The proper recycling of demolition waste is possible with good organization and planning. Although it must be noted that before thinking about recycling the question of whether it is possible to reuse should be considered, as this will allow the reuse of existing products without the need to transform them beforehand, with the consequent savings in time, energy and money. This can generate significant extra income for contractors.
There are plenty of ways in which a range of resources can be effectively reused. For example, established fixtures such as doors, windows and appliances can be easily extracted and removed to a new construction site. Pre-cut wood can be used for lintels and other smaller wooden features, which circumnavigates the need to cut these features from whole pieces of timber.
After that, the potential recycling of the remaining materials should be considered. For example, bricks and concrete can be recycled in a range of forms to serve various functions, from providing aggregate for the construction of new concrete to acting as the foundation for driveways.
Asphalt and concrete can be recycled on-site or at a recycling centre using a crushing rig and can be used to support the construction of new roads and pavements. Porcelain can be crushed and resold to tile manufacturers, which can produce tiles made with up to 40% recycled materials. Steel can be melted and reformed without degrading, which means it can be recycled perpetually, and wood can be chipped to make particle boards, and pallets, or to create mulch for the protection and improvement of soil. Even carpet and insulation can be reused to produce underlay padding and fiberglass tiles.
There is a vast array of opportunities for the demolition sector to develop a market of recycled products, offering environmental, financial and economic benefits.
All that is needed in order to access these is to implement good practices and increase how much demolition waste is typically recycled.
So when the wise decision is taken to recycle part of the waste generated in a demolition project, it is essential to integrate the recycling works right from the start of the project in order to ensure that it is successful.
As early as the planning phase, it must be taken into account that this will be the destination of part of the waste in order to provide for its appropriate removal and separation.
Sufficient staff, with adequate training and information, must be available to carry out these tasks, as well as the means and physical space at the jobsite to store waste and materials. Moreover, careful identification of any harmful materials present will help ensure safe reuse and recycling.
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