In today’s world, we are so quick to knock down buildings or other structures to place new, more modern ones in their place. We want what we want and will do what we need to do to get it. Sometimes buildings or homes are just too old, and for safety reasons, they need to be demolished and rebuilt. Whatever the reason for your demolition construction, have you stopped to think about how your demolition project impacts the environment in Austin, TX?
We will look closer at the demolition process, the construction waste created, and measures that can be taken to better care for the environment around us.
Where Does Demolition and Construction Project Waste Go?
Think of how many buildings or homes are torn down around you or even new construction areas that are being built up. With the growth of our country comes the need for more homes, townhomes, and apartment buildings. This doesn’t begin to mention business growth, including restaurants, stores, and office buildings. Construction waste is plentiful, for sure!
So where does all this waste go, and does a demolition project impact the environment in Austin, TX? Is it something we should all be more worried about? The answer is yes! As the Austin area expands and construction projects and demolitions are underway, most all the waste is taken directly to the landfill. Unfortunately, much of the waste thrown out could be recycled, sold, or reused, but many construction companies don’t want to be bothered by such things. The waste is piling up, and if we don’t change our ways, we will be sorry!
How Does a Demolition Project Impact the Environment in Austin, TX?
Of course, it’s easier, faster, and cheaper to take waste to the landfill, but the effects can be extremely damaging to the environment and air quality. Do we really want our air in Austin to be contaminated by large landfills like this?
Many construction companies dump dangerous things as well, including paint and other chemicals that can be harmful and dangerous to the citizens of Austin, as they can eventually pollute our drinking water and the ecosystem around us. Think of the dust and debris that floats around in the air when demolition takes place. What is that dust made from and what are we breathing in? Could it be asbestos or lead-based products? It can be scary to think about!
How Do We Fix the Problem?
The good news is that there are construction companies and other people that are well aware of how demolition projects impact the environment in Austin, TX and they are doing something about it! Homeowners, business owners, and construction companies are finding ways to reuse materials, recycle them, and more so that their impact is minimized as much as possible.
1. Reducing and Eliminating Waste – Taking the time to reduce and eliminate waste can pay off, but it does take effort. Project managers can lead the way by example as well as through extra training. Things like taking precise measurements before cutting material can help reduce waste. Looking closely at materials that have been ordered, keeping track of what you have so that you don’t over-order products, and taking back items that you don’t end up needing are all things that can help. Consider selling or even offering material leftovers to the public for use. Whatever can be salvaged should be.
When it comes to demolition, it can be much faster to just demolish structures, but, if possible, try to deconstruct it a little at a time to remove parts that can be reused. This process does take more time, but it can help reduce the amount of dust and air contamination that happens when big rigs and wrecking balls do the job instead.
2. Recycle – Trying to recycle materials like wood, metal, glass, concrete, and asphalt to help reduce construction waste. Donating items such as light fixtures and appliances to charity so that items can be useful elsewhere is also a form of recycling.
Most construction workers know very little about what can and can’t be recycled. This can be changed though with simple training and processes that are put in place and ready to use. If recycling practices are made easy, it will become second nature for those working on construction and demolition sites.
3. Reuse or Sell – In the last few years, reusing items has become more and more popular. Many people reuse things because they are sentimental. Some reuse things to save on building costs. Still, others do it for environmental reasons.
Some items that can be reused or sold for reuse by someone else include:
- Lumber
- Wood beams
- Aluminum gutters
- Copper wiring
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Flooring
The other great thing about reusing some of these items is that not all these materials are renewable. For example, certain metals like copper and aluminum are not. The environment is negatively impacted when these metals are dug or mined out of the earth. By reusing these items, you can reduce the demand and in turn, the impact mining has on the planet.
Hiring a Demolition Crew That Cares
How can you make a difference? You can do your part by hiring construction teams and demolition crews that make safety a priority – safety for Austin residents and safety for the earth. The team at Venditti Demolition, based out of Austin, TX, cares about the local, national, and the entire planet’s well-being. Taking extra time and care to reduce and eliminate waste, recycle, donate, sell, and reuse materials is a top priority. We believe that if we take care of the environment, it will take care of us.
Give Venditti Demolition a call today to discuss your future demolition and construction project needs. We know how demolition projects impact the environment in Austin, TX, and we have a plan in place to impact it as little as possible. Contact our team today to learn more and to schedule a consultation on your upcoming project.
