Construction waste is a challenge that numerous regulatory bodies and governments are still attempting to address to support or actively encourage environmental sustainability. However, razing and other construction activities involving metals, rocks, plastics, bricks, composite materials, wood, concrete slab, and other associated materials continue to create construction waste. Regrettably, many of these substances are not only non-biodegradable but also static, and their mass and load only exacerbate the problem when disposed of in dumping grounds.
Luckily, other privately owned companies are coming in to save the day and provide different waste management solutions apart from the government. You may read this article to see how they provide assistance to the construction industry with waste management issues. Waste recycling, for example, can be a perfect solution to dichotomize and recover waste substances that can be reprocessed or recycled. Read on to learn about safe and efficient construction waste management tips and how they can help the construction industry.
- Plan Ahead
Before any construction work starts, project managers should create a strategy. We only see fewer errors when there’s systematic planning and organisation, with hardly any materials misused on project sites. Likewise, there must be a defined strategy before construction starts to limit waste dumping. A detailed plan should consist of the following:
- Consider the probability of waste.
- Set up recycling and waste containers on the project site.
- Determine the exact quantities of material needed and only purchase what is required.
- Identify the materials that you can bring to recycle plants.
- Teach construction personnel how to sort the produced waste.
- Recycle Reusable Materials
There are some items you can recycle. For instance, you can reuse doors and windows in perfect condition instead of ordering new ones; additionally, you can use them on other construction or side projects, a type of positive salvage. Meanwhile, aggregate and composite materials are made from reprocessed concrete and debris. Designed wood materials, such as furniture, can be made using reprocessed planks. Pieces of metal, such as brass, copper, and steel, are also necessary recyclables.
There are three methods for waste reprocessing, as follows:
- Site separation: Use a separate box for every category of waste. Separating waste on-site saves time and helps the project achieve its recycling objectives. Site separation also encourages an accountable atmosphere and is the most efficient technique for attaining diversion objectives. However, this method takes up a lot of space and demands close attention.
- Commingled recycling: Only one box is used for this method. The whole kit and caboodle are categorised off-site by the carrier. This makes for stress-free waste management on-site for the personnel. Moreover, commingled recycling doesn’t require a lot of space, and it’s the best alternative for a site with limited capacity.
- Hybrid recycling: This method integrates the above two techniques (site separation and commingled recycling)—one container for wood, one for composite materials, and another for nonrecyclable debris. Hybrid reprocessing integrates the advantages of both techniques. It balances weight and categorisation. Operating in phases reduces the number of containers, saving time and lowering transport costs.
The project manager should evaluate the needs and location of every project to establish the best waste reprocessing technique.
- Consider Deconstruction Before Destruction
Instead of destruction, a ‘gentle’ pull-down gives you a chance to salvage items for recycling, thus decreasing construction waste. Recycling companies can purchase items like windows, plumbing accessories, and huge chunks of wood. In a nutshell, deconstruction benefits two worlds. First, you get to save money on what could have been spent on demolition. Second, you can turn some of the items you salvaged into quick cash because you can sell them to interested parties.
Besides, deconstruction is also a way to promote environmental sustainability. It decreases the quantity of harmful dust released into the atmosphere and the heavy metals that fall into the soil (e.g., when pulling down a building). Because of the salvaged items left after deconstructing a construction site or facility, fewer materials go to the dumping grounds, helping a company’s green initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Any construction project will always produce waste regardless of its size or duration. Devising a strategy for waste management before the spades hit the earth will go a long way in helping to reduce the quantity of waste created. To begin with, redirect as much waste as possible from dumping grounds, and reduce the expenditures on transportation and disposal. Take advantage of the tips in this article to strategise, reprocess, and plan your way to more efficient construction waste management. After all, everybody wants to take part in helping save our environment.
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