Key Changes Under the New Protocol
- Mandatory site-specific risk assessments
- Sampling and laboratory testing of excavated material
- Waste segregation at source (e.g., separating bituminous waste from sub-base)
- Hazardous waste identification and classification
- Quarterly reporting to SWUK via the GOV.UK Street Manager platform
For most contractors, this will mean:
- More paperwork
- More delays
- Increased costs
Introducing SMR HandMix
- Avoid risk assessments and lab testing requirements under the new rules
- Reinstate up to 100% of excavated material on-site, from surround to apparatus up to binder course in footways and base course in carriageways
- Eliminate the need to discard material offsite, avoiding the need to classify or segregate hazardous vs. non-hazardous waste
- Comply with WM3 Guidance while keeping your reinstatements fully SROH A9 approved
- Save time, money, and carbon emissions by avoiding waste disposal and haulage
How It Works
SMR HandMix allows you to reuse nearly all excavated material, including hazardous material, clays and fines, directly on site. By mixing it alongside the excavation:
- Excavated material is treated and re-used, not just as backfill (S5), but also within the specified layer depths in A9.3.1 SROH Fourth Edition.
- Because the material remains on site, it is not classed as waste under WM3 regulations
- Contaminants are encapsulated, preventing leaching
- Hazardous waste disposal costs are eliminated
Therefore, there’s;
- No need to discard material off-site
- Treated material is not classified as waste if it remains on site
- Contaminants are encapsulated to prevent leaching
- Costly hazardous waste disposal costs are avoided
In Summary
The SWUK Material Classification Protocol raises the bar for compliance but also raises challenges for contractors.
SMR HandMix offers a practical, fully compliant solution that:
- Keeps reinstatements simple and efficient
- Avoids unnecessary waste handling
- Cuts costs while reducing environmental impact
👉 Learn more about SMR HandMix
