Intent and Objectives: Guidelines for the Construction and Demolition Waste Framework Regulations, S.L.549.161

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 04 July 2024

Closing date: 16 August 2024

Title of the public consultation: Intent and Objectives: Guidelines for the Construction and Demolition Waste Framework Regulations, S.L.549.161

Ministry: Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour (MEER)

Entity: Environment and Resources Authority (ERA)

 

  1. Background

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is preparing Guidelines for the Construction and Demolition Waste Framework Regulations, S.L.549.161.

The need for a regulatory framework directed at the management of demolition, construction and excavation waste was identified in the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta 2021-2030. As a result, the Construction and Demolition Waste Framework Regulations (S.L. 549.161) were published in December 2023. The scope of these regulations is to establish a framework regulating the management of waste resulting from demolition, excavation and construction activities. These regulations place obligations on the actors involved in the industry, namely the developer/client, contractors, waste carriers and site managers.

 

  1. Consultation

Intent and Objectives

The intent of these guidelines will be to provide guidance to the identified sector actors on meeting the obligations placed upon them. The guidance document will provide a general overview of the regulations contained in the legislation, as well as provide specific guidance on how such actors can:

    1. Meet their obligations through applying best practices on-site related to appropriate waste management and applying the waste hierarchy to day-to-day operations (helping to achieve the overall objectives of these obligations);
    2. Achieve targets introduced by this regulation and fill in and submit related documents;
    3. Classify waste according to the EU list of waste, and how to determine whether waste if hazardous or not;
    4. Provide adequate information in the Pre-Demolition Audit, namely:
      • Identification of foreseen waste streams to be generated and estimated quantities of such waste;
      • Materials which can be separated at source;
      • Which materials are not suitable for re-use or recycling;
      • Information on the management of the hazardous and non-hazardous waste fractions;
      • Information on the recycling possibilities of demolition, excavation and construction;
      • An estimate of the percentage re-use and recycling potential of material or waste to be generated; and
      • A reason for the need to demolish the existing structure;
    5. Prepare and submit the required documents emanating from these regulations through appropriate channels.

This public consultation aims to capture the views, concerns and ideas of stakeholders that may be affected by the proposed guidelines.

 

  1. Submission of feedback

Comments are being invited through the feedback form at publicconsultation.gov.mt or otherwise by email through [email protected].

 

  1. Further notes

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

All comments submitted shall be duly considered.

The draft Guidelines will be available for public consultation in due course.