Case Study Report
Tipping Skips Case Study
Case study report assessing the use of tipping skips to aid the collection and segregation of non-inert waste materials at the George Wimpey site, Armadale, Scotland
Project code: MRF 107 Research date: August 2008 – March 2009
ISBN: Date: June 2010
Our vision is a world without waste, where resources are used sustainably. We work with businesses and individuals to help them reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficient way. Find out more at www.wrap.org.uk
Written by: WSP Environmental Ltd
Front cover photography: Tipping Skips in use at the George Wimpey site, Armadale, Scotland. WRAP and WSP Environmental Ltd believe the content of this report to be correct as at the date of writing. However, factors such as prices, levels of recycled content and regulatory requirements are subject to change and users of the report should check with their suppliers to confirm the current situation. In addition, care should be taken in using any of the cost information provided as it is based upon numerous project-specific assumptions (such as scale, location, tender context, etc.). The report does not claim to be exhaustive, nor does it claim to cover all relevant products and specifications available on the market. While steps have been taken to ensure accuracy, WRAP cannot accept responsibility or be held liable to any person for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with this information being inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. It is the responsibility of the potential user of a material or product to consult with the supplier or manufacturer and ascertain whether a particular product will satisfy their specific requirements. The listing or featuring of a particular product or company does not constitute an endorsement by WRAP and WRAP cannot guarantee the performance of individual products or materials. This material is copyrighted. It may be reproduced free of charge subject to the material being accurate and not used in a misleading context. The source of the material must be identified and the copyright status acknowledged. This material must not be used to endorse or used to suggest WRAP’s endorsement of a commercial product or service. For more detail, please refer to WRAP’s Terms & Conditions on its web site: www.wrap.org.uk
List of Abbreviations CDEW
Construction, Demolition and Excavation Wastes
MDF
Medium Density Fibreboard
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
RORO
Roll On Roll Off
WRAP
Waste & Resources Action Programme
Tipping Skips Case Study
2
Contents 1.0 2.0
3.0
4.0 5.0 6.0
Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 4 About Tipping Skips ................................................................................................................. 5 2.1 Tipping Skip Adaptations........................................................................................................5 2.2 What is Waste Segregation and why is it important?................................................................6 2.2.1 Financial Benefits ......................................................................................................6 2.2.2 Business Benefits ......................................................................................................6 2.2.3 Environmental Benefits..............................................................................................7 Case Study Report.................................................................................................................... 8 3.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................8 3.2 Review of Waste Management on Site ....................................................................................8 3.3 Review of Tipping Skip Use on Site .........................................................................................8 3.4 Material Segregation on Site...................................................................................................9 3.5 Site Operative Training and Health and Safety Requirements ................................................. 11 3.6 Infrastructure Requirements ................................................................................................ 12 3.7 Financial Assessment ...........................................................................................................12 3.8 Case Study Summary........................................................................................................... 13 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................ 14 Further Information ............................................................................................................... 15 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ 16
Tipping Skips Case Study
3
1.0
Introduction
The Materials Recycling Programme, initiated by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), aims to increase the quality of materials recovered from UK businesses for recycling. A key element of the programme is to focus on construction, demolition and excavation waste (CDEW) in order to support WRAP’s wider construction sector work, which aims to help the industry as a whole to achieve the objectives set out by the government: The Construction Commitments: Halving Waste to Landfill. WSP Environmental Ltd. was commissioned by WRAP to review current container options and techniques used for the collection and transport of Construction, Demolition and Excavation Wastes (CDEW) off site for further treatment and recycling. The research was to focus on the non-inert fraction of waste materials for which collections and recycling systems are currently under developed. The output of the project is a collection of case studies, investigating more innovative or efficient ways of collecting CDEW on site. The materials to be considered during the research were the suite of typical non-inert waste materials generated on site, including packaging, wood pallets, timber, plastics, cardboard, tins, metals, plaster, plasterboard, insulation and ceramic materials. The following report investigates the use of tipping skips to complement or as an alternative to the use of standard skips for managing wastes on sites. The report considers a wide range of factors associated with the tipping skip use, positioning and collection, as well as taking into account the relative benefits and drawbacks of the container choice. This case study report is intended to help inform the industry of an alternative waste collection option currently available to the UK market; WRAP does not endorse any specific products discussed in this document.
