What is a Waste Management Plan?

A Waste Management Plan, or a WMP reviews the waste management strategies of the land use, estimates the waste and recyclable volumes (and other waste streams where applicable), reviews the on-site bin provisions, seeks strategies to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, and assesses the proposed removal of waste from the site. Waste Management Plans are prepared for construction phases, occupation & operation phases of a development project.

How is a Waste Management Plan developed?

In Victoria, most Councils tend to accept Waste Management Plans structured in accordance with Better Practice Guide “Waste Management and Recycling in Multi-Unit Developments” of Sustainability Victoria. Some Councils such as City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip have their own guide documents that provide instructions on how to develop a Waste Management Plan. Regardless of the guide chosen, a WMP follows a consistent format that aims to effectively plan, design and assess appropriate garbage, recycling and organics management systems and facilities for developments.

What are the key items in a WMP?

Various Waste Streams must be considered when developing a Waste Management Plan. This often includes garbage, recyclables, organics and hard waste. In smaller developments, these waste streams are stored in mobile garbage bins (MGBs) and are kept within each premises. In larger developments, alterative systems are implemented such as chute systems, communal waste bins. If a development generates green waste, method for collection and processing would need to be determined in consultation with council.

Waste Collection Services are not typically offered for commercial developments. However, local councils do have an obligation to offer domestic waste management services although the services may vary depending on the council. The annual service fee for waste collection and disposal must be paid whether or not the service is actually used. It is vital to check with local council during design development regarding whether on-site waste collection is available and possible. It is also important that waste management systems are designed to accommodate the services provided by councils. Waste Management Consultants such as RedSquare Traffic are able to undertake this service for you during design development phases to enable this.

Bin Storage is another key consideration in developing a Waste Management Plan. This is particularly a major consideration when refurbishing existing buildings or when adding additional waste collection streams to existing premises. Often design features such as landscaping or car parking are needed to be sacrificed to achieve bin storage space. In multi-unit developments, it is also possible to provide shared bins in a central storage area which would assist in saving storage space. Storage areas should be designed to provide easy access to allow adequate room for manoeuvring bins for collection, cleaning of the storage area, and undertaking maintenance and servicing requirements. Thus, it is vital that you acquire the services of a Waste Management Consultant.

Bin Collection Point is another pivotal consideration. During design development, one must play careful attention to identify a suitable waste collection point and discuss this with the council. There are specific locations which are to be avoiding when choosing collection points such as near intersections, roundabouts or in locations that may restrict pedestrian access or in narrow lanes etc. If mobile garbage bins are used and collected from the kerb, there should be sufficient space on the street for them to be lined up neatly in (preferably) a single row along the kerb.

Collection Frequency is a key consideration which relates directly to the amount of storage space available. Whilst local governments offer weekly/fortnightly collections, it is possible to create a more frequent waste collection service via a private waste collection contractor. But waste storage should always be provided aiming for on site weekly/fortnightly collection. More frequent collection should only be considered when on-site storage space is significantly constrained.

When do you need a Waste Management Plan?

A Waste Management Plan is developed during the Planning phase of a project pertaining to the issue of the Planning Permit. For larger developments, a WMP is recommended to be developed from design development phase to pre-plan and to avoid surprises. For relatively smaller developments, Councils may request a Waste Management Plan during pre-application meetings, upon submission of the initial set of documents (via a Request for Further Information letter) or as a Planning Permit Condition.

How can RedSquare Traffic help?

It is recommended that you engage the services of an experienced Waste Consultant to prepare your Waste Management Plan. RedSquare Traffic’s team are experienced at preparing Waste Management Plans of various complexity. Get in touch with our team to learn more about WMPs.