Right Way of Construction Waste Management

"All this material will be carted to the waste dump at great cost including cartage and dump fees. Good timber and other building material trashed - what a waste!"

Construction work creates a considerable amount of waste. From clearing the site to the final finishing of the building, waste is generated through every phase of construction. If the waste is not adequately managed, it may create a big problem for the entire environment, including human health, as well as resulting in large costs to dispose of the waste.

Proper and efficient waste management is as essential as the construction itself. The green and sustainable construction industry also urges production waste to be as low as possible. Reducing, Recycling, and reusing the waste can help efficiently manage and reduce construction waste.

Sometimes, construction waste is unethically disposed of in the water streams without concern for human health. In contrast, the construction waste generated in the U.S. is meant to be disposed of in landfills planned and controlled by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 40 with the labels D and C.
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There are several ways to properly manage the construction waste generated by the development process or after the demolition. This article discusses a correct way of waste management that might help you in your next construction project.

Reduce Construction Waste

When working on a construction project, reducing waste material may help you in on-time and proper management. Increase profits - reduce material wastage on construction projects

Some Recyclable and reusable alternative materials used in construction may also help reduce waste. Recyclable materials are then reused in the construction of the new building will also reduce waste and save natural resources.

The selection of modular metal forms in concrete construction might be helpful in many ways. It allows the building to be demolished quickly and reuse the material in other projects. Similarly, the wood waste generated by the framework made of plywood and lumber can be reduced.

On the other hand, the latest construction methods can help in preventing construction material waste. The reduction of waste dramatically helps in reducing the harmful impact on human and environmental health.

"Ordering the most suitable lengths can limit the offcuts and waste of construction materials. Remember the contractor pays for material that is not used., plus the costs to dump it"

Reusing Construction Materials

Construction and demolition of the building and infrastructure are very common processes. After the demolition of the building, the debris is usually thrown away. But if the recyclable material is used in the construction, that can be reused in other construction. In contrast, proper removal of doors, windows, and other accessories can be resale and reused in other construction.
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Many alternative materials can be used in place of conventional ones. These alternative materials are reusable. If the building is constructed with these materials, the debris will be reused in other construction after demolition. In contrast, non-reusable waste is reused in landfills.

"Some salvaged items can be reused or sold. Even giving some stuff for free will save you the cost of disposing of the items, and it's good for the environment."

Recycling of Construction Waste

When the construction waste is converted into debris, it can sometimes be recycled. For example, rubble and concrete are recycled to make aggregates.

The common methods of Recycling are:
Site-separated: The systematic management of the waste on the site is necessary. Try to separate the waste by type on-site and deal with it hand-to-hand. It is a super helpful method to manage the more considerable waste on-site, even in less time. However, the method needs little extra space and active supervision.

Mixed Recycling: This method does not need to separate the waste by type. Instead, you can use a single container and mix all the waste. This method is helpful if there is little space on-site.

Hybrid Recycling: this is the combination of the two methods mentioned above. It is the most recommended one if you can manage the site extra efficiently.

Choosing the suitable method of waste management on site depends on the resources, timeline, and amount of waste. Before starting the demolition or construction on-site, develop a waste management plan considering all the factors.
Construction Debris Waste or Sustainable Commodity?

Of course, all this won't work unless your employees and subcontractors understand how the project's recycling system works, and they also understand that recycling reduces waste that goes to the dump which will reduce costs and benefit the environment. Good signage at the waste collection points is important. ​What’s expected of your subcontractors? Do they know?

"No attempt to sort and recycle on this construction project! It's going to cost lots of money to take it to the dump."

Simple Steps to Help the Environment and Improve Profits

​Construction waste generation is a big problem in the industry, whereas the proper management of waste is a little challenging. Construction waste comes from the demolition and development process and even from heavy equipment like construction cranes for sale. The waste is usually disposed of in water streams, which is unethical and creates many problems for humans and the environment. However, there are some alternative methods to reduce the burden of construction waste. Three basic approaches, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling the waste, can help greatly in minimizing the waste. The article has some basic guidelines for managing construction waste. The economic benefits of being environmentally friendly

Author

If you are looking for quality used construction equipment to better manage your construction project, visit us at MY- Equipment. We are a Houston-based used equipment dealership that stocks heavy machinery from the leading brands. 

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​Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully?

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​Paul Netscher has written several easy-to-read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
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