No matter what kind of construction task you’re working on – whether it’s paving roads, building skyscrapers, or renovating an existing structure – waste will always be a part of it. According to the EPA, in 2018, construction activities across the United States generated 600 million tons of waste, more than double the amount of solid waste generated by municipalities.
Construction activities create a lot of waste, and much of it goes to landfills. In fact, in 2018, 145 million tons of construction waste were sent to landfills. This is costly for the environment and construction companies and their customers, so contractors and site supervisors must plan for safe and efficient construction waste disposal from beginning to end of every project.
What is considered to be construction waste?
Construction and demolition waste (CDW) are all leftover materials and debris from construction and demolition activities. CDW can vary depending on the type of project and the job site, but it usually consists of various materials such as brick, wood, glass, insulation, topsoil, concrete, and pipes.
Different types of building waste
Construction waste can usually be classified into three broad categories:
Building materials
Renovation and construction of buildings and other structures often result in unused or damaged materials. Such waste contains, but is not limited to, wood, drywall, bricks, wiring, and nails.
Demolition waste
Demolition waste is all the debris from a demolition project. This can include hazardous materials like asbestos and building materials like concrete, metal, wood, glass, and tiles. It’s important to handle and dispose of hazardous waste carefully, but non-hazardous waste can often be recycled or reused later on in the project.
Almost all of the 600 million tons of construction and demolition waste in the US in 2018 was from demolition.
Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste is all the treated materials and leftover supplies with hazardous substances. This can include asbestos, specially treated wood, leftover paint, adhesives, and other chemicals. You need to be careful with how you dispose of this kind of waste. Dredging materials from contaminated sites can also be hazardous and must be disposed of correctly.
Before starting any construction or demolition project, it is important to identify the types of waste produced and find recycling options. You will also need to create plans for handling and disposing of the waste.
How is construction waste disposed of?
There are numerous ways to get rid of construction waste. The most common way is to put it in a dumpster and take it to the landfill. But this isn’t the only way. Materials can be reused or recycled. Getting dumpster Rental in Brockton, Massachusetts is an easy task. You just need to contact this website to have your schedule on your dumpster drop off.
Building material waste disposal
Building material waste can often be reused on-site. This is more acceptable for the environment because less waste goes to landfills. It also saves money.
Sometimes you can use things you already have to do the same job as something you would buy. For example, you can use paint, wood, and nails that you have to build something. If you don’t need the paint, wood, or nails anymore, you could save them for a future project. Concrete can be crushed and used again for a project, and steel and other metals can be melted down and reused too.
Any waste that cannot be reused on the site it was created can be put in a container for the group by a waste management company. The company will then transport the waste to a landfill or recycling facility.
Demolition waste disposal
Demolition waste are recycled like building materials. This is a better option for the environment than sending unsorted demolition waste to landfills. Plus, it can save your cash in the long run.
When demolishing a building, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards, especially asbestos. Asbestos is a hazardous material that needs careful handling and disposal to avoid harmful health effects. Make sure to follow any relevant laws and regulations in your area, and if necessary, bring in the services of a licensed professional or waste removal company.
Hazardous construction waste disposal
If you have any hazardous construction waste, like materials containing asbestos or a leftover can of paint, you need to be careful about how you store and dispose of it. This is important for both workers’ safety and the environment. The rules for hazardous waste disposal vary depending on the material, so make sure you follow local legislation closely. Breaking these rules can lead to fines, delays in your project, or other punishments.
