Site Waste Management Plan
SWMP template
A complete SWMP template for UK construction projects — covering all seven required sections, EWC code guidance, duty of care obligations, and BREEAM Wst01 evidence requirements. Create yours digitally in WasteMapper in under 5 minutes.
Generate a SWMP automatically
WasteMapper creates, signs, and stores your SWMP — linked live to your waste movement register.
What your SWMP must include
A compliant SWMP has seven sections. All sections must be completed before construction begins — a SWMP dated during or after works is not accepted for BREEAM Wst01.
Project information
Basic details the plan must capture at the outset.
Waste types and estimated quantities
A forecast of what waste will be produced, by type and EWC code.
Waste minimisation measures
Steps to reduce waste generation before and during construction.
Waste management and disposal routes
How each waste type will be managed and where it will go.
Duty of care obligations
Compliance records required under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Monitoring and reporting
How waste performance will be tracked across the project.
Declarations and sign-off
Signatures required to validate the SWMP before works begin.
Date it before you break ground
The most common reason BREEAM assessors reject a SWMP is that it is dated after works commenced. The plan must exist before any site clearance, demolition, or groundworks take place. WasteMapper timestamps the SWMP at the moment you create the project — so the date is automatic and auditable.
Frequently asked questions
Is a SWMP legally required?
The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 — which made SWMPs mandatory for most UK construction projects over £300,000 — were revoked in 2013. However, a SWMP remains mandatory evidence for any BREEAM Wst01 credit. It is also strongly recommended best practice for duty of care compliance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Some local planning authorities and clients still require one as a planning condition regardless of project value.
When must the SWMP be completed?
For BREEAM Wst01 compliance, the SWMP must be dated before construction work begins. A retrospectively produced SWMP will not be accepted as evidence regardless of the diversion rate achieved. WasteMapper creates your SWMP at project setup so the date is automatically pre-construction.
What is the difference between a SWMP and a waste movement register?
The SWMP is the planning document — it forecasts waste types, quantities, and intended disposal routes before the project starts. The waste movement register is the live operational record — it logs every actual collection during the project. BREEAM Wst01 requires both: the SWMP as a pre-construction plan and the movement register as the audit trail.
What EWC codes do I need for a typical new-build?
Common EWC codes for new-build projects include: 17 01 01 (concrete), 17 01 02 (bricks), 17 01 03 (tiles), 17 02 01 (timber), 17 04 05 (iron and steel), 17 06 04 (insulation), 17 08 02 (gypsum), 17 09 04 (mixed construction waste), and 20 03 01 (general mixed municipal waste). Hazardous materials need their own hazardous EWC codes.
Can I use a digital SWMP instead of a paper one?
Yes. There is no regulatory requirement for a SWMP to be on paper, and BREEAM assessors accept digital SWMPs. WasteMapper generates a PDF SWMP that can be signed, stored, and submitted electronically. The key requirement is that it exists, is signed, and is dated before construction starts.
Does the SWMP need to be updated during the project?
The SWMP should be updated if actual waste types or quantities differ significantly from the plan. For BREEAM purposes, the assessor will compare the original plan against the final movement register — large discrepancies without explanation can raise questions. WasteMapper keeps the SWMP linked to your live movement data so you can monitor and update it throughout the project.
Stop filling in spreadsheets. Generate your SWMP in minutes.
WasteMapper creates your SWMP, keeps it linked to your live movement register, and compiles the complete BREEAM Wst01 evidence pack when you need it. Free plan available.
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