(2) Appendix 1 – Advice on the Design of Waste and Recyclables Storage and Collection Requirements

1. Introduction

The way that waste is managed and treated is changing. Local Authorities are always striving for high diversion rates away from landfill. Recycling and separating waste is now the norm in most households and this desire to treat waste as a resource is also growing in the commercial sector. Rochford District Council has a strong drive to be sustainable and to improve on its environmental performance.

This guidance aims to assist developers on the incorporation of waste management facilities in to new developments in the district. It will encourage and promote effective and functional waste and recycling storage and collection facilities, and ensure they are incorporated into new developments. It will be used by planning officers and developers to ensure development proposals are adequate in terms of waste management.

The purpose of this advice is to help developers to deliver efficient, adaptable storage facilities for recyclable materials and waste, and to help Development Management officers to assess and improve waste management proposals within development proposals. Storage facilities must meet the needs of today’s recyclable material markets, waste collection operations and be flexible enough to meet the demands of the future. It is important that all waste services are provided in a manner that delivers safe and efficient working practices whilst safeguarding the amenity of households, workers and visitors to the District.

2. Guidance Related to Specific Types of Development

This section provides specific guidance for waste and recycling storage and management relating to the following types of development:

• Housing

• Commercial developments

• Schools

• Mixed use developments

Rochford operates a three bin scheme with one 240 litre wheeled container provided to collect dry recyclables, one 180 litre wheeled container for residual waste and a third wheeled container of 140 capacity for green and kitchen waste. In the majority of scenarios, the three wheeled bins are issued to each residential property.

Housing

When considering a householder application for an extension at pre-application stage, it is important to consider how the property will function in terms of waste management and recycling. For example, it is important to give consideration to how bins will be transported around the property and whether there is sufficient access to get the bins to the waste collection points.

All individual dwellings will be provided with:

• Black wheeled bin of 240 litre capacity for dry recyclables.

• Black with a purple lidded wheeled bin of 180 litre capacity for general waste that can not be recycled.

• Green with a yellow lidded wheeled bin of 140 litre capacity for kitchen and garden waste.

Waste must be correctly separated in line with the latest guidelines which are provided to residents by the Council.

It is important to consider whether there is the option of having a bin storage facility at the side or rear of the property, to reduce the cluttered appearance of streets. They should be located in the forecourt or front garden only if there is no alternative and should be well located in relation to each dwelling/building.

It is also important to consider whether a planned extension would impede on the space used for waste storage. For example, if bins are usually stored at the side of the property, and a side extension is proposed, where would bins then be stored? If a proposed extension would incur relocation of the bins it will be important to consider their storage which will both improve the functioning of the household, and improve the appearance of the street scene.

On collection day, the streets can become cluttered with wheeled bins which are put out onto the pavements outside of houses. Bins on pavements reduce their width and become a hazard to people with mobility difficulties. To improve the appearance and function of the streets on bin days, it would be extremely beneficial to have a designated bin storage area at the front of properties. This type of approach would not be achievable for all types of property, and would be impossible on terraced streets where the properties are built right up to the pavement edge.

Waste Containerisation and Storage Locations

The requirements for waste storage are set out in the Building Regulations 2000 (as amended by SI 2001/335). The requirements are also outlined in BS5906:1980(1987) Code of practice for the storage and on-site treatment of solid waste from buildings.

External Waste and Recycling Storage

All waste and recycling should be contained in the wheeled bins as specified by Rochford District Council and stored in a purpose built refuse store (or other appropriate screened location), or in a bulk containerised system held within the boundary of the site.

Communal Storage

Where composting, recycling and waste containers are to be taken to a collection point (other than the kerbside at the front of the property) by residents or staff, additional method statements must be provided; describing the proposed method of transporting containers to the dedicated collection point, and the access and turning space for refuse collection vehicles.

