To accommodate the ever-growing global population, the construction and demolition (C&D) industry must continuously evolve. The surge in building activities, from residential to commercial projects, leads to a substantial increase in waste. C&D waste makes up 40% of the world’s annual solid waste, with the U.S. contributing nearly 100 million tons of waste each year.

Even though some waste is unavoidable, there are effective ways to reduce the massive volumes generated annually. This overview will cover various strategies that C&D companies, regardless of their size, can implement to cut down on waste and protect the environment.

Understanding the causes of C&D waste is the first step toward reduction. A significant cause is the lack of waste management strategies during the design phase, responsible for approximately 33% of construction waste according to environmental engineers. Other factors include design changes, poor material handling and storage, ineffective site management, and insufficient information on local recycling and disposal regulations.

Given the complexities involved, it’s understandable why C&D waste can pile up so quickly. However, several methods can help address this issue. At the beginning of a project, it’s essential to create a detailed recycling and waste management plan. This plan should outline strategies for reducing waste and proper disposal methods, including the use of specialized pickup services, roll-off dumpsters, and compactors.

Additionally, considering deconstruction instead of traditional demolition can be beneficial. Deconstruction involves the careful removal of materials for reuse, which minimizes waste and environmental impact compared to conventional demolition, which often produces harmful dust and metals.

These strategies are just a starting point. For more comprehensive information, please check the accompanying resource.

Reducing Waste At A Job Site was provided by Sourgum Waste