by the form
Hazardous streamsWorked out by the form
GuidanceHazardous waste (England). GOV.UK says to separate and store hazardous waste safely, use a consignment note to move it, and keep the register of consignment notes and consignee returns for 3 years at the premises that produced or stored it. Asbestos is hazardous waste (codes 17 06 01* and 17 06 05*).
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Segregation and the waste area

How waste is kept apart on siteTick all that apply
- Separate skip per main stream
- Labelled skips and bins
- Waste area shown on the site plan
- Bulk bags at each work area
- Hazardous waste store
- Take-back by suppliers
- Toolbox talk on waste for all trades
- Waste rules in site induction
- Other (describe)
Where the waste area isShort answer
For example north-east corner of the compound, by the site exit.
Site plan or logistics drawing referenceShort answer
Photo of the waste area set-upPhotos
Waste area checks
Repeat for each check. Each one asks:
- Check date*Date
- Checked by*Short answer
- Skips and containers labelled by streamChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Streams kept apart: no mixed waste in recycling skipsChoose one
  Look inside each skip: plasterboard, timber and metal in their own containers.
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Skips covered or netted, nothing blowing off siteChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Hazardous waste stored apart, contained and secureChoose one
  Asbestos wrapped and in a locked or sealed container; oils and paints bunded.
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Waste area tidy, access clear for collectionChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Transfer notes and tickets filed for every load since the last checkChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Carrier registrations and site permits checked and in dateChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- No burning or burying of waste on siteChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Photos of the waste areaPhotos
- wc_issuesWorked out by the form
- Result of this checkWorked out by the form
Checks recordedWorked out by the form
Items needing actionWorked out by the form
Walk-round of the waste areaWalk Cam video with voice-to-text
Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

Carriers and receiving sites

GuidanceDuty of care (England and Wales). Anyone who produces, carries, keeps or disposes of controlled waste must take reasonable steps to stop it escaping and, when it is handed on, make sure it goes only to an authorised person with a written description (Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 34). GOV.UK says to check the carrier is registered and, for hazardous waste, that the receiving site has an environmental permit.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Carriers
Repeat for each carrier. Each one asks:
- Carrier or broker*Short answer
- RoleChoose one
  - Waste carrier
  - Broker or dealer
  - Carrier and receiving site
  - Skip hire company
- Registration or licence number*Short answer
- Registration expiryDate
- How it was checkedChoose one
  - Public register online
  - Copy of the certificate seen
  - State or city hauler list
  - Other
- Date checkedDate
Receiving sites
Repeat for each receiving site. Each one asks:
- Receiving site*Short answer
- TypeChoose one
  - Recycling or materials recovery facility
  - Transfer station
  - Reuse or reclamation yard
  - Soil treatment or recovery site
  - Hazardous waste facility
  - Landfill
  - Other
- AddressShort answer
- Permit, exemption or facility number*Short answer
- Streams it takesShort answer
- Recovery rate it reports for mixed waste (%)Number
  From the facility's own report or ticket, if it takes mixed waste.
- Permit checked onDate

Waste movements log

GuidanceAdd a line for every load that leaves site, with the transfer note or weighbridge ticket reference. The totals and the diversion rate update as you go.
GuidanceEngland. GOV.UK says you need a waste transfer note, or a document with the same information such as an invoice, for each load of non-hazardous waste moved off your premises, and both businesses keep a copy for 2 years. Hazardous waste moves on a consignment note.
Shown when “Where is the project?” is “England”
Waste movements
Repeat for each load. Each one asks:
- Date*Date
- Waste stream*Choose one
  - Inert: concrete, brick, block, tiles
  - Soil and stones
  - Timber
  - Metals
  - Plasterboard and gypsum
  - Packaging: cardboard, film, pallets
  - Plastics (not packaging)
  - Insulation
  - Mixed construction waste
  - Hazardous: asbestos
  - Hazardous: other (oils, paints, contaminated soil)
  - Other
- Quantity*Number
  In the unit chosen on page 2.
- ContainerShort answer
  For example 8 yd skip, 40 yd ro-ro, 1 tonne bag.
- Carrier*Short answer
- Receiving site*Short answer
- What happens to it*Choose one
  - Reused on site
  - Reused off site
  - Recycled
  - Other recovery
  - Mixed, sorted off site
  - Landfill or disposal
- Recovery rate reported for this load (%)Number
  From the receiving site's ticket or monthly report. Leave blank until you have it.
  Shown when “What happens to it” is “Mixed, sorted off site”
- Transfer note or ticket reference*Short answer
- Hazardous waste consignment note codeShort answer
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Photo of the load or ticketPhotos
- m_divWorked out by the form
- m_pendingWorked out by the form
- m_landfillWorked out by the form
Loads recordedWorked out by the form
Total waste removedWorked out by the form
Reused, recycled or recoveredWorked out by the form
Sent to landfill or disposalWorked out by the form
Mixed loads still waiting for a recovery rateWorked out by the form
Hazardous loadsWorked out by the form
Diversion rate so far (%)Worked out by the form
Target (%)Worked out by the form
Points above (+) or below (-) targetWorked out by the form
Against the targetWorked out by the form
below_targetWorked out by the form

