ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron dive deep into the often-overlooked world of property development waste management. Highlighting the surprising statistics around construction waste in the UK, where the sector accounts for over 60% of total waste generated, Jonathan and Kieron explore practical strategies for reducing landfill reliance, lowering project costs, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Construction Drives the UK Waste Stream: Construction, demolition, and excavation generate approximately 62% of all UK waste and contribute over 30% of total waste sent to landfills.
Segregation Saves Money: Separating light packaging, cardboard, and plastics prevents filling expensive skips with empty voids, significantly lowering disposal costs.
Compliance is Non-Negotiable: Moving waste off-site requires a registered Waste Carrier License and signed Waste Transfer Notes to maintain proper duty-of-care records.
Crushed Aggregates Require Notification: Repurposing crushed concrete or importing recycled aggregates can halve material costs, but you must notify the Environment Agency to legally reclassify the material from "waste" to a structural product.
Beware of "As Dug" Topsoil: Purchasing unscreened "as dug" soil carries major risks, including dormant Japanese knotweed or hidden contaminants, making soil certification and testing critical before bringing material on-site.
BEST MOMENTS
"If you can manage your waste correctly, it's good for the environment, it's good for all of us, but also it saves pennies. You can save money."
"You're borrowing money from a bank to then throw it in the bin. It seems mad!"
"If we run a job very lean and very tight on the waste side, we can probably regain ourselves about another 5% to 10%."
"Until we notify the Environment Agency that we're using that as a product... it is still waste. So make sure you're doing the paperwork."
"Reuse, reduce, and recycle—they're the main things, and it all saves money."
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq
HOST BIOS
Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence.
Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success.
FOR REFERENCE
Website: https://www.weareease.com
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