Construction is a messy business. However, construction waste removal specialists can help divert certain construction materials from the dump for re-use, which is a win-win.
Several materials are often a result of demolition, but that doesn’t mean they no longer have value. Here’s a guide to what these materials can be used as in their next lives, thanks to construction debris removal.
Brick and Concrete
These are two of the most common materials you’ll find at a construction site. And luckily, they both offer several options for re-use, when properly handled by construction waste disposal companies.
First off, bricks can be kept for future construction projects. However, brick that’s left over from demolitions can be crushed into aggregate for road and building foundations. They can be further crushed into sand, or to create material for new bricks.
Brick collected by construction debris removal be chipped down and used for landscaping purposes. Bricks also make for great walkways and patios. Older bricks can also be saved to create a more rustic look in a new build.
Meanwhile, concrete is also one of the most abundant materials leftovers from demolitions. Concrete handled by construction debris disposal services can be used to create aggregate for other projects such as roads.
However, recycled concrete is also ideal to create retaining walls, as well as paving stones. It’s also used in bedding for utility pipe trenches to allow for proper drainage. Among other uses, recycled concrete can also help stabilize soil, as it can handle a heavy load.
Metals
There are generally two classifications for metals in construction: ferrous and non-ferrous. Basically, the latter does not contain iron, while the former does. They can both be transported to the appropriate facilities for recycling through construction waste disposal.
Examples of ferrous metals include steel and titanium. These are not only re-usable for a variety of purposes, but they also retain value. That’s because they can be recycled multiple times while still providing strength.
Non-ferrous metals include copper, lead, and aluminium, which are all common in building and also have the potential for re-use.
These collective metals can be recycled for many purposes, including:
• Roads
• Bridges
• Containers
• Tools
• Home furnishings
Aluminium is one of the most sought-after metals for re-use. It can be easily be used for canned food and beverage packaging in an environmentally friendly manner.
Recycled aluminium collected by construction waste removal can also be used for (literally) bigger purposes. For example, about 80 percent of an airplane’s frame is made up from recycled aluminium.
Recycling metals helps to preserve some of the Earth’s non-renewable resources, and reduces need for extraction.
Plastics
Plastic is another material that can be leftover from building sites. It’s also one of the most problematic contributors to landfills, as it can take centuries to degrade.
This is a valid reason for construction waste removal to handle plastic waste. Experts can ensure plastics are recycled when possible (usually when the plastic is not contaminated.)
There are many next-life uses for plastics including PVC, cable ducts, roofs, decks, and flooring. It can also be used in plastic bottles, as well as for outdoor furniture and playground equipment.
Speaking of play, post-consumer plastics are also incorporated into eco-friendly toys for kids.
Wood/Timber
When demolishing a building, there can a substantial amount of wood from beams and framing leftover. Luckily, these products can see new life when hauled away by construction debris disposal.
Primarily, this recovered timber – with some cleaning and removal of nails – can be used for new construction. However, recycled wood can also be made into a variety of other products, such as:
• Furniture (benches, tables, stools)
• Bed frames
• Planters
• Decorative displays/boxes
• Picture frames
Recycling of wood made possible by construction debris removal makes sense from an economic and environmental perspective. Re-using wood means fewer trees need to be cut down.
While there’s a national initiative to reduce deforestation, there’s still about 34,000 hectares of trees cut down each year.
Paper/Cardboard
You might not associate these materials with construction, but they can comprise up to 33% of the related waste.
It’s no secret that paper and cardboard are commonly recycled materials. They can be used to create a wide variety of paper products from food containers to toilet paper.
However, you might not know that cardboard can also partially replace aggregate for other projects.
Waste Removal is an Eco-Friendly Solution
Before hauling away construction/demolition waste to the dump, consider these possible future uses. Let construction waste disposal handle it all, as they know the appropriate waste stations for processing!
Learn more about the many advantages of using construction debris disposal for your next project from 1-800-Rid-Of-It. You can also save 10% off pickups of construction waste materials including shingles, drywall, and more from outside areas.
