Construction waste makes up 40% of landfill volume, yet 90% of it can be recycled or repurposed, saving money and reducing harm to our ecosystems.
Construction Waste Management (CWM) is a powerful way to transform the building industry. Currently, construction and demolition activities generate more than 600 million tons of waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills. Yet, an astonishing 90% of this waste is recyclable. By implementing robust CWM strategies, we can dramatically reduce the environmental impact of construction, conserve natural resources, and create economic opportunities through salvaged and recycled materials. Plus, many states offer incentives to builders who actively manage and reduce waste, which can make projects more cost-effective. Think of CWM as a win-win-win: it’s better for your wallet, your community, and the planet. Take a step towards sustainable building practices – start incorporating CWM into your projects today.
Examples
1Bricks and Concrete
Debris from demolition activities or new construction, potentially reusable or recyclable into aggregates.
2Wood
Scraps or offcuts from construction, often recyclable or usable as biomass fuel.
3Drywall
Common in new construction or remodeling, contains gypsum which can be recycled.
4Metals
Steel, copper, and aluminum remnants, highly recyclable and valuable.
5Plastics
Found in packaging materials and parts of construction, can often be recycled.
6Cardboard
Primarily from packaging, easily recyclable if clean.
7Asphalt
Remnants from road or roof construction, recyclable into new asphalt products.
8Insulation
Mostly from renovation or demolition, may contain hazardous materials and requires special disposal.
Pros
- Environmental conservation: CWM reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills and decreases natural resource extraction by reusing and recycling materials. Compared to conventional practices, CWM reduces greenhouse gas emissions and slows habitat destruction.
- Economic benefits: Implementing CWM can result in cost savings from avoiding landfill fees and earning revenue from selling salvaged materials. It’s more cost-efficient than traditional waste disposal, especially with rising landfill costs.
- Regulatory compliance: Many areas now have regulations requiring a percentage of construction waste be diverted from landfills. CWM helps companies comply with these rules, avoiding potential fines and penalties.
Cons
- Requires planning and investment: Implementing CWM requires upfront planning, training, and sometimes additional investment, which may be a barrier for some builders.
- Market limitations: There may be limited markets for certain types of recycled construction waste, leading to potential storage issues.
- Potential for increased project timeline: Sorting and separating materials for recycling or reuse can take more time than simply discarding waste, possibly extending project timelines.
Costs
1New Construction
2Existing Home
The costs here will largely depend on the contractor’s rates, the scale of the project, and local waste disposal fees. Generally, contractors might charge an additional 5-10% for waste management services.
3Existing Home - DIY
If you’re handling CWM yourself during a renovation, your main costs will be time, transport (if hauling materials to recycling centers), and possible rental fees for a dumpster or other equipment. You could, however, save substantially on disposal fees and contractor charges.
Hiring Pros
- Use Trusted Websites: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Check Certification and Experience: Look for contractors with a LEED AP (Accredited Professional) credential, which implies they have experience with sustainable construction practices, including waste management.
- Request References: Ask potential contractors for references from past clients. It’s a good way to gauge their expertise and reliability.
- Discuss CWM Strategies: Ensure they have clear strategies for waste reduction, sorting, recycling, and disposal, aligning with local and federal regulations.
- Compare Quotes: Obtain and compare quotes from multiple contractors. The cheapest might not offer the best service, but it will give you an idea of the cost range.
Do It Yourself
- Seek Knowledge: Start your search with trusted books & websites such as those found in our resources.
- Plan Ahead: Identify potential waste streams from your project, and research recycling or reuse options available locally.
- Sort and Separate: Organize waste into categories (wood, metal, concrete, etc.) for easy recycling or resale.
- Resell or Donate: Check with local salvage and building material reuse stores; many would accept materials in good condition.
- Proper Disposal: For non-recyclable waste or hazardous materials (like solvents or lead-based paint), ensure you dispose of them at designated facilities to avoid environmental contamination.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Incorporate Waste Reduction Strategies from the Beginning
Consider ‘Design for Deconstruction and Reuse’ principles to enable efficient disassembly and reuse of materials at the end of the building’s lifecycle. Resource: www.buildingtransparency.org/envision
2Specify Recyclable and Salvaged Materials
Seek opportunities to use recycled or salvaged materials in your design. It not only reduces waste but also adds character to the building. The BMRA website (www.bmra.org) is a useful resource.
3Detailed Material Takeoff
A detailed material takeoff can reduce over-ordering and help you plan for waste management. Using software can make this process more efficient.
For the Builder:
1Train the Team
Ensure your crew understands the importance of waste segregation and knows how to do it properly. The EPA has useful training resources (www.epa.gov/smm/building-and-construction-resources-state).
2Create a Waste Management Plan
Outline the types of waste expected, how they should be sorted, and where they’ll go. Include potential waste reduction targets.
3Partner with Local Recyclers and Reuse Centers
Establish relationships with local recycling facilities and material reuse centers. They can often provide onsite collection bins and pick-up services, making the process more manageable. The Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (www.cdrecycling.org) can help locate nearby centers.
1Incorporate Waste Reduction Strategies from the Beginning
Consider ‘Design for Deconstruction and Reuse’ principles to enable efficient disassembly and reuse of materials at the end of the building’s lifecycle. Resource: www.buildingtransparency.org/envision
1Train the Team
Ensure your crew understands the importance of waste segregation and knows how to do it properly. The EPA has useful training resources (www.epa.gov/smm/building-and-construction-resources-state).
2Specify Recyclable and Salvaged Materials
Seek opportunities to use recycled or salvaged materials in your design. It not only reduces waste but also adds character to the building. The BMRA website (www.bmra.org) is a useful resource.
2Create a Waste Management Plan
Outline the types of waste expected, how they should be sorted, and where they’ll go. Include potential waste reduction targets.
3Detailed Material Takeoff
A detailed material takeoff can reduce over-ordering and help you plan for waste management. Using software can make this process more efficient.
3Partner with Local Recyclers and Reuse Centers
Establish relationships with local recycling facilities and material reuse centers. They can often provide onsite collection bins and pick-up services, making the process more manageable. The Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (www.cdrecycling.org) can help locate nearby centers.
Resources
Books:
“Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery” by Charles J. Kibert / Provides detailed insights into sustainable construction practices, including waste management.
“Waste: A Handbook for Management” by Trevor M. Letcher, Daniel Vallero.
Websites:
- https://www.buildreuse.org– Building Materials Reuse Association- Offers a directory of businesses and contractors that specialize in recycling and reusing building materials.
- https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/dnrp/solid-waste/programs/green-building/home-builders-owners.aspx– King County (WA)- GreenTools for builders and homeowners
- https://re-store.org– The RE Store
