Waste Management Planning Guide (Former Chiltern, South Bucks & Wycombe areas)

The distance collectors should have to cover in respect of transporting waste containers to and from the collection vehicle should be minimised to achieve an efficient and economical service and to minimise where possible manual handling strain (Multiple Strain Disorder MSD). Contents of kerbside recycling boxes should not exceed 15 kg and should comply with the Manual Handling Regulations 1992 and any subsequent regulatory change or guidance. The collector should not be required to move a distance of more than 25 metres, although the council would encourage developers to reduce distances to not exceed 15 meters. Where bulk containers are used, direct vehicular access to the containers is recommended. The collectors should not be required to move wheeled waste storage containers over surfaces that may hinder the smooth passage of the container. An adjacent storage area designed to not block the pavement should be provided where a large number of households use the same collection point.

Developments incorporating a new access road, upon which collection vehicles will need to transverse (i.e. larger developments where waste will not be collected at a single collection point but from each individual property), must be built to the following specifications:

• it is critical that any access roads, bridges or ramps need to be built at least to the local highway authority adopted standard
• and ideally be at least 4.8m in width
• and be no more than 1:12 gradient/slope
• and must be capable of supporting vehicles having a gross weight (i.e. vehicle plus load) of 28 tonnes
• and minimum single axle loading of 11 tonnes 
• any manhole covers or gully gratings in these roads should be of heavy ‘Grade A’ type

Planning applications may require swept path analysis tracking movements of waste collection vehicles, to demonstrate no adverse highway safety implications. Vehicles must be able to enter developments (to collect waste) and leave in forward gear. Collection vehicle dimensions are provided in Appendix B.

Developers should liaise with Buckinghamshire Council as early as possible with regards to access requirements and the need for swept path analysis.

Consideration should be given to provision of a turning circle or hammerhead, to enable the collection vehicle to leave in forward gear. The reversing of waste collection vehicles is a dangerous operation and requires the use of reversing assistants to support the driver. Injuries to collection crews or member of the public by moving collection vehicles are invariably severe or fatal; one in three accidents occurs when vehicles are reversing. The council encourage developers to consider and limit unnecessary vehicle manoeuvring, to reduce this risk.

Over-head/ height restrictions should be avoided. If unavoidable, a minimum clearance of 3.72m width and 4.5m height is required. Clearance of at least 5m above the height of a standard collection vehicle will be required in the area where bins are to be emptied to allow for the bin lifting mechanism.

There may be a need for developers to include in their proposal measures to restrict ad-hoc parking outside of marked spaces, to ensure that access for refuse collection vehicles is not reduced/ compromised as the collection operation progresses.

For developments incorporating both commercial and residential premises the waste and recycling containers must not be stored in the same location. Waste storage facilities should be easily and clearly identifiable for the separation of domestic and commercial waste.

It is the practise of each local authority to carry out waste collections from the property boundary for households located on adopted roads. This is described as where a domestic property boundary, meets the public road or pavement. The highway authority is responsible for the maintenance of these roads and footways.

For private and un-adopted roads, the managing agent, leaseholder or person/s responsible will have to sign an indemnity waiving any liability to the collection authority and its appointed service provider (collection contractor), to the road surface prior to service commencement. Residents of private roads are responsible for the maintenance of these roads.

An indemnity must be signed confirming access will be given freely for the collection of waste. No claims will be made against the collection authority or its contractor/s for any damage caused, including but not limited to damage caused to any pavements, kerbs, verges and the road itself, in the normal course of their collection duties. The council would encourage developers to consider road build standards as mentioned on page 9 – Access for collection vehicles.

The Joint Waste Team at the Council must be notified at least six weeks before completion and prior to property occupation, to purchase and request the appropriate allocation of waste containers and arrange service commencement. They should contact:

email: [email protected]

The Council require advance notification of new build completion, in order to make arrangements for container provision and service commencement.

Please refer to Appendix C for details of container charges.

A site visit and risk assessment may be required for completion before the collection service can start.

Consultation with the Joint Waste Team, through the planning application process is encouraged and welcomed at all stages. Planning applications are subject to approval and satisfaction that due consideration has been given for the management of waste, as per the guidance offered in this document.