Construction projects are often focused on erecting buildings and structures, but this process often results in extensive debris that end up in the landfills. In fact, it’s estimated that construction causes an estimated one-third of waste around the world! These demolition debris add up over time, affecting eco-systems and other aspects of the environment.
There are many ways that construction waste impacts our planet, causes pollution, and poses challenges for property owners and construction providers alike. Whether you are preparing for an upcoming construction project or dealing with demolition debris disposal right now, it’s important to be proactive about minimizing the environmental impact of your project.
Construction Waste: What You Need To Know
Any time a building, construction, or demolition project is occurring, construction waste is a result. Many different types of waste can happen, including demolition debris, surplus building materials, packaging, and more. This construction waste is a byproduct of both residential and commercial projects of all sizes.
Whether you are tearing down a building or constructing something new, there are always materials that will need to be removed from the site. The construction process can be quite messy, and you have a lot of supplies and materials to deal with.
Anything on the job site that is no longer needed falls into the category of construction waste. Common types of demolition debris include:
- Wood
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Plastics
- Metals
- Bricks
Sometimes, they are leftover materials after the construction is completed. In other situations, demolition debris are materials when a building or a portion of the building is being torn down. While contractors often try to repurpose and recycle materials whenever possible, it’s common to have a lot of materials for disposal.
Even though construction debris are an inevitable part of every project, it is something that project managers overlook. When there are excessive and disorganized materials from a project, it can have a serious environmental impact.
How Demolition Debris Impacts The Environment
Here are several ways that demolition debris and construction waste have a negative impact on the environment:
- Overflowing Landfills: When construction waste is piling up, it often ends up in the landfills. Waste management is an ongoing problem overall, and the construction industry is contributing to these issues in a significant way. The more garbage is piling up, the more water and air are polluted.
- Reduced Resources:If excess materials are being discarded, then it means that poor management is impacting the availability of materials. This has a ripple effect. For example, using too much timber is one contribution to deforestation, which disrupts ecosystems and environmental conditions. Some of these materials can be recycled, but the newly developed materials aren’t as strong and effective as the original source.
- Energy Requirements:Not only is energy being consumed to bring the materials to the construction site. But additional energy is used to transport demolition debris and leftover materials away from the site. As a result, unnecessary fuel is consumed. There’s no reason to use these fossil fuels unnecessarily, cutting into fuel supply and polluting the air at the same time.
Being aware of these common issues with construction debris is the first step to implementing changes to protect the environment. Every project manager, construction contractor, and property owner needs to be involved in the proactive strategies that minimize waste and protect the environment at the same time.
Responsible Junk Removal Methods: Tips For Reducing Demolition Debris
What strategies are you implementing to reduce the problem of demolition debris? Here are a few things that can protect the environment, and potentially save you money at the same time. Reducing the need for junk removal helps to eliminate unnecessary costs for trucking and transportation.
- Manage Material Orders:Careful planning is key to ensure you have the ideal quantity of materials on site. You want to be sure that there are sufficient materials for the construction project, without going overboard by ordering too much. During the planning and design phases, your construction experts can help you estimate the amount of materials that will be needed for the project. The goal is to cut the surplus so you can avoid excess waste. Additionally, strategic materials ordering will save you money at the same time.
- Research the Regulations:Specific junk removal regulations are in place, designed to protect the environment and avoid hazardous waste that causes pollution. Ask your construction teams about local regulations to ensure that you are complying with all requirements.
- Efficient Construction Practices:Working with experienced contractors is one way to reduce the risk of excess waste. The teams have strategies to use the materials wisely and optimize everything that is on the site.
- Reusing and Recycling:Just because you have materials or items that aren’t going to be used for your project, doesn’t mean that these things need to end up in the landfill. It’s possible to give these materials new life through recycling or reuse. For example, wood can be repurposed into furniture or landscape materials, concrete can be broken down into aggregate, and metals can often be melted down to be used for new products. Ask your junk removal services about the sorting and recycling strategies they will be using on your project.
- Hire the Pros:When you hire a responsible junk removal company, it means that you have experts on site who understand the most effective and safest methods for disposing of your construction waste. Our team will evaluate the types of materials that need to be removed, and offer recommendations for the ideal disposal strategies.
Finally, make sure that everything that is being taken off your site will be disposed of responsibly. Sort your demolition debris before disposal and make sure everything is being taken to the right locations – licensed waste management companies. Certain regulatory requirements need to be followed when the materials are being loaded, transported, and dropped off at these locations.
Call The Demolition Debris Experts
Do you need help managing the demolition debris on your construction site? Then reach out to a contractor you can trust. Contact Venditti, LLC to learn more about available services and request a consultation.
