The priority with traditional demolition is to complete the project as quickly as possible: everything needs to come down, be hauled to the landfill, and the site needs to be cleared. We bring in the heavy equipment and most aggressive demolition strategies to ensure that the schedule is the highest priority.
On the other hand, eco-friendly demolition takes a different approach. This method involves a slower demolition because all of the materials are assessed before the teardown begins, allowing the salvageable items to be removed first instead of taking everything to the dump. Since this process is more time-intensive, the real-world costs for a selective or salvage demolition can be quite a bit more expensive than a traditional demo.
While many property owners are looking at the philosophical side of protecting the environment, it’s also necessary to look at the operational requirements. Green demolition practices require more upfront planning, but they can result in many benefits, such as decreasing disposal costs and avoiding regulatory penalties.
Why Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Matters at Scale
The reality is that construction and demolition debris make up a large portion of the total volume in landfills across the United States. Too often, recyclable and reusable materials are disposed of by default, resulting in unnecessary debris in the landfills.
There are other consequences of poorly managed demolition waste, such as hazardous materials that contaminate soil and stormwater runoff. Proper protocols are essential, especially when these specialized materials are being removed.
Here in Austin, the local ordinances have specific requirements that must be met for demolition projects. If you are non-compliant, then it causes permit complications and fines that drive up your project costs and can result in project delays.
7 Core Environmentally Responsible Demolition Practices
Here are a few best practices that can be used for projects who want to be environmentally responsible in their demolition:
- Material Review Before Demolition:During the planning stages, we can complete an assessment to determine what can be salvaged, if anything needs special hazmat handling, and potential recycling options.
- Selective Deconstruction:When it’s time to move forward with the project, we start by removing certain things while protecting other elements that need to be preserved. This is especially important for interior gut-outs or partial teardowns.
- Deconstruction:This is where the main material recovery occurs. We can carefully disassemble and remove structural components that can be reused.
- On-Site Material Sorting:Everything needs to be separated so it can be taken to the right disposal locations. We sort concrete, metal, clean wood, drywall, and roofing materials. Sorting on site helps to reduce the contamination and increase the likelihood that materials will be eligible for recycling.
- Hazardous Material Handling:Certain materials require specialized handling, including asbestos, lead paint, and contaminated soil. We follow TCEQ protocols with certified removal and disposal. Proper handling of these materials is critical to avoid liability for both our contractors and the property owner.
- Dust Suppression and Runoff Control:During the demolition project, water suppression is needed to protect neighboring properties and prevent particles from going into the stormwater system.
- Material Donation and Repurposing:Now it’s time to take the salvageable fixtures, lumber, and other elements that can be donated. We’ll collect all of the necessary documentation so that you can take advantage of the tax benefits that are available for the donation.
Are There Financial Benefits from Sustainable Construction Demolition?
One important thing that you need to know about environmentally responsible demolition is that the overall costs are high. In fact, a selective or salvage demolition can be twice the cost of a traditional demolition due to the added work, labor, and equipment that is necessary.
Even though the costs are higher, there are things that we can do to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. For example, since landfill tipping fees are charged by weight, the disposal costs at the landfill go down since recyclable materials are diverted to other drop-offs. Also, there is real market value in some of the salvaged materials, such as structural steel, copper wiring, brick, and architectural millwork. Proper recovery helps you maximize the potential market value of these materials.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the tax deductions from material donations. Our team can help you choose the right donation channels and ensure that you have the right paperwork to leverage these tax benefits.
Finally, remember that regulatory compliance helps you avoid fines. Certain methods are necessary to meet local ordinances, or else you might be facing unexpected penalties.
What Materials Can Be Recycled from Demolition: A Practical Breakdown
When it comes to construction and demolition waste recycling, only certain materials are eligible to be taken to the recycling center, including:
- Concrete and Masonry:These materials can be crushed up and repurposed for road base, fill material, and aggregate.
- Structural Steel and Metal:You can get a high recycling value through buyers in the area. Metal recovery is one of the best financial strategies for reducing the costs of sustainable demolition.
- Clean Lumber:Some lumber can be reused as-is, or it can be chipped down to use for mulch. The lumber must be in good condition overall.
- Drywall:If the drywall is uncontaminated, then it can be recycled into new wallboard. But this recycling method isn’t an option if the drywall is mixed with other materials.
- Roofing Materials:Certain types of roofing materials can be recycled, such as asphalt shingles that can be used for paving material.
FAQs
What is green demolition, and how is it different from regular demolition?
The difference between eco-friendly demolition and traditional demolition is the extra steps that are followed to separate and salvage materials that can be reused or recycled. Traditional demolition sends all of the waste to the landfill. Green demolition is a proactive method to reduce the materials that end up in the landfill.
What demolition materials can be recycled in Austin?
Materials that are eligible for recycling include concrete, structural steel, clean lumber, drywall, and roofing materials.
Does eco-friendly demolition cost more?
Yes, eco-friendly demolition usually costs more because it is more labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Call an Experienced Demolition Team for Help with Your Projects
If you are looking for a demolition contractor to help with your upcoming project, then our team at Venditti, LLC is just a phone call away. Contact us to request a consultation and learn more about available services.
