Advice for builders from free phone app

A free iPhone app has been launched this month by Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) to help divert waste from landfill when builders and trades people carry out renovation and repairs for homeowners.

Called SkipAdvisor, the initiative, supported by Welsh Government, gives advice on what their responsibilities are, estimates how much waste each project will generate and highlights where to find Green Compass waste management companies across Wales.

“Much of the waste from building projects is classified as ‘mixed waste’ and we recognised that we could do more to help people take reasonable steps to ensure that it is managed properly,” said Paul Jennings of CEW.

“Wales has made great strides in reducing landfill and we’ve created SkipAdvisor as a useful tool for the building trade as it locates your nearest Green Compass waste management companies, which set out clear and accurate data on how much waste is being kept out of landfill.”

As well as bricks, blocks and rubble, waste includes electrical installation, plumbing, plastering, joinery, floor and wall covering, painting and glazing and material used in building completion and finishing.

Trades people can also improve profitability if they use materials more efficiently and reduce waste and the app provides advice and guidance on best practice as well.

Mr Jennings said: “Householders planning home improvement projects also have a duty of care for how waste is disposed of.

“So we hope that with SkipAdvisor, it is now much easier to access information that will help us all to plan and deal with waste responsibly.”