Standard Operating Procedures:
Contractor Construction Waste Management (CWM)
General Construction Site Waste
Date: 7/30/2020 Version: Draft Review Frequency: Annual
Reasons for Procedure
This procedure has been developed to ensure all project-related waste transportation and disposal
activities are performed in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local waste management
regulations. The procedure is also intended to protect the University and its surrounding environment
from potential impacts from project-related waste management activities.
1.0 Purpose
1.1. To eliminate potential impacts of general construction waste transportation and disposal.
1.2. To minimize the volume of general construction waste disposed in municipal solid waste
landfill(s) by maximizing recycling/reuse practices and diligent characterization of Construction
and Demolition Debris (CDD) wastes and wastes that can be used as clean fill (see CDD and
Clean Fill SOPs).
1.3. Educate construction crews in best practices regarding segregation of CDD materials from
general construction wastes.
1.4. Provide general waste management guidelines for projects that are not required to develop a
Waste Management Plan (WMP). WMPs are required for all projects over $3 million
construction budget or smaller projects anticipated to generate significant amounts of
demolition debris.
2.0 Scope
These procedures apply to the collection, handling, transportation and disposal of general
construction waste by construction and demolition contractors, subcontractors and their
employees working on UVA’s behalf that is not already covered by a WMP. The table below
summarizes what wastes are managed according to this SOP.
Contractor Construction Waste Management: General Construction Waste
General Construction Waste (1) NOT General Construction Waste
Non-recyclable packing materials such as Compressed gas cylinders or aerosol canisters
Styrofoam, plastic wrapping, strapping/banding,
etc.
Putrescible waste (food and other organic waste). Liquids of any kind (motor oil, refrigerants,
lubricants, solvents, drywall mud, paint, water
Food-contaminated packaging.
from cleaning tools or equipment, etc.)
“Household” Recyclable Materials (such as glass Construction and Demolition Debris (CDD)
and plastic bottles, cardboard, aluminum cans, (see SOP)
clean food packaging, etc.)
Other non-hazardous construction site trash (e.g., Hazardous wastes
nails, screws, fasteners, plastics, fabrics, etc.)
Carpeting, non-ACM tiles, etc. Special wastes (asbestos and lead paint)
Empty/cured paint cans, solvent cans, caulking Clean fill material (see SOP)
tubes, glues, drywall mud buckets.
Cured paint wastes (brushes, rollers, drop cloth,
roller/drip pans)
Notes: General Construction Waste may also be referred to as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).
3.0 Responsibility
3.1 Managers and Supervisor
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring all contractor and subcontractor
staff involved with generating or managing waste are trained on the procedures
outlined in the most recent version of this SOP. Managers and supervisors are
responsible for maintaining waste disposal records.
3.2 Personnel Performing Construction/Demolition Activities
All contractors, subcontractors, and their employees are responsible for the proper
temporary storage, containment, and disposal of all waste generated during
construction and/or demolition. Separation of general construction waste, CDD and
clean fill material is a critical part of this process. Contractor personnel must follow the
procedures outlined in this SOP. If personnel are unsure of the proper procedures, they
should contact their supervisor.
4.0 Procedures
4.1 Siting Waste Storage Area(s)
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Contractor Construction Waste Management: General Construction Waste
4.1.1 Where feasible, locate dumpsters away from the project boundary and sensitive
receptors. Sensitive receptors may include stormwater drop inlets, curb inlets,
wetland areas, sensitive vegetation, and ponds, streams and other waterways.
4.1.2 Locate waste storage areas away from critical pathways including pedestrian
and vehicular access, overhead utilities, fire hydrants, and generators.
4.1.3 Maintain adequate ingress/egress to storage areas to allow adequate loading of
waste materials for removal from the site.
4.1.4 Wherever feasible, site waste storage on an impervious surface. Plastic sheeting
can be used to provide an impervious surface, if needed, where none is present.
4.1.5 Use only designated storage/disposal areas for storage of segregated waste(s).
4.2 Waste Segregation and Storage
4.2.1 Ensure all waste generated is disposed of promptly in the correct waste
container.
4.2.2 The correct separation of general construction waste, construction and
demolition debris (CDD) and clean fill material is a critical part of an appropriate
waste management process. General Construction Waste must be collected
separately from CDD and clean fill and must be placed in designated
construction waste dumpsters.
4.2.3 Light bulbs/lamps should be managed intact under all circumstances and should
not be crushed for any reason. Bulbs/lamps should be segregated and stored for
disposal in a designated container, which will prevent breakage, and in
accordance with appropriate universal waste guidance. In the event broken
bulbs/lamps are discovered, contact UVA Environmental Resources as these
materials may be considered a hazardous waste depending on the type of
bulb/lamp.
4.2.4 “Household recyclable materials” should be placed in recycling bins when
available.