Location of External Bin Stores and Bin Storage Areas

All developments must provide a dedicated storage area for waste and recycling containers. All enclosures and storage areas should be located or constructed within the property boundary and be visible and easily accessible to users/residents in order to encourage use. Where it is not possible to locate the storage at the side or rear of the property, with access to the kerbside (e.g. terraced properties), storage facility should be located at the front of the property.

Green waste recycling and waste containers should be located such that any potential nuisance from the spillage, odour, noise and visual impact is prevented. Storage areas and enclosures should be sensitively integrated within their surroundings and reflect the building design, materials and architecture of their surroundings. Where possible, bins should be screened from external view by planting, fencing, walls and other appropriate structures.

The location of the external waste storage area must be shown on the site plans, and should allow the containers to be sited within 25m of the collection point (on the kerbside) and 30m of the dwelling.

It should be possible to move containers to the collection point without needing to pass through a building (other than a porch, garage or other covered open space), and the pathway should be well drained, have a maximum gradient of 1in 12 and preferably no steps.

External storage areas should be away from windows or ventilators and should preferably be in the shade or under cover.

Storage areas should be located so as not to interfere with pedestrian or vehicle access to buildings.

For residents who require help with their bins, for example are elderly or infirm, the Council provides an ‘Assisted Collection’ service.

External Waste Storage Footprint

The footprint requirement for each residence or premises, should allow adequate space around for each bin required (being at least 200mm between and around each container or 500mm if residents are required to lift the lid of a container).

Home composting – Home composting is seen as a key way for households to reduce their “waste” and turn it into compost. Composting is an option for treatment and recycling of garden and other organic waste at source. Home composting areas should be considered in all new housing developments. Consideration should similarly be given towards space for alternatives such as wormeries and food digesters. Easy access would be required from the kitchen or utility room and space should permit the co-location of bins and a composter in all houses with gardens. However, these must be carefully designed as part of the garden and not merely placed in a convenient area, which may be inappropriate. A 2m x 1m area should be provided with adequate drainage considered.

Internal storage of waste – It is also useful to consider how waste is stored within a property. When building a kitchen, utility room or garage extension, consider allocating a specific area for recycling purposes, and storage of food waste prior to collection. Not only will this help to organise the waste but it will motivate the household to recycle if there is a specific place for recyclables to go.

Boundary walls and fences – When designing boundary walls or fences, detailing the composition of railings and walls to create a permeable front boundary while screening and containing the bins and boxes can reduce the appearance of clutter within the street.

Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses – For detached, semi-detached and terraced houses where possible, the wheeled bins should be located on an area of hard standing within the rear curtilage with access to the collection point (which is usually located to the frontage of properties). Where bins cannot be accommodated within the rear curtilage the developer shall provide bin stores. Bin stores should be well designed to ensure they function well and do not create a visual blight within the street. The bin collection point should be easily accessible and designed to help screen the bins as much as possible. Screening can be in the form of walling, fencing or landscaping.

Enclosures should be kept as low as possible, constructed in materials to match the development to which they relate, provided with a watertight roof (sufficient to allow bin lids to be opened fully) and screened with planting where possible. The siting and design of container storage areas should also have regard to the impact of noise and smells from them on the occupiers of neighbouring properties. Enclosures for refuse containers should be located where they can be screened from the street and neighbours: either by structures, buildings or landscaping. To avoid health and safety issues steps and steep slopes should be avoided on the approaches to external bin storage areas and the areas should be adequately lit. Waste storage areas should be kept away from windows and ideally located in shaded areas.

Domestic Multi-Occupancy Developments (Apartments, flats etc.)

In order to encourage and promote awareness of recycling in new developments it is good practice to provide signage in waste storage chambers discouraging the deposit of recyclables in the refuse containers, encouraging and directing use of the recycling wheeled bins provided. It is also good practice for any information packs provided to new residents to include full information on available recycling facilities along with encouragement to use them. Bin sizes are set out in section 10.

