A construction site can’t avoid having debris in every construction process. Even modest sites can produce large amounts of waste. There are rules and principles that must be followed in construction sites. These rules must be strictly observed to prevent any accidents from occurring.
This article will guide and give you knowledge on the common types of construction waste disposal materials, how to properly dispose of them, and their importance.
Common Types of Construction Waste Materials
Concrete
This type of waste material can be crushed and reinforced, which increases its demand as a recycled material, making it a crushed concrete aggregate. Therefore, this material can be a substitute for the global sand shortage since the natural sand that we use comes from lakes, seashores, deserts. Using the crushed concrete aggregate from demolition and construction can be one of the best options.
Ceramics and Tiles
It might seem that these materials are just demolition debris, but If these materials are still valuable, they can be reused for a worthwhile project. If they cannot be reused, they can still be recycled by selling them or sending them away for recycling purposes.
Wood
These waste materials often came from roof beams, wall supports, and hardwood floorings. Its leftovers can create a new construction project and even produce wood shavings and scraps.
Wood materials such as timber must be cleaned, detailed, and resized before reusing them for the following projects. Many companies also recycle these materials by having them chipped or shredded and later used as a filler. This method can save the environment by keeping the natural resources out of the landfill and even decrease deforestation.
Insulation Materials
The insulation materials that can be often seen from the construction site include the following:
- Cellulose
- Fiberglass
- Foams
- Natural Fibers
- Perlite
- Polyisocyanurate
- Vermiculite
There are construction sites that involve the demolishment of older buildings. These sites can contain insulation materials such as asbestos that can be highly hazardous. Even if inhaled with low concentration, the health of that person can be at risk. These hazardous materials cannot be recycled or reused. Instead, the best option would be they must be disposed of properly.
Glasses
These waste materials can be from an old window that has been taken down. It can be reused or recycled, or even melted down to form new materials out of it. Crushing or repurposing this material is also one of the best options, for it can be converted into a block of concrete in the form of aggregate.
Plastics
A variety of plastic wastes can be seen on a construction site. It can be a plastic component from the roof and the walls, plastic piping, window components, light switch covers, etc.
If they cannot be reused, these materials can be recycled instead. However, plastic recycling is best if the company segregates and cleans the different types of plastics beforehand. The plastics that have been mixed with contaminants cannot be recycled anymore, or it can just only make recycling difficult.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals include iron and alloys (for example, steel). These materials are often seen from the old pipes that have been demolished. It contains a high value when you consider reusing or recycling them. Since these waste products can be repeatedly recycled, they have a long life span. Thus, making them very useful in different construction projects.
Stones and Clays
If it is still in good shape, stones can be reused. It can be crushed with clay and later pulverized into more delicate pieces and aggregate filler. The new product, which is now gravel, can be a thermal insulator for concrete. It can also be a filler for the roadbeds and driveways.
Drywall Wastes
Often, after demolition and construction, large amounts of drywall wastes are produced. There will always be excess drywall after the construction project. Even though drywall is made of gypsum and is said to contain a mercury component from its flue gas desulfurization gypsum, the EPA was able to conclude that it does not have any hazardous effect on health and the environment.
Though many companies are disposing of their drywalls, several are also recycling these waste products. They usually pulverize these drywalls into tiny pieces and use them as soil amendments (such as fertilizer and soil gypsum) since gypsum is said to have a property that neutralizes soil acidity but increases water penetration.
Significance of Construction Waste Disposal
Resources are finite. Knowing the proper ways of waste disposal, you can quickly determine what can still be reused or not. This way, you can also benefit from it when it comes to your business’ improved sustainability, productivity, cost, and even safety.
What Can You Benefit From Construction Management?
Adhering to the Rule
Businesses must follow the rules and regulations in waste management. It applies to those that import or transport waste products.
Health and Safety
The materials that were left can cause hazards to people, especially the workers. Proper disposal and segregation of the construction waste will ensure and protect their safety. This way, you can prevent leftover materials from being left in unfitting places.
Saves Money
Proper disposal of construction wastes can reduce costs. You can determine which materials can still be reused. At the same time, you can prevent doubling the expenses you will be paying for the materials to be disposed of.
Help in the Environment
Appropriately managing your wastes can help you reduce the number of materials that you need to dispose of. It can help the environment by minimizing the energy required for the transportation and reprocessing of these wastes.
Positive Business Reputation
Doing your part for the environment will give you a positive reputation for your business. It will lead you to have good relationships with your clients. It can help you gain opportunities like having funded projects from the government, requiring proper waste management and disposal standards.
Where Do Construction Wastes Come From
Though there are different construction processes, it will always yield inevitable byproducts. These are the following sources of construction waste:
Budgeting and Procurement of Materials
There might be an overestimation of the materials that will be used during the construction process. Positively, ordering more items is easier to handle compared to having a lack of materials. However, one of its downsides is that after the construction work has been done, excess materials will either become waste or reused depending on the purpose that they serve.
Product of Demolition
Several construction projects involve the demolition of an existing structure. This method produces many waste products that will require some form of disposal method. Though many waste products have been created during demolition, a lot of them might still be recyclable and reusable given that they are still in an acceptable condition. Simultaneously, materials that are contaminated and degraded will most likely end up in a landfill for proper disposal.
Methods For Proper Construction Waste Disposal
There are methods on how to properly dispose of the waste materials that came from the construction process. It includes the following:
Reusing of the Waste Materials
This method is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly. Reusing materials can have several advantages, including:
- There is a decrease in raw material consumption.
- There is a decrease in the emission of fossil fuels needed for creating new products.
- Landfill wastes are minimized.
- Having the opportunity to use valuable materials and components in their entire span.
Recycling of the Waste Materials
If the waste materials seem impossible to be reused, recycling can also be one option. Construction companies can provide recyclable materials like plastics and aluminum. Other materials such as wood(turned into wood chips), concrete ( can be an aggregate filler) can also be recycled.
Land Disposal
When the waste products cannot be reused or recycled, the next best option would be land disposal. You can send the waste materials to a licensed landfill. It will ensure that your waste items are appropriately disposed of since hazardous items may need to go to a concrete-lined landfill. Thus, this method can prevent leakage and provide environmental protection.
Effective Treatment Before Disposal
There might be items that require treatment first before getting disposed of. There must be an effective treatment to neutralize the toxic components coming from the waste products. After treatment, non-hazardous wastes can then now go on for the landfill disposal method.
Other Alternative Waste Disposal Methods
Besides sending the waste materials to a landfill, there can be other alternative options like incineration or waste-to-fuel methods. Incineration is sometimes considered a good solution for avoiding the large volumes of waste products to a landfill. Moreover, this method can prevent the potential leakage of harmful chemicals from reaching the soil and groundwater. However, incineration can produce carbon emissions or air pollution, which the companies must consider using as an option.
Getaway Thought
Safe and responsible disposal of waste must always be observed. It will keep you compliant with the rules and regulations in every construction process.
Best construction waste management can be ensured if you let a trusted and licensed waste disposal company help you deal with it. They can help you achieve an effective management plan that makes sure every waste product undergoes appropriate waste management methods.