To keep up with the expanding global population, the construction and demolition (C&D) industry is in a state of continuous development. From residential buildings to commercial enterprises, the world is seeing an unprecedented increase in infrastructure. However, this growth generates a considerable amount of waste. In fact, C&D activities contribute to 40% of the total solid waste worldwide each year, with the U.S. alone generating almost 100 million tons of waste.
Although some waste is unavoidable, there are numerous methods to decrease the substantial amounts produced annually. In this brief guide, we’ll explore various strategies that C&D companies of all sizes can adopt to enhance waste reduction and safeguard the environment from further damage.
Understanding the sources of C&D waste is crucial for effective reduction. A major cause is the absence of waste reduction strategies during the design phase, which accounts for approximately 33% of all construction waste, according to environmental engineers. Other contributing factors include design flaws, material handling issues, poor site management, inefficient material processing, and a lack of information on recycling and disposal regulations.
With so many potential causes, it’s no wonder that C&D waste accumulates rapidly. Fortunately, there are several approaches to mitigate this problem. Developing a robust recycling and waste management plan at the project’s outset is essential. This plan should address waste reduction and disposal methods, including specialized waste collection services, roll-off dumpsters for C&D materials, and the use of compactors.
Additionally, opting for deconstruction instead of traditional demolition can be beneficial. Deconstruction allows for the careful removal and reuse of materials, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact compared to conventional methods, which often result in harmful dust and metals.
These strategies offer a starting point for waste reduction. For more information, please consult the attached resource.
Reducing Waste At A Job Site was provided by Sourgum Waste