Tipping Skips Case Study
4
2.0
About Tipping Skips
Tipping skips are also known as Roll Forward Skips or Mini-skips, and are used for collecting, transporting and discharging materials and waste on site. The skips are suitable for collecting a wide range of inert and non-inert materials and are available with capacities ranging from 0.25 - 2.5 cubic yards (0.2 – 1.9 m3) (Fig. 2.1). Larger models are also available, reaching capacities of up to 6 cubic yards (4.6 m3). Tipping skips are manufactured by a number of steel fabricators, such as Ridgeway Steel and Manufacturing Ltd., Contact Attachments Ltd. and Euroquip Newent Ltd. A range of standard models are available and many manufacturers also offer bespoke solutions to meet specific customer requirements. Figure 2.1 A range of standard tipping skips available1.
Integral forklift channels on the base of the skips enable easy pick up and transport using a forklift truck. Release mechanisms allow the tipping skip bucket to roll forward, discharging waste materials into an appropriate collection container or compactor. Tipping skips offer a simple, practical solution to handling wastes efficiently on site, particularly when the principal waste storage facilities may be positioned some distance from the areas of main development. Tipping skips also offer flexibility, as a wide range of materials can be collected and a number of skip adaptations are available to meet the site requirements. Using different coloured tipping skips can also aid efficient waste segregation on site, helping to improve recycling rates and reduce landfill disposal costs.
2.1
Tipping Skip Adaptations
When ordering tipping skips, the supplier is likely to discuss the following considerations in order to identify the most appropriate model:
materials to be handled; capacity of forklift truck; fork width and thickness; fork spread; and type of working environment.
Tipping skips are available with a wide range of adaptations to meet specific site requirements, including:
Regular and heavy duty versions - Regular skips may have steel body plates of approximately 3mm thickness, whereas heavy duty skips may have steel body plates of approximately 5mm thickness.
1
CONTACT ATTACHMENTS LTD. (2008) ‘Roll Forward Skip – Standard Range’ [Online] Available from: http://www.forkliftattachments.co.uk/shop_cats.php?store_cat_id=29&nav_id=29
Tipping Skips Case Study
5
Manual release or auto release tipping mechanisms - Manual release tipping skips have a secured lever which must be pulled in order to discharge the load. Auto release skips have a push plate fitted to the base at the front, so that when contact is made with the discharge container (such as a standard skip or compactor) the load is automatically discharged without the forklift driver needing to leave the vehicle. Auto release tipping skips are best suited for sites where very frequent waste collection and transport demands more efficient waste handling.
Colours – Tipping skips are available in a range of colours, typically red, green, blue and yellow. Colour coding skips on site for different waste streams can aid the segregation of materials for recycling.
With or without castors - Castors enable the skip to be wheeled on site, but are only suitable for use where there is a hard standing. Castors are available with or without brakes and are available in regular or heavy duty versions.
Mesh height extensions - Mesh height extensions are available for tipping skips being used to collect larger volumes of light wastes such as plastic and cardboard packaging. The extensions enable a greater volume of material to be collected without adding significant weight to the skip. Standard mesh extensions provide an additional 500mm, increasing tipping skip heights to approximately 1281 - 1485mm, dependent upon skip size.
Lids - Meal lids or PVC covers are available to prevent windblown waste issues on site. In addition, the lids and covers help to prevent water damage and contamination of materials, preserving their quality for recycling. On site practicality must also be considered when using lids or covers.
Lifting lugs - Lifting lugs may be fitted to the tipping skip to enable the skip to be crane lifted on site.
