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Published 4/1/22

9 Ways to Properly Dispose of Demolition Debris

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is produced during the construction, renovation, repair and demolition of homes, significant constructions, roads, bridges, locks and dams. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste are unlike everyday waste. You can’t just throw it in the trash, and your local dump truck can take it away. If you have significant debris, especially demolition or construction waste, you will need to organize your disposal differently.

interior demolition contractor 300x200Credit: KnockItDown.com

Some of the waste generated during the construction process can be eliminated. For example, a durable modular metal system for concrete construction may be picked to be effortlessly disassembled and reused in future projects, thereby avoiding wood waste in plywood and trimmed wood formwork. Disposal of waste can help reduce impacts on human health and the environment.

 

Some of the most common types of construction and demolition debris include:

  • Concrete
  • Bricks
  • Drywall
  • Plaster
  • Metal
  • Roofing materials
  • Glass
  • Wood
  • Wiring
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Insulation (non-asbestos)
  • Rock
  • Soil

 

How to Dispose of Your junk? Disposal methods based on your type of construction waste:

Almost all types of construction debris can be recycled, including tiles, lumber, concrete, metals, plastics, rock, drywall, etc. If you wish to dispose of the debris yourself, you should check with your local facility to see if they can accept it. Also, keep in mind that the transport itself can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of debris to carry.

 

Construction materials classified as hazardous waste must be handled and disposed of following state or federal regulations. When constructing a building, take the time to evaluate the materials you need as accurately as possible and keep the project organized. R&D waste generated during construction may include hazardous, non-hazardous, biodegradable or non-biodegradable debris or waste.

 

Construction and demolition waste collected in trash chutes and containers are transported to diversion facilities via truck. Waste is classification as non-hazardous and hazardous waste. The safe and best disposal methods of construction waste are:

 

  1. Donate:  Some construction debris or useless materials can help some local or needy people. Sometimes decorative items or old devices find a new home through donations.
  2. Reduce: Choose What You Buy Carefully. Careful planning ensures that you don’t buy unnecessary and unsuitable materials that end up in landfills. For example, you can avoid unnecessary waste from pieces like pipes and wood simply by purchasing a more suitable size and length in advance.
  3. Reuse: Think about what leftover materials you could convert for other projects, such as bricks, windows, tiles, etc. It is also possible to transfer materials or exchange them for another construction site and participate in a recall program. Some of these schemes allow you to return the packaging to its original manufacturer.
  4. Recycle: Most of your waste is likely to be recycled, including wood, metal, plastic, paper, glass, concrete, drywall, asphalt, and more. Therefore, you need to separate recyclable waste so that collectors can dispose of and process it properly. Often, your materials manufacturer and your disposal company will advise what can and cannot be recycled and how to separate and store it.
  5. Rent a Dumpster: Dumpsters are available in various sizes, from 3 cubic meter bins to 40 cubic meter construction dumpsters and can be rented easily. It is the ideal solution for building, demolishing, cleaning houses, roofs, removing yard waste and recycling in bulk.
  6. Disposing of hazardous construction waste: Hazardous waste must be treated and disposed of according to the state or country regulations. Few commonly used disposal methods for dangerous construction waste are explained below: 
    • Disposal of Mercury-Containing C&D Waste: The items that contain mercury must be isolated and taken to a mercury recycler or consolidation site. It is recommended to label and store mercury contained devices to ensure proper disposal.

    • Disposal of Lead-Based C&D Waste: Remove all lead-containing building materials and store them in containers. Get in touch with your local waste authority for instructions on how to dispose of lead paint residue.

    • Disposal of Asbestos Construction Waste: Asbestos waste must be packaged appropriately in airtight containers. It is packaged and disposed of at an approved disposal site.

 

Demolition waste must not be shredded, shredded, ground, ground, mulched or otherwise treated to improve recovery before disposal. By properly disposing of construction and demolition debris, you can save money and reduce waste.

– Erich Lawson

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