Construction waste refers to unwanted materials produced accidentally or intentionally during construction. It includes materials such as nails, insulation, electrical wiring, roofing, shingles, cardboard, plywood, blocks, metals, plastics and other waste attributed to site preparation, for example, tree stumps, rubble and dredging materials.

While these may not be waste per se, they can be termed as waste if they’re unused or damaged for a variety of reasons during the construction process. How best do you manage such waste materials? Through construction waste recycling, a process that involves separating and recycling the recoverable waste produced during remodelling or construction processes.

Here are some of the best practices for construction recycling processes:

Practice #1: Separate the Waste

This is the very first thing you should do when it comes on construction recycling. Identify recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Depending on the construction project, some of the recyclable materials you might come across include porcelain, masonry, fixtures and appliances, lumber and other wood products. Others include vegetation, trees and paper for pulping. If need be, train your construction personnel on how to categorize and handle the waste.

Consider getting a recycling kit or pallet load removal to deal with hazardous waste or waste you’re wary of including in your waste recycling system. Some of the high-risk wastes include mercury-containing objects, electronics, batteries, ballats and fluorescent lights. Alternatively, you can hire a waste management company to do the work for you.

Practice #2: Set up Waste Containers on Site

Some types of construction waste are hazardous, especially when left strewed on the ground. Lead, for instance, contaminates water while plasterboards release a poisonous gas called hydrogen sulphide. This is where construction waste bins come in.

Every construction site should have clearly labelled waste bins located at strategic places all over the site. Also, monitor the bins closely to prevent waste from getting mixed up by the construction crew. While some waste bins may need to be sheltered from the rain, others can be locked to prevent interference with the waste inside. Once the bins are full, empty them as soon as possible.

Practice #3: Reuse the Materials If Possible

Make use of the recyclable construction waste material by integrating it into your new building. This is critical, especially when remodelling since you’re not necessarily demolishing the building but redesigning or redecorating it. This will greatly cut down your construction costs, especially when purchasing building materials.

With proper planning, you’ll have enough building materials since you can use some of the old structures or materials that would otherwise be considered waste. Consequently, the volume of waste is reduced. Always go for high quality, standard building materials to achieve optimum results. They may be a bit pricey, but they are more durable and cost-effective in the long run.

Practice #4: Locate your Local Recycling Centre

Construction recycling requires advanced machinery and technologies, time and money, among other resources. Most construction projects are unable to recycle their construction waste properly. At this point, you’re better of looking for a recycling centre within your locality.

Find out what construction waste they take and then work out a schedule outlining when the construction waste should be delivered to the recycling centre. If the transportation costs are too high, or there are no local recycling companies in your area that recycle materials that are not directly reusable, try other feasible recycling strategies, or avoid producing construction waste material altogether.

Practice #5: Recycling Regulations

Different regions have different laws and regulations governing the management of construction waste. Whether you’re recycling it yourself or transporting it to a recycling centre, there are commercial construction management guidelines to be followed. Before you embark on any project, understand what the local waste and landfill rules are in your area. Visit the municipal solid waste departments, or other relevant authority, to get the necessary information and approvals.

Practice #6: Deconstruction

In the context of the physical construction industry, deconstruction refers to the process of selectively disassembling building components with the intent of reusing, repurposing or recycling them. Unlike demolition, this process is carried out with a lot more care and may require more hands-on labour. Deconstruction makes it possible to recover recyclable materials when they are still intact and reduces the chances of contamination.

Practice #7: Donating to Non-profit Organizations

If you can’t internally recycle your construction waste material, how about donating it to non-profit organizations that specialize in construction waste recycling. This way, you will save yourself time and money! And you also end up doing some good in the process. If this doesn’t work for you, search for websites such as Planet Reuse, which provide you with a platform to resell reusable construction waste materials.

Clearly, there are many ways to recycle construction waste materials, and the benefits of doing so are immense. You not only get to play your role in conserving the environment, but you also get to lower your construction costs, especially if you’re remodelling.