Recycling is one of the most important issues of the day, especially in the construction industry. Responsible waste management, materials recovery and scrap recycling offer a wide range of benefits, not just for the environment and the community, but also for your business.
Going Green is More Than a Bonus
Recycling construction waste and scrap material are no longer just an additional service that boosts your public image, but something that’s expected of every company. Clients of every size and type are more likely to pick a
contractor or company that makes an effort to reduce the environmental impact of their business activities.
Construction or demolition businesses and contractors receive government incentives for their recycling efforts, but that isn’t the only benefit to consider. Using recycled materials and implementing a proper waste management plan
can help you save a lot of money over the long run, and even provide another income source.
Projects that Offer Scope for Construction Recycling
Construction projects range from the demolition of existing structures to building or renovating new ones, and each project offers scope for scrap recovery and recycling.
Here’s how:
• Demolition Projects – The first step is to remove materials that are easily accessible, before bulldozing the structure. After the structure is demolished, more scrap material can be collected from the rubble. This can be recycled after removing contaminants and non-recyclable materials.
• Deconstruction Projects – Dismantling a structure instead of bulldozing it outright allows more recyclable materials to be recovered intact. Many reclaimed materials do not need to be sent in for recycling, but can be reused as is. There’s also lower contamination in recyclable waste.
• Renovation Projects – When a structure is partially dismantled for interior or exterior improvements, a lot of the waste material recovered from it can be reused as is. Scrap material can also be sent through recycling for use in the other construction projects.
• New Construction Projects – Recyclable or reusable waste is often left over in a wide range of sizes from new constructions. Larger scrap material can be used in other construction projects, and packaging may be sent back to suppliers or recycled along with smaller scraps.
What Materials Can Be Recovered?
Most construction materials can be recovered with the right recycling equipment, such as trash compactors, shredders, crushers and balers.
Commonly recovered materials from construction projects include:
• Wood, brick and concrete
• Gypsum wallboard
• Steel (which is 100% recyclable), and other metals
• Asphalt paving and shingles
• Non-asphalt roofing and shingles
• Architectural salvage materials
• Material recovered from land clearing
Benefits for the Environment
The number-one reason for recycling in any sector is the positive impact it has on the environment. By reducing the use of virgin resources, construction companies can lower their carbon footprint tremendously. The production of fresh material takes a heavy toll on natural resources, in addition to the energy required for extraction, transportation
and processing. Production processes also add to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, release pollutants into the ground and water systems, and disturb the local ecosystem. On the other hand, metal recycling and other scrap reclamation processes use a much smaller percentage of energy and resources. Reusing and recycling waste material keeps it out of landfills, which is another huge benefit for the environment.
Benefits for the Economy
If the environmental benefits of recycling weren’t enough encouragement, there are also economic advantages to consider. Companies can save a lot of money by recovering scrap from construction sites instead of investing in
fresh material. In addition to the cost of energy for production, expenses for transportation, handling and
processing are lower. Recycled construction waste is in high demand across various sectors, and selling scrap or salvage rights opens up more income sources for construction and demolition companies. Recycling creates more job opportunities within communities and boosts the local economy, which indirectly benefits contractors and
construction businesses. When more revenue enters the market, more people can take on their dream project.
Reducing, reusing, and recycling construction waste is a no-brainer today. At Compactor Management Company, we can help you find the right equipment for metal recycling, scrap recovery and more. Contact us to discuss your
needs right away!
Source: Compactor Management Company
Printed in the March 15, 2019 Issue of Contractors Hot Line
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