Good practice

Examples of good practice in sustainable waste planning and management exist in the UK and around the world. This page is a brief introduction to some of them..

Plan for sustainable waste management

Hammarby Sjöstad

At Hammarby Sjöstad in Sweden, waste management infrastructure was an integral element of the original masterplan.

Wembley development, London

The new Wembley development in London has a vacuum waste collection system. It uses a vacuum to ‘suck’ material deposited via chutes from buildings.

Waste facilities, Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire County Council has prepared detailed guidance on the siting and development of waste facilities, and addresses design objectives and implications.

Project integra

Project integra resulted in the introduction of an integrated waste management strategy by the 11 district councils of Hampshire and the Portsmouth and Southampton unitary authorities

Abbott’s Wharf, London

The Abbott’s Wharf development in London uses an underground waste collection system

Energy from waste, Isle of Man

The Isle of Man’s new energy from waste facility shows how high-quality design of new and enhanced waste infrastructure can help to change public perceptions of waste management activities as bad neighbours.

Highbury Square, London

At the Highbury Square development in north London the local authority was involved at an early stage and agreed a daily collection which significantly reduced the space required in the masterplan for waste management, making the overall design much more space efficient.

Waste collection, Toronto Waterfront

Toronto Waterfront’s pneumatic waste collection system was a key component of the sustainable design vision, highlighting cost savings to the waste collection authority which will be shared with the developer.

WRAP guidance

Guidance prepared by WRAP illustrates examples of effective communication and how to address complex inter-related characteristics that affect participation.

Dealing with construction waste

Canberra, Australia

In Canberra in Australia a ‘No waste by 2010’ goal was put in place to cover all waste streams and has provided a brand and profile for the council to press for the best quality construction waste practices on the ground.

Greenwich Millennium Village, London

Greenwich Millennium Village in London managed to reduce construction waste by more than 50 per cent, resulting in a cost saving of £150,000.

Cardiff International Sports Village

Cardiff International Sports Village's on-site development was steered by a site waste management plan.

Turning waste into energy

Copenhagen

Copenhagen has three large waste incineration plants providing a significant proportion of the city’s heat and electricity supply. The largest one produces heat and power for 140,000 households, operating on a not for profit basis with a turnover of £37 million.

Klaus Bondam, Copenhagen’s mayor of environmental administration is leading the city’s drive to become provide the world’s best urban environment by 2015. Read how.

Tyseley plant, Birmingham

The Tyseley plant replaced a 1970s incinerator and allowed Birmingham City Council to reduce its reliance on landfill. It recovers several thousand tonnes of metals each year and the bottom ash is used in road building programmes.