This section contains reports of regular site waste minimisation audits undertaken at Comely Green (Lower London Road).  This page is regularly updated as the latest audit results are added, so the most recent report is at the bottom of the page.

30th June 1999

The first waste minimisation audit of the Comely Green site was undertaken on 30th June 1999.  This audit found that the site was in good order generally, with a few issues requiring attention.

At this stage, piling had been pretty much completed and ground beams were being laid.

The main issues were:

Segregation of Waste

Waste material should be segregated into wood, metal, plastic and "other" as a minimum.  At present there is only one skip on site (above), which is being used to dispose of all these materials.  This is not currently a major issue, as the work being undertaken on site is not generating large quantities of recyclable materials.   However, as work progresses and the number of different trades on site increases, segregation will become increasingly important.

Loose piled material

Piles of gravel, sand and other aggregates are present on the site, with evidence that they have been driven through, wasting considerable quantities.  As can be seen in the above picture, this appears to represent a significant loss of material.   Discussions are underway with Hart Builders to find a solution to this problem, which is particularly bad in a tight site, such as this.  Harts and their sub-contractors are also undergoing a training programme to raise awareness of waste issues in construction and to provide a forum where suggestions can be aired.

Fuel storage

As much a health and safety issue as an environmental one, diesel fuel and welding canisters were seen at various locations around the site. These should be bunded and stored correctly, as appropriate, to avoid pollution of soil and groundwater and to reduce the risk of injury to site workers.

In this picture, piles of wood shuttering can also be seen.  Although this appears to be waste, it is actually in use and merely being stored in the middle of the site between jobs.

Storage of blocks

A large number of masonry blocks are present on site for construction of ground works, walls etc.  In some cases, these have been spilled, which could potentially damage the blocks.  Care should be taken not to waste blocks in this way.

Litter

There is a large amount of general litter spread about the site, partly from site activities and partly thrown on to the site by passers-by.  Although this is not unusual for a construction site, it is unsightly and should be disposed of properly.

22nd July 1999

There has been little change in either the activities on-site or the waste situation. The situation has been brought up with the site agent, who has promised to take matters in hand.

6th August 1999

A dramatic improvement is evident at the site.  Litter has been tidied up, raw materials are separated and neatly stored (although there are still bulk materials on site, such as sand for cement mixing). 

All wood used for shuttering etc. is collected in one place and a dedicated wood recycling skip is expected on site next week.

The only apparent negative points are as follows:

Diesel storage

This is still not bunded.  Diesel is supplied in rather battered drums, which are kept in the centre of the site.  This method creates a risk of soil and groundwater contamination, should a drum be accidentally damaged or spilled.

Water