Drain taps – Drain taps enable any liquids to drain from the skips. Care must be taken to ensure that any liquids drained from the skip are disposed in accordance with the Duty of Care.
2.2
What is Waste Segregation and why is it important?
Tipping skips can be used to aid waste material segregation at source. Segregating wastes on site for recycling can introduce significant financial savings and enhance your business green credentials. An outline of the key benefits is summarised below:
2.2.1 Financial Benefits
Waste diverted from landfill immediately reduces direct costs. Landfill tax increased in April 2010 to £48 per tonne, and is set to increase further.
Well managed segregation maximises skip space and reduces collection costs. Waste materials that are properly segregated can have financial value; in certain circumstances where higher quality materials are generated in bulk it may be possible to sell the material to recyclers or reprocessors.
2.2.2 Business Benefits
Taking an active approach to waste management through encouraging resource efficiency and recycling can be a differentiator for your business. Clients are becoming increasingly aware of the need to act sustainably, and those companies that can deliver improve their reputations, strengthen their bids for work and become more attractive to the best employers.
Tipping Skips Case Study
6
The Government’s National Procurement Strategy requires authorities to ensure sustainability considerations are built into their procurement contracts.
Businesses can obtain guidance from WRAP who are helping the industry to achieve the objectives set out by government: The Construction Commitments: Halving Waste to Landfill 2.
2.2.3 Environmental Benefits
2
The energy used to manufacture new materials is partly saved through recycling wastes into new products. Some materials will degrade in landfill sites, releasing harmful greenhouse gases.
WRAP (2009), ‘The Construction Commitments: Halving Waste to Landfill’ [Online] Available from: http://www.wrap.org.uk/construction/halving_waste_to_landfill/index.html
Tipping Skips Case Study
7
3.0
Case Study Report
3.1
Introduction
Standard, manual release tipping skips were being used successfully at the North Fells site in Armadale, Scotland (Fig. 3.1), to aid the management of materials and waste on site. George Wimpey were the main contractors for the small house build project and had been operating on the site since March 2007. Approximately 30 operatives were working on site during the case study site visits, conducted in February and March 2009. Figure 3.1 George Wimpey Site Plan - North Fells, Armadale, Scotland
3.2
Review of Waste Management on Site
Waste generated on site was collected and segregated using a combination of tipping skips, traditional skips and Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) containers. Two Mil-tek Bale Presses (Model 205) were being used during a three month trial at the site for processing cardboard and plastic packaging waste, which were then stored on pallets ready for collection. A Timberwolf S426 Shredder was also used for a short trial period on site, enabling the processing of wood pallet waste on site.
3.3
Review of Tipping Skip Use on Site
During the case study phase, approximately 20 standard tipping skips were present on site, all of which were owned by the main contractor and delivered to the site by heavy goods vehicles. Around eight of the skips were not in constant use, and those that were not required were stacked on site ready for use during busier periods (Fig. 3.2).
Tipping Skips Case Study
8
Rather than having a central waste collection area, tipping skips enabled the collection of waste within 5 metres of the waste source activities, before transport to a larger, static waste collection skip or RoRo. Figure 3.2 Three empty tipping skips stacked on site ready for use.
3.4
Material Segregation on site
Waste materials were manually loaded into tipping skips close to the source of waste generation. The materials were then transported via forklift for discharge into larger containers prior to collection by the licensed waste carrier as required. Recyclable waste materials were sent to external processors, whilst general unrecyclable waste was collected for disposal at landfill. The tipping skips were fitted with forklift channels as standard (Fig. 3.3), enabling the simple transport of waste on site. Figure 3.3 Tipping skip used for collecting general waste on site.
Tipping Skips Case Study
9
The following materials were collected in the tipping skips, many of which were labelled or colour-coded to aid material segregation on site:
wood (red/yellow); plastic (orange); plasterboard (blue); bricks and rubble (green); cardboard/paper (no colour coding specified) and general waste (no colour coding specified)
Simple signage was applied to the side of some skips to aid material segregation. In Fig. 3.4, the skip had been labelled for the collection of ‘Active Non Compactable’ waste which included medium density fibreboard (MDF), chipboard, damaged kitchen units & worktops, copper and plastic pipe off-cuts and electrical waste. Figure 3.4 Labelled tipping skips for collecting active non compactable waste on site.