The design, location and appearance of bin and recycling storage is vitally important to multi occupancy developments, as poorly designed facilities can lead to an unkempt appearance and facilities that are not functional, leading to litter and hygiene problems. These areas should be designed to be integral to the overall development.

Waste storage areas should be accessible to all users and should not present an unnecessary health and safety risk. The method of transit of waste to a storage point will depend upon the type of development. In developments of flats and apartments typical options will be residents transferring their waste to communal bins, or a facilities management service. The developer should make adequate arrangements for the management and maintenance of all communal waste and storage infrastructure in all developments of flats and apartments.

Communal bin storage areas should be provided with appropriate drainage and on a hard surface to assist cleaning. Bin chambers at apartments and blocks of flats should be sufficiently robust to withstand impact from containers when they are moved by residents or collection operatives. Consideration should be given to appropriate screening of the waste bins and recycling facilities, and regard should be given to potential noise and smells from the use of the bins.

Consideration should also be given to vehicle access and egress to ensure the facilities can be easily serviced and are no more than 10 metres from the closest point of access for a refuse collection vehicle. Vehicle access to the site should not be obstructed by overhanging trees or vegetation.

To assist easy movement of bins, the storage areas should be located in such a way that bin collectors can traverse vehicular dropped crossings.

Size of Unit and Total Storage Capacity Required for Refuse and Recycling

Size of Unit	Total Storage Capacity
Single room unit	100 litres
Two room unit	150 litres
Three room unit	200 litres
Four room unit	250 litres
Five room unit	300 litres
Six room unit	350 litres

Rooms comprise bedrooms and lounges, but do not include kitchens and bathrooms. Atleast 40% of storage capacity must be allocated for recycling. In this case facilities must be provided to collect dry recyclables in one container, green and kitchen waste in another and residual waste in the third container.

Internal storage requirements are shown in section 11.

3. Size of Waste Collection Vehicles

Waste collection vehicles fitted with rear-mounted compaction units are about the largest vehicles that might require regular access to residential areas. Section 12 provides advice on vehicle size and turning area.

4. Commercial Premises

• Offices

• Restaurants and fast food outlets

• Retail

• Hotels

As for all other properties, the general principles for storage and access should be followed. At least half of the waste generated is likely to be recyclable, so separation facilities must be made available in any waste stores.

Non-domestic waste must be collected by a Licensed Waste Carrier who can provide a Waste Transfer Note for the material carried. Such services attract a charge for both collection and disposal.

Information on the composition of waste from commercial premises is not available as eachfacility will generate a different waste stream, however research has been completed on gross waste production and the storage capacity for each type of development are listed below:

Offices

2,600 litres of waste storage for every 1,000m² gross floor space

Retail

5,000 litres of waste storage for every 1,000m² gross floor space

Restaurants and Fast Food Outlets

10,000 litres of waste storage for every 1,000m² gross floor space

Hotels

7,500 litres of waste storage for every 1000m² gross floor space.

Some commercial developments may be required to deal with a high volume of waste. Whether recyclable or not, it is important to consider (at the design stage) how the waste will be managed, sorted, stored and collected. Quite often, bins are stored in unattractive service yards to the side or rear of properties, causing a visual blight. All commercial premises will be expected to store refuse in wheeled bins rather than sacks for reasons of health and safety and manual handling.

5. Non Residential Developments (schools, charities etc.)

Waste from schools is classified as ‘domestic waste’. Therefore the Council will wish to implement collections for as broad a range of recyclable materials from these locations as possible. This will be done using the same ‘source-separated’ principle as is applied at domestic properties. ‘Refuse’ is materials not currently accepted for recycling.

As for all other properties, the general principles for storage and access should be followed. At least half of the waste generated is likely to be recyclable, so separation facilities must be made available in any waste stores:

• 1,500 litres of waste storage for every 1,000m² gross floor space.

• 1,000 litres of recycling storage for every 1,000m² gross floor space.

