COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Waste Management & Recycling in Masonry Worksites course. This training is designed to help you manage construction waste responsibly, reduce environmental harm, and improve operational efficiency on masonry projects.
Effective waste control is not only a legal requirement but also a key factor in maintaining safe, tidy, and productive worksites across residential and commercial construction.
This course begins by exploring why waste management matters in bricklaying and blocklaying activities. This section also outlines the environmental and economic impacts of excess material, the burden on landfills, and the legal responsibilities of tradespeople and contractors under environmental protection and WHS laws.
Understanding the types of waste commonly generated on masonry worksites is essential to controlling them. This section identifies reusable materials such as bricks, blocks, and mortar offcuts, as well as hazardous or non-recyclable waste like cement bags, adhesives, and contaminated rinse water, while highlighting opportunities for sorting and recovery.
To ensure compliance, all masonry professionals must understand Australian regulations. This section introduces EPA waste classifications, local council requirements, and key standards such as the NCC and Green Star tools, which influence how waste is handled, stored, and reported on-site.
Minimising waste begins with proactive planning. This section introduces the 5Rs—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle—and outlines how efficient use of materials and sequencing of work can dramatically reduce waste volumes before work even begins.
Waste reduction on worksites is supported through the use of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs). This section explains how to develop, implement, and monitor a SWMP, including assigning responsibilities to team members and ensuring plans are kept current throughout the job.
Many forms of waste stem from poor material management. This section highlights common causes such as over-ordering bricks, producing excessive offcuts, and discarding damaged packaging, and suggests preventive measures to reduce unnecessary waste at its source.
Ordering and handling materials efficiently helps limit both waste and cost. This section outlines just-in-time delivery strategies, proper stacking and storage, and methods to manage product batches to reduce overstocking and site clutter.
Separating waste into appropriate streams makes disposal easier and safer. This section explains how to establish designated waste zones, use colour-coded bins, and prevent mixing of incompatible materials that can result in higher disposal costs or contamination.
Hazardous and dusty waste materials require special attention. This section covers the correct handling of cement powder, slurry, and cleaning agents, as well as the use of PPE, dust controls, and chemical safety protocols to protect workers and the environment.
Brick and block waste can often be recycled or reused. This section demonstrates how to sort and clean bricks, repurpose offcuts, and reduce landfill waste by setting aside excess materials for future non-structural or community use.
Mortar and plaster products present challenges for reuse. This section explains when mortar can be safely re-tempered or reused, when it must be discarded, and how to handle expired mixes or hardened materials in accordance with safety and environmental standards.
Packaging materials can often be reduced or returned. This section focuses on how to recycle plastic wrap, pallets, and cardboard, and explores the benefits of collaborating with suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging before materials arrive on-site.
Liquid waste requires proper disposal methods. This section explains how to manage contaminated water and slurry, prevent illegal runoff into drains, and reuse rinse water where safe to do so, particularly in areas sensitive to pollution or council regulation.
All waste must be stored and removed appropriately. This section outlines how to use skip bins, bagging systems, and load schedules to coordinate effective removal, avoid overflow, and maintain tidy and accessible work areas for ongoing construction.
Tracking waste types and volumes helps measure improvement. This section introduces simple ways to log and report waste volumes, meet client expectations, and submit data for audits, tenders, or certification against environmental benchmarks.
Cost savings are a direct benefit of efficient waste management. This section explores how thoughtful planning, reduced disposal fees, and fewer material losses can improve the bottom line for contractors and support lean construction principles.
Training workers in waste procedures is essential to success. This section offers practical ways to induct new team members, deliver toolbox talks, and display clear signage and instructions to promote compliance and shared responsibility for site cleanliness.
Preventing illegal dumping and site misuse requires vigilance. This section discusses how to recognise unauthorised disposal, secure waste zones, and hold subcontractors accountable for following site-specific environmental and safety rules.
Strong waste practices require support from external stakeholders. This section promotes engagement with eco-conscious suppliers, partnerships with recycling services, and participation in circular economy programs to reduce material footprints over time.
A culture of environmental responsibility underpins successful waste management. This final section encourages all workers to take pride in clean worksites, reward those who champion sustainable practices, and work towards continual improvement in how waste is handled and recycled.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and practical strategies to manage and reduce waste effectively on masonry worksites, helping to meet compliance obligations, reduce costs, and protect the environment.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Waste Management in Masonry Construction
- Importance of waste control on worksites
- Environmental and economic impacts of construction waste
- Legal responsibilities under environmental and WHS laws
2. Understanding Construction Waste Types
- Common masonry waste materials
- Hazardous waste
- Recyclable vs non-recyclable site materials
3. Australian Regulations and Environmental Guidelines
- EPA requirements and waste classification
- Local council and state-specific regulations
- NCC and Green Star compliance considerations
4. Waste Minimisation Principles in Masonry Work
- The 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle
- Planning work to minimise excess material
- Encouraging efficient use of on-site resources
5. Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs)
- Purpose and structure of a SWMP
- Roles and responsibilities for implementation
- Monitoring and updating the plan throughout the project
6. Identifying Sources of Waste in Masonry Activities
- Over-ordering bricks, blocks, or mortar
- Cutting and offcuts during installation
- Excess packaging, pallets, and shrink wrap
7. Ordering and Handling Materials Efficiently
- Just-in-time delivery scheduling
- Storing materials to prevent damage and contamination
- Managing batch compatibility and avoiding surplus
8. Segregating Waste On-Site
- Setting up designated waste zones
- Colour-coded bins for different materials
- Preventing cross-contamination of waste streams
9. Safe Handling of Hazardous and Dust-Producing Waste
- Bagging cement and lime waste correctly
- Managing slurry, adhesives, and cleaning chemicals
- Wearing PPE and using respiratory controls
10. Recycling of Bricks and Blocks
- Sorting reusable bricks and block offcuts
- Cleaning mortar for reuse in non-structural work
- Donating or repurposing excess materials
11. Reusing Mortar and Plaster Products
- Limits of mortar re-tempering and reuse
- Using expired mixes for site fill or non-load-bearing work
- Disposing of hardened mortar safely
12. Responsible Management of Packaging Waste
- Recycling plastic wrap, cardboard, and timber pallets
- Returning packaging to suppliers where possible
- Reducing supplier packaging through purchase agreements
13. Managing Water and Slurry Waste
- Disposing of contaminated water legally
- Preventing runoff into stormwater drains
- Reusing clean rinse water where appropriate
14. Collection, Storage, and Removal of Waste
- Using skips, bins, and bagging systems
- Organising collection intervals and load capacity
- Coordinating waste contractors and removalists
15. Recording Waste Volumes and Types
- Keeping daily logs or reports of disposed materials
- Tracking waste reduction targets
- Submitting data for regulatory or client reporting
16. Cost Control through Efficient Waste Practices
- Reducing disposal and landfill charges
- Saving on materials through careful planning
- Enhancing overall project profitability
17. Training and Educating Workers on Waste Procedures
- Inducting new workers into waste practices
- Running toolbox talks on recycling and safety
- Displaying signage and guidance around site
18. Preventing Illegal Dumping and Mismanagement
- Recognising and reporting unauthorised disposal
- Securing bins and skip locations
- Working with subcontractors to follow site rules
19. Collaborating with Suppliers and Recycling Partners
- Choosing environmentally responsible material suppliers
- Engaging recyclers for brick, block, and concrete waste
- Participating in take-back or circular economy programs
20. Building a Culture of Environmental Responsibility
- Encouraging pride in clean, compliant worksites
- Rewarding waste-conscious behaviour
- Setting goals for continual improvement
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.