4.2.5 Liquid containing cans/containers must be completely emptied of its contents
by being thoroughly used or disposed separately as liquid waste by appropriate
means. Residual materials should be dried/cured completely and disposed
along with the container. This includes: paints, solvents, glues, caulk, gypsum
mud, etc.
4.2.6 Equipment containing fluids (e.g., spray applicating apparatus,
piping/tubing/hoses, mixing equipment) must be fully drained of these products
prior to disposal in general construction trash. In addition, equipment
designated for disposal or recycling must have a tag placed on it that is signed
and dated by a supervisor or designated staff certifying that all fluids have been
removed. Equipment which (once empty) can be recycled, such as window AC
units, lawnmowers, etc., should be placed in recycling dumpsters rather than
with general waste.
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Contractor Construction Waste Management: General Construction Waste
4.2.7 No material covered under this SOP may be disposed of by being dumped down
any storm sewer drain. In some cases material may be disposed of down the
sanitary sewer with prior authorization from UVA Environmental Resources
(ER). Contact ER for questions regarding proper handling or disposal of these
waste materials. All employees and contractors must receive approval from ER
at least one week in advance before dumping any material covered under this
SOP down any sanitary sewer. ER may be reached at storm-water@virginia.edu.
4.2.8 Cover all dumpsters and waste containers at the end of every day or when not
in active use. Smaller waste containers (“trash cans”) placed throughout the
site for daily use shall have lids which are kept on the trash can to prevent
windblown trash, except when trash in being placed in the trash can.
4.2.9 Ensure waste disposed of as general construction waste is solid waste and does
not include hazardous or special wastes.
4.2.9.1 Hazardous wastes generated by the contractor will be managed by the
contractor according to required Federal, state and local regulations.
Hazardous waste management procedures shall be clearly defined in
the contractor’s Waste Management Plan (if applicable).
4.2.9.2 The contractor will notify the University PM/CAM upon discovery of a
hazardous waste generated by UVA. The PM/CAM will contact UVA EHS
(434-982-4911) for information on proper handling and disposal of the
hazardous waste.
4.2.9.3 Special wastes include asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and Lead-
based Paint (LBP). These special materials should be managed
according to the appropriate University Policy. If suspect materials are
discovered, contact UVA Environmental Health and Safety.
4.2.9.4 The contractor shall immediately notify the UVA PM/CAM and UVA
Environmental Resources in the event petroleum contamination or
potential hazardous waste is discovered comingled with general
construction waste(s).
4.3 Waste Storage Area Inspections
4.3.1 Routine inspections of waste storage areas should occur on a daily basis before
the close of each work day. Allow sufficient time for implementing corrective
measures as necessary.
4.3.2 Waste disposal dumpsters should not be leaking. In particular, note and correct
any leaking container before allowing transportation offsite. Immediately
address any track-in/track-out of waste materials during load-out activity.
4.3.3 Inspect storage areas before and after significant storm events.
4.3.4 Inspectors should note any improper waste disposal which may include liquid
wastes, hazardous waste, or CDD. Remove improper wastes to the appropriate
storage area.
4.3.5 Wastes should be confined to the limits of its container/area. There should be
no overflowing waste.
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Contractor Construction Waste Management: General Construction Waste
4.3.6 Inspect access, ingress/egress for any impedances.
4.3.7 Dumpsters should be closed/covered at the end of each workday and
particularly before any storm event.
4.3.8 Whether during a formal inspection or not, correct waste management
deficiencies when observed. If assistance is needed, report the deficiencies to
the site supervisor.
4.4 Waste Hauling to Off-Site Disposal Facility
4.4.1 General Construction Waste must be disposed at a licensed, permitted MSW
landfill. Contractor is expected to maintain records of waste disposal invoicing
and/or bill of lading for documentation to quantify off-site waste disposal.
5.0 Review of Procedure/Training
Managers are responsible for reviewing this procedure with all applicable staff immediately
upon start of work on site and refresher training shall be provided as often as needed to ensure
compliance. This SOP is supplemented by a concise Quick Guide for use at contractor tailgate
meetings and for posting at designated project information locations. Visit the UVA
Environmental Resources website for copies of relevant training materials.
6.0 Regulatory Impacts
6.1 Waste Management Regulations
General construction waste collection, handling, transportation and disposal is
regulated by the DEQ Solid Waste Management regulations, 9 VAC 20- 81.
6.2 Stormwater Regulations
Illicit discharges, including discharges of contaminated water, are prohibited by the
University’s MS4 permit. This offense is punishable by civil and criminal penalties as
illicit discharges constitute a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare, and are
deemed public nuisances.
*Printed versions of SOPs with previous review dates are considered current as long as the
version number is the same as the current version. Current versions of all SOPs are maintained
on the UVA Environmental Resources website.
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