All educational premises will be expected to store refuse in wheeled bins rather than sacks for reasons of health and safety and manual handling.

6. Mixed Use (Domestic and Commercial) Developments

Where mixed developments are proposed, access to commercial waste storage areas should be separated from the access to the domestic waste storage areas. Effort should be made to provide waste separation facilities within developments. This should include such things as paper, card, glass, cans, and plastic bottles recycling collection points in offices and retail units, and facilities for separating food waste in kitchens.

7. General Considerations

Rochford District Council has a statutory obligation to remove domestic recyclables and waste at no charge to residents. Non-domestic waste must be collected by a Licensed Waste Carrier who can provide a Waste Transfer Note for the material carried. Such services attract a charge for both collection and disposal.

Sustainable waste management opportunities will be best secured through good design and layout in both waste and non-waste related proposals. Non-waste related development might incorporate recycling facilities such as bring banks, provide dedicated facilities to enable the collection of recyclable materials, or contribute towards community waste management facilities such as green waste composting sites.

The storage areas for wheeled bins need to:

• Be in a location which can be reached during service hours without interacting with the local community;

• Be at ground level;

• Within 15 metres of the public highway;

• Allow for both recycling and refuse containers; and

• The site and design of commercial bin storage areas should also have regard to the impact of noise and smells from them on the occupiers of neighbouring properties.

Access pathways from the storage area to the collection point (where the vehicle stops) need to:

• Be level, unless the gradient falls away from the storage area in which case the gradient should not be steeper than 1:12;

• Be at least 1.5 metres wide;

• Be free from kerbs and steps;

• Have solid foundations and a smooth continuous impervious surface (but not gravel, cobbles etc.);

• Must be easily accessible to staff;

• Provided with appropriate drainage to assist cleaning;

• Have shallow ramps where they meet roadways; and

• Be no more than 10 metres from the point where the collection vehicle will stop.

The collection vehicle will need to park near the storage area. So access roads need to:

• Have suitable foundations and surfaces to withstand the maximum weight of the vehicle (generally 26t GVW, 11.5t axle loading);

• Have heavy-duty manhole covers, gully gratings etc.;

• Be designed to ensure reasonable convenience for the collection vehicle;

• Be a minimum of 5 metres wide;

• Be arranged for the collection vehicle to continue in a forward direction;

• Offer adequate space for turning; and

• Allow a minimum of 4.1m clearance under any obstruction such as an arch.

If more than four containers are to be emptied, then the collection vehicle should be able to enter the development to avoid the risk of obstructing traffic. Exceptions may be made when the vehicle can be conveniently reversed into the development over a distance not exceeding 12 metres to a point within 10 metres of the storage area. Collection vehicles should not generally be expected to reverse into a development from a busy main road.

8. General Guidance on Recycling

Households in the District are provided with recycling facilities, and this is collected alternate weekly for dry recyclables and residual waste and weekly collection of green and kitchen waste. Designers should ensure that containers can be left out for collection without blocking the footway or presenting hazards to users, and the guidance presented throughout the document can be applied to recyclable as well as non recyclable waste storage and collection.

Important Note: This guidance does not replace guidance from the Recycling Team, and their advice should always be sought in addition to this document when planning for waste management.

9. Legislation

All new developments must meet the requirements of Part H6 of the Building Regulations 2000 (solid waste storage). This states that:

• Adequate means of storing waste shall be required; and

• Adequate means of access should be provided for people in the building to the place of storage and from the place of storage to a collection point for the collection of waste.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 46 (household waste) and section 47 (commercial waste) place various waste management duties on local authorities. Under section 46 a local authority may require:

• Waste of certain types to be stored separately so that they can be recycled;

• Occupiers of dwellings to provide containers of a specified type for the storage of waste;

• Additional containers to be provided for the separate storage of recyclable waste; and

• Locations where containers should be placed for emptying.

