Easy tips to reduce waste at the construction job site

Once on the job site there are numerous things that workers and managers can do to control and better dispose of waste.

Sort waste as it is created into things that can be recycled, things to be reused, and things to be thrown away. Recycled items can be commingled together or separated into different types, such as wood, cardboard, metal, classified plastics, concrete, etc. It’s obviously more environmentally friendly to recycle specific materials separately rather than all materials together, but it can also be more cost effective to do so. This reduces contamination of the materials, which lessons their value, and eliminates the recyclers sorting cost. During demolition or remodeling projects attempt to salvage materials, especially doors and windows since they are not recyclable, to be used during construction. If an item can’t be used on your current project, it can be saved for future use, sold to someone that can use it, or even donated. Organizations that build for the disadvantaged greatly appreciate supplies and donations can be tax deductible! Don’t throw away materials at the end of a project just because there isn’t enough left to complete another project. Instead of throwing wood and metal scraps away, keep them at cutting and fabricating locations to be used as test pieces. Chip branches and trees that are cleared from a project and use as landscaping mulch. Excess insulation can be used within interior wall cavities or above attics, if not used on another job, rather than being discarded. Limit the use of adhesives, finishes, laminates, and other protective coatings because they limit the re-usability and recycle-ability of materials at the end of their useful lives. Unfortunately super glue doesn’t salvage very well. Avoid using temporary support systems when possible since they usually are discarded as waste at the end of a project. The amount of waste that can be diverted from landfills and the savings you can see from that vary depending on a host of factors. Compacted job sites don’t allow for separate collection containers for each recyclable material, forcing commingling of materials, something that decreases diversion and can impact costs. Proximity to recycling centers also impacts what can be recycled and whether it can be cost effective. Unfortunately, even though some materials can be recycled there isn’t always someone in the area that will do it. This is an area where planning ahead can really help. Even if a job site makes recycling and reusing difficult, you can still help reduce waste by being more efficient with materials and saving leftovers for the future. In fact, preventing waste is more beneficial than recycling!

Planning ahead and following some of the practices noted above can make a major difference in the amount of waste your construction project creates. This is good for both the environment and often times your bottom line. Too bad more things don’t work in that favor. Construction waste management may never have the artistic qualities of the actual construction, but it can help us build a more sustainable planet. And that is a sight that can rival even the most spectacular project.

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