The construction industry is looking for ways to mitigate its environmental impact, now that governments and companies are placing more importance on sustainability. Construction waste causes significant damage, as it represents about a third of all national waste. Recycling building materials can significantly reduce the industry's environmental impact.
Traditionally, construction and demolition waste is deposited in landfills. However, this has a negative environmental impact, contaminating groundwater and surrounding habitats. Construction companies and developers are learning that recycling is beneficial for the entire sector.
Recyclable Building Materials
The best way to recycle construction waste is to use it in new projects, and there are many construction materials that can be recycled. Following are some examples:
- Concrete
- Metals
- Asphalt
- Wood and untreated wood
- Glass
- Paper and cardboard
- Plaster
- Masonry
- Appliances and fixtures, such as sinks and bathtubs
- Windows, doors and roofs
- Vegetation and trees
- Plastics
Environmental Benefits of Recycling Building Materials
Energy savings: Recycling saves large amounts of energy and, in general, reduces the consumption of natural resources to produce new materials. For example, if all concrete and asphalt waste generated annually in the US were recycled, the energy equivalent of 1 billion gallons of gasoline would be saved.
Reducing waste in landfills : Landfills are filling up, which means alternative forms of waste management must be developed. Recycled construction waste can be reused as is or transformed into something new.
Economic Benefits of Recycling Building Materials
Cost savings : Recycling and reusing building materials reduces the cost of disposal and transportation. Some recycling organizations charge even less compared to conventional disposal methods. Recycling also reduces the demand for new resources, which also reduces transportation and production costs.
Green Certifications : Construction companies that recycle materials have a competitive advantage due to the growing importance of green construction and environmental conservation. Recycling can help building owners earn points toward LEED certification, which is the most popular green building rating system.
Tips for recycling building materials
Planning
Like any aspect of a project, recycling must be carefully planned before beginning. Organizations like environmental agencies can help you implement best practices for your project while ensuring it follows local regulations.
Recycling Regulations
It is necessary to understand local waste and landfill rules before beginning any project. Municipal solid waste departments can provide necessary information, including landfill utilization and recycling guidelines.
Using standard dimensions
When designing a new building, consider using standard dimensions of common materials. This reduces the cutting required, producing less waste during construction while saving time and labor.
Local recycling centers
Recycling centers can help you dispose of construction waste, but be sure to consider the distances involved. If the center is located far from your project, consider other alternatives. Waste deliveries to a recycling center can be planned alongside large material purchases and other project activities, saving on transportation.
Recycling centers have rules and regulations; be sure to ask what materials are accepted and whether sorting is necessary.
Deconstruction
Another way to reduce construction waste is with deconstruction, also known as selective dismantling. There are some organizations that separate construction materials and reuse them in social housing projects, which provides tax advantages. Another option for small projects, such as home renovations, is to sell recycled materials directly.
Estimating cost savings
As mentioned earlier, recycling building materials is not only beneficial for the environment. It also opens up opportunities for cost savings and greater profits. Recycling savings can be tracked as part of your normal accounting process.
Get an eco-friendly design for your next construction project and reduce waste.
Conclusion
Recycling building materials provides an opportunity to achieve cost savings. These savings include the cost of new materials as well as transportation and disposal costs. The use of recycled materials also results in energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Green building practices are gaining popularity and many developers are seeking LEED certification. Recycling and other environmentally sustainable practices can help earn points on the LEED system.