Careful waste management on site can aid segregation and avoid contamination, offering significant potential to increase recycling rates and reduce costs associated with landfill disposal. On site, plastic contamination could be seen in the timber waste collection tipping skip (Fig. 3.5). This was instructed to be removed prior to processing using the on site shredder. Figure 3.5 Tipping skips used for segregating timber waste (left) and bricks and rubble (right).
Tipping Skips Case Study
10
The tipping skips enabled flexibility when using mechanical waste processing equipment on site (Fig. 3.6). A mobile shredder was being used on site to process pallet wastes, and the machine was kept in a secured, fenced off area for safety purposes when not in use. When the shredder was required for processing waste, one of the rear fences was removed and a tipping skip moved into place to collect the process outputs. The use of the tipping skip also enabled process outputs to be easily transported for stockpiling elsewhere on site. Figure 3.6 Tipping skip used for collecting processed pallet waste on site.
In addition, plastic and cardboard waste was segregated on site for processing using the balers on site. Material was collected at source using the tipping skips, transported to the balers and separated for baling (Fig. 3.7). Any contaminants were removed prior to processing and placed in the RoRos ready for recycling or disposal as appropriate. Figure 3.7 Tipping skip used for collecting mixed packaging waste on site.
3.5
Site Operative Training and Health and Safety Requirements
Using the tipping skips on site introduced no additional factors to the site’s Health and Safety Plan, as handling of the skips was by forklift trucks already in use on the site. The simple operation of the tipping skips meant that no formal training was required to use the tipping skips on site. Operation of the forklift was only undertaken by trained operatives and care was taken to ensure that the tipping skips were properly lifted and safely manoeuvred on site. Operatives were required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on site.
Tipping Skips Case Study
11
3.6
Infrastructure Requirements
No special or unusual management practices or infrastructure changes were needed for the skips to be used on site. Appropriate access to the rear of the tipping skip is required to allow the forklift to pick up the container for transport. The tipping skips were used successfully on areas of the site where the ground was mud-covered and uneven (Fig. 3.8). Figure 3.8 Tipping skip ready for loading on site.
3.7
Financial Assessment
The main benefits of using tipping skips on site can be difficult to quantify financially. Tipping skips are commonly used to aid the handling and storage of smaller quantities of waste on site, meaning that standard waste containers are still required for bulk containment. The main financial benefits result from improved on site waste handling efficiencies, leading to significant labour and time savings, and improved on site waste segregation efficiencies, leading to increased recycling rates and reduced landfill costs. The benefits of using tipping skips are particularly evident where the principal waste storage area is situated some distance from the areas of main development. Purchase and hire rates for tipping skips are dependent upon the container capacity and additional product specifications. For guidance, tipping skips cost approximately £400 - £1000 to purchase. To hire, prices range from approximately £25 - £70 per week, with longer hire periods encouraging more favourable rates. The tipping skips used during this case study had been purchased by the principal contractor for use on several projects.
Tipping Skips Case Study
12
3.8
Case Study Summary
Figure 3.9 Review of tipping skip use on site for managing non-inert CDEW. Case Study Observations
On site Implications
Wide range of tipping skip adaptations available.
Allows the containers to be selected in line with site or job specific requirements.
Few infrastructure requirements.
Can be used on sites where ground is muddy or uneven. However, forklift access routes are necessary to enable collection and transport of the skips on site.
Simple fitment to forklift truck and easy transport of waste materials on site.
Enables waste to be collected near to the source of waste and transported to a larger waste collection container as necessary.
Ensure that all necessary health and safety precautions are in place prior to movement of the tipping skips on site.
Trained operatives only to use the forklift on site.
Allows flexibility of use on site.