10. Waste Container Sizes

Domestic

Container	Contents	Collection Frequency	Image	Dimensions
Grey lidded wheeled bin	Glass bottles and jars, tins, cans, paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, tetrapaks	Alternate week		240ltr capacity, 580mm wide, 740mm deep, 1100mm tall
Yellow lidded green bin	Kitchen and green waste	Weekly Collection		140ltr capacity, 505mm wide, 555mm deep, 1100mm tall
Purple lidded wheeled bin	All other waste that is not recycled i.e. the residual	Alternate week		180ltr capacity, 505mm wide, 755mm deep, 1100mm tall
Euro/bulk bins (metal or plastic)	Can be used for either recyclate or residual	Alternate week or weekly depending on the material to be collected		1100ltr capacity, 1210mm deep, 1100mm wide, 1427mm tall

11. Internal Storage

Size of Dwelling (number of Rooms)	Number of Bedrooms	Storage Space Required m3
One	1	0.1
Two	1	0.15
Three	1	0.2
Four	1	0.25
Five	2	0.3
Six	3	0.35

12. Vehicle Size and Turning Area

The construction of all access roads for refuse collection vehicles should be in accordance with the Department for Transport’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. In particular, they should have suitable foundations and surfaces to withstand the maximum payload of the vehicle (currently 26 tonnes). Covers over manholes, gully gratings etc. should also be of the type to withstand such weight.

Roads and parking areas should be laid out to ensure reasonable convenience for the collection vehicles. Individual negotiation will help clarify and provide more guidance.

Any structure under which the refuse vehicle has to operate should provide a minimum clearance of 4.1 metres, with a minimum working area of 3.5 metres width by 4.0 metres length where the emptying of the containers will take place.

Refuse collection vehicles should not be expected to reverse into or from a highway to make a collection. Where collection vehicles do have to enter a development, there must be sufficient on site turning circles or hammerheads to allow safe manoeuvring and exit from the development. The Council’s Recycling Team should be consulted in respect of road layout and turning area measurements to ensure kerbside collections of waste and recyclables take place safely.

Roads with inadequate width or turning facilities are inaccessible to collection vehicles, in such cases alternative presentation points on a nearby public highway have to be arranged.

The length of a refuse collection vehicle plus container is generally 9.0 metres; the working length should take account of the size of the container, making the length of the vehicle with the container in emptying position 11 metres. A further 2 metres is required for operatives to stand clear of the bin whilst being lifted.

The emptying position that the vehicle manoeuvres to and operates from should be relatively level and flat for the entire length of vehicle and container. Any slopes or gradients (other than those necessary for surface water drainage) should be avoided.

Ideally the vehicle should pull into a dedicated off road bay, without the necessity of reversing into or out of the bay.

Access for Refuse Collectors

Refuse is not collected from private drives. All refuse should be presented onto the nearest kerbside, ideally at the front of the building for collection, unless otherwise agreed. Where access paths are to be used to transfer refuse from the storage location to the collection vehicle, they should be relatively level (apart from gradients necessary for surface water drainage). A longitudinal gradient falling away from the storage location at an incline of no more than 1:12 is acceptable.

Access paths should be not less than 1.5 metres wide and be completely free from kerbs andsteps. They should be of durable construction with a relatively smooth non-slip surface. Where necessary an appropriate drainage system should be incorporated into the design of the access path to prevent surface water discharging from the path to the public highway. Insome cases it will be necessary to provide illumination of the access path.

Drop kerbs should be provided where access paths meet the adopted Highway, and resulting gradients should be kept to a minimum.

Note: Where foundations have eroded and trip hazards have formed, the landowner will be responsible for any and all appropriate repairs. Failure to maintain foundations and surfaces to a satisfactory standard may result in collections being halted due to health and safety requirements.

Bulky/commercial containers – Collection operatives should not be required to pull/push a bulky container (660 Litre and above) bin more than 15 metres from the agreed waste collection point to the collection vehicle. Any paths should be free from obstructions.