Industry

Cutting Down Construction and Demolition Waste

As urbanization increases, the construction and demolition (C&D) industry must keep pace by building homes, businesses, and infrastructure. But this constant development produces vast amounts of waste—approximately 40% of the global solid waste each year is attributed to C&D projects. In the U.S. alone, C&D waste accounts for nearly 100 million tons annually.

While some waste is inevitable, the amount can be greatly reduced through smart strategies. Here’s a look at several practical ways C&D companies can help curb waste and lessen their environmental footprint.

A significant source of C&D waste is poor planning during the design phase. An environmental study found that 33% of all waste could be avoided if architects and engineers incorporated waste-reduction measures into their designs. Other factors, such as errors in execution, material mishandling, and lack of awareness regarding recycling options, also contribute heavily to the waste issue.

Fortunately, these challenges can be mitigated by taking proactive steps. Before starting a project, a detailed waste management plan should be in place, considering the project’s scope, materials, and the waste disposal and recycling facilities available. Additionally, using efficient waste handling tools, such as roll-off dumpsters and compactors, can help control and reduce waste on-site.

Deconstruction, as opposed to traditional demolition, is another strategy that can significantly reduce waste. By methodically dismantling structures, valuable materials like wood, metal, and concrete can be salvaged for reuse, rather than sent to landfills. Deconstruction also releases fewer pollutants into the air, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

With these approaches, C&D companies can effectively reduce waste, save resources, and contribute to a healthier planet.

For additional information centered around minimizing C&D Waste, please see the infographic accompanying this post, courtesy of Sourgum Waste.

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