Review, actions and sign-off

Items needing actionWorked out by the form
ResultWorked out by the form
Actions
Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
- Action*Notes
- PriorityChoose one
  - Urgent: stop the next load
  - This week
  - Before the next review
  - Before completion
- Who will do it*Short answer
- Due byDate
- Status*Choose one
  - Open
  - In progress
  - Done, checked
- Photo when donePhotos
  Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
Actions still openWorked out by the form
Decision*Choose one
- Plan working: no changes needed
- Plan updated: see the actions
- Review needed: below target or records missing
Next check or re-inspection dateDate
What to do differently on the next projectNotes
At completion: compare the estimate with the loads recorded.
Summary for the clientNotes
Prepared by nameShort answer
Prepared by signature*Signature
Site manager or client nameShort answer
Site manager or client signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed construction waste management plan report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Construction waste management plan FAQs

Is a site waste management plan still a legal requirement in England?

No. The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 required one for construction projects in England with an estimated cost over £300,000. They were revoked on 1 December 2013. Clients, planning conditions and rating schemes may still ask for a plan, and the waste duty of care in section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 still applies to anyone who produces, carries, keeps or disposes of controlled waste.

Sources: Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 (revoked), legislation.gov.uk and Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 34, duty of care for waste.

What does California require?

CalRecycle says projects needing a local construction permit must divert at least 65% of the construction and demolition materials generated on site from landfill, under CALGreen sections 4.408.1 and 5.408. A waste management plan is one way to show it; using a waste management company with verifiable documentation is another, and enforcing agencies can require contractors to keep a plan and document diversion and disposal. Check what your city or county asks for.

Sources: CalRecycle, SB 1383 and CALGreen construction waste diversion and CalRecycle, CALGreen construction waste management requirements (summary).

How is the diversion rate worked out?

The form adds up the quantity of every load you log and the part that was reused, recycled or recovered, and divides one by the other. Mixed loads count only once you enter the recovery rate the receiving site reports for them, and the form shows how many mixed loads are still waiting for one. Use one unit, such as tonnes from weighbridge tickets, for every load, so the totals add up.

How long do I keep waste transfer notes?

In England, GOV.UK says each load of non-hazardous waste moved off your premises needs a waste transfer note, or a document with the same information such as an invoice, and both businesses keep a copy for 2 years. Hazardous waste, such as asbestos, moves on a consignment note, and the producer keeps the register of consignment notes and consignee returns for 3 years.

Sources: GOV.UK, waste transfer notes and GOV.UK, dispose of hazardous waste: producers and holders.

Which waste codes go in the plan?

Use the code from your waste contractor or the GOV.UK classification guidance for England. For example, untreated wood is 17 02 01, iron and steel 17 04 05, gypsum materials not containing hazardous substances 17 08 02, and construction materials containing asbestos 17 06 05*. An asterisk means the waste is hazardous.

Source: GOV.UK, construction and demolition waste: how to classify.

Does completing the plan show the site complies?

No. The form is your plan and your record. It does not show that any law, permit or condition is met, and it does not check a carrier's registration for you: you record the number and the date you checked it. GOV.UK says businesses in England must check their waste carrier is registered and keep waste to a minimum by preventing, reusing, recycling or recovering it, in that order.

Source: GOV.UK, dispose of business or commercial waste.

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