BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
ice
managed serv
redistributes
surplus and re-usable construction materials for the benefit of community, the environment and the construction industry
What is
?
was founded in 2008 as a web-based exchange for surplus construction materials. works to connect construction with the community through the redistibution of reusable and surplus materials to community groups, charities, schools, as well as others from the trade and the general public.
was created by a construction company, and so has been built with the users in mind. Put simply, offers a number of services, designed for different types of organisation and individuals. These services have all been designed to help the construction industry divert surplus and re-usable construction material away from the traditional waste stream, and into projects where they are required.
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Why reuse? In 2008, the construction industry recycled over 60% of its waste. This is fantastic, and is certainly much better than sending material to landfill. However, recycling often ‘down-cycles’ materials into product of a lesser value, and uses a large amount of energy and resources. By practicing the waste hierarchy, products are redistributed or reused wherever possible before recycling. Changes to waste regulations in the UK now require producers of waste to demonstrate and certify that they have taken steps to adopt reuse in the management of its waste and resources. Reuse not only benefits the environment, through less waste sent to landfill or to the energy and resource intensive process of recycling, it also benefits the local community through the redistrubtion of materials into projects in need. In an increasingly competitive world, this ticks a lot of boxes for existing and potential clients.
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
The UK construction industry throws away ÂŁ1.5 billion
worth of surplus construction material every year
Drivers for reuse Legislation There are a number of legislative drivers which act to enhance waste and resource performance in the building industry these include: Waste Regulations 2011: From September 2011 the government introduced new regulations into UK waste law which requires all producers and dealers of waste to act and demonstrate that they have managed waste according to the waste hierarchy. This entails demonstrating steps which have been taken to initially reduce waste, then ensure that reuse is undertaken where possible before recycling, recovery or disposal. Through adopting the waste hierarchy construction can ensure that its waste and resources are managed in the most sustainable manner. Landfill Tax Escalator: The landfill escalator has been implemented to annually drive up landfill costs by £8 per year. This year landfill tax is set at £56 and this will increase a further £8 per year until at least April 2014 for active waste. This improves the economic basis for increased re-use as collection costs for materials can become economically attractive compared to waste management costs. Site Waste Management Plans: Since April 2008 Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) have been a legal requirement for all construction projects worth over £300k. The legislation requires industry to measure and record the different types and volumes of waste generated on construction sites. In line with the SWMP framework which distinguishes reuse as the preferable end route following initial waste minimisation. Construction companies can benefit through operating the managed service to realise the potential of reuse in line with SWMPs.
The Environment A quantifiable improvement in waste management can be seen through a reduction in waste by diverting surplus and reusable materials into community projects. The Carbon Calculator also provides a verified carbon saving from the University of Salford, detailing the reduced environmental impact through adopting a culture of reuse and resource efficiency on site. Provision of reports detailing an analysis of materials which have been unused on site will be returned to the contractor to act as a future learning tool to improve ordering accuracy for the future. Corporate Social Responsibility engages with charities, community projects and other good causes to identify and support them in their maintenance and development needs through the redistribution of reusable building materials otherwise destined to be recycled or sent to landfill. This service ensures that materials which might be normally seen as a negative impact can have a positive impact. The dedicated project IT platform ensures for the complete audit of materials from project to end user, providing complete visibility of product movements. A report can then be compiled detailing the material recipients and projects assisted through the adoption of the service and returned in the form of a CSR report. This includes where possible photographs, testimonials and letters of gratitude. Competitive Advantage Recipro can support both public and private sector tenders by offering firm evidence for Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental benefits. Extra points can be scored in the tendering process through the ability to provide certification and reports of a construction organisations commitment to these areas. also enhance your Site Waste Management Plan by demonstrating active steps to ensure reuse of materials ahead of recycling and disposal in line with regulations and guidance.
The Managed Service How does it work? The service is simple to adopt and can be easily incorporated into existing waste management systems. work with both clients and contractors to provide a surplus materials community redistribution scheme. This is achieved through the provision of training and induction collateral and establishing an on-site community reuse point as an extension to existing waste management set-ups. Surplus and good quality second hand materials and products no longer required should be placed in this area ready for collection. These materials are then collected and transported to a local reuse centre where they are weighed and catalogued ready to be redistributed into charity, community projects and other good causes. engages with community to identify Recipro then provides detailed reports demonstrating environmental and social impacts of adopting the service. These reports detail the carbon and tonnage savings made as well as the social impact of the donated materials, they also provide analysis on material types and volumes providing valuable information for future procurement processes. The professional service provides a complete solution for reusable materials and is fully audited from start to finish ensuring complete visibility of material movement.
‘‘We would like to thank recipro who
have helped in providing a sustainable and cost effective supply of materials for the development of the new, first class clubhouse for the local community.’’
Graeme Atherton, Warrington Rowing Club
What can be re-used? The general rule to stick to is to ask the following question: ‘can this item be used for its original purpose’? If the answer is yes, and the material isn’t hazardous, out of date, damaged or contaminated then it should be fit for reuse. Examples of materials re-used through the service include bricks, blocks, tiles, carpets, timber, windows, bathroom fittings, insulation, doors, plumbing fixings, unopened paints, floor coverings, fencing and so on.
‘‘recipro has helped us to save valuable resources in our vital refurbishment works, resulting in a fantastic facility for local young people’’ Tony Berry, Rampworx
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Next Steps Costs for the managed service are assessed dependent on project value and size. For a proposal. or more information including costs, please contact us on 0844 225 3000 or projects@recipro-uk.com and we will be happy to help.
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
www.recipro-uk.com
Unit 4 Hawkshead Road Greenfields Technoloy Park Bromborough Wirral CH62 3RJ UK E: info@recipro-uk.com T: +44 844 225 3000 F: + 44 151 346 2582