Care must be taken to minimise contamination of materials, for example, if the skip is used to transport soil and rubble, it would not be best to then use it to store cardboard packaging materials for recycling as they may become contaminated with soil, reducing the quality and value of the recyclable material.
Can be used to aid the segregation of waste streams on site for recycling.
The colour scheme used must be made clear to operatives, and appropriate waste management practices should be in place to ensure that the skips are being used correctly and that any contamination is removed.
Simple labelling illustrating suitable material types for collection may be used in addition to colour coding schemes to aid waste segregation.
Lower volume waste collection.
Enables the space efficient segregation of wastes on site.
Open tipping skips may leave stored materials vulnerable to water damage or contamination.
Metal lids and PVC covers are available to help preserve material quality for recycling.
Safe, on site improvisations may be used when necessary, for example, waste plastic sheeting may be used to protect cardboard wastes from water damage.
Simple mechanical discharge of materials using manual or automatic release systems.
Enables efficient transport and offloading of materials, saving time and labour.
Financial savings.
Improved on site waste handling efficiencies, leading to significant labour and time savings.
Improved on site waste segregation efficiencies, leading to increased recycling rates and reduced landfill costs.
Waste can be collected close to the source of wastes on site.
Wide range of materials able to be collected.
Coloured skips available.
Can be used to help maintain a tidy site and minimise health and safety risks due to wastes being left on site.
Able to collect wastes manually loaded or discharged from onsite processing of wastes (e.g. output from shredder).
Not particularly suited to the longer term storage of wastes, unless segregating smaller waste streams and using some form of covering to protect materials for recycling.
Tipping Skips Case Study
13
Conclusions The introduction of the tipping skips to the George Wimpey site, North Fells, Armadale in Scotland provided a practical alternative to standard skips. The tipping skips appeared particularly suited to sites where larger waste storage containers are situated some distance from the main development. The tipping skips allowed waste to be transported efficiently and safely from the source to larger skips using a standard forklift truck. The mechanical tipping system mechanism enabled the simple discharge of materials into larger containers. The tipping skips could also be used successfully on sites with mud-covered or uneven ground. The primary benefits of using the tipping skips on site were as follows:
collection of waste materials near to the source; space efficient segregation of materials on site for recycling as a result of the smaller volume tipping skips; improved on site waste handling efficiencies, leading to significant labour and time savings; and improved on site waste segregation efficiencies, leading to increased recycling rates and reduced landfill costs.
Some issues were experienced on site with contamination of the segregated waste streams. This could be overcome through adopting a few simple measures such as including clear and consistent waste container signage, educating operatives through tool box talks and by regularly monitoring waste management on site.
Tipping Skips Case Study
14
4.0
Further Information
WRAP
WRAP’s vision is a world without waste, where resources are used sustainably. WRAP works with businesses and individuals to help them reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficient way. Find out more at www.wrap.org.uk This case study applies to two key work areas covered by WRAP: Construction - Helping the construction industry cut costs and increase efficiency through the better use of materials. Recycling Industry - Providing practical help and support to enable a sustainable and profitable industry.
Main Contractor: George Wimpey
George Wimpey is a trading name of Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd., a dedicated house building company. Further information can be found on their website: http://www.georgewimpey.co.uk
Tipping Skip Distributor: Contact Attachments Ltd.
Contact Attachments Ltd. are a company that designs and manufactures forklift truck attachments, including a wide range of tipping skips for use on construction sites. Further information can be found on their website: http://www.forklift-attachments.co.uk/
Tipping Skips Case Study
15
5.0
Acknowledgements
WSP Environmental Ltd. would like to thank George Wimpey for allowing access to their North Fells site in Armadale, Scotland, and for taking the time to discuss on site waste management practices. WSP Environmental Ltd. would also like to thank Desmond Phillips of Contact Attachments Ltd. for providing information relating to the use of tipping skips on site and the range of products available to the construction industry.
Tipping Skips Case Study
16
www.wrap.org.uk/constructionmrf
