Construction Waste Management Techniques

In India, the development of infrastructure and urbanisation is becoming fast-paced and due to that, construction waste management is also becoming a crucial issue. The construction industry is one of the biggest industries in the nation for waste production. As per the ‘The Global Development Research Center’, It is estimated that over 40% of all solid waste produced comes from construction and demolition waste. Hence, every construction company must understand the importance of waste management so that they can operate more responsibly and sustainably, reduce costs, and improve their reputation in the community.

In this blog, Brick & Bolt explains the importance of construction waste management, the different types of construction waste, and construction waste management techniques.

What is Construction Waste Management and Its Importance?

Construction waste management is the process of reducing and properly disposing of the waste generated during construction projects. It is essential for promoting sustainability, lowering expenses, and decreasing the impact of construction activities on the environment. Knowing all the different types of building structures is imperative for executing efficient waste management strategies while construction is in progress.

The amount of waste generated by construction projects can have a significant detrimental effect on the environment. So, the construction team can minimise this harm through efficient construction waste management. They can get rid of unnecessary packaging and properly dispose of hazardous materials by recycling materials. Another essential component of efficient construction waste management is material tracking, which enables construction teams to accurately estimate the quantity of materials needed for a project and monitor the quantity of waste generated. 

Different Types of Construction Waste

1. Inert Waste

Because it is non-reactive and does not break down, this type of construction waste does not harm the environment. Inert waste includes materials like asphalt, rocks, concrete, bricks, and soil.

2. Non-Hazardous Waste

It’s also known as general waste, and this type of waste does not immediately harm the environment or public health. Non-hazardous waste materials include things like wood, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metal.

3. Hazardous Waste

This particular type of construction waste requires specific handling and disposal because it may be hazardous to the environment or public health. In the construction sector, hazardous waste can include soil contamination, lead-based paint, chemicals, and asbestos. If hazardous waste is not properly managed, it may harm human health, damage wildlife, and contaminate the environment and water supplies.

Construction Waste Management Techniques

The following are the construction waste management techniques:

1. Organise and Plan Your Construction Site 

Organising your construction site better is an easy yet one of the most powerful techniques to minimize construction site waste. Your construction site will look better and function better if you organise it well. You can also reduce confusion by organising recyclable and salvageable materials in one location. You must have a solid plan before you begin site operations because wasteful purchasing practices are responsible for a substantial amount of construction waste. In addition, it will reduce costs by taking the time to purchase items only required for a particular project.

2. Reuse Leftovers and Scraps

Reusing leftovers and scraps is the best waste reduction method in construction projects. Reuse scraps wherever you can rather than buying fresh materials. Therefore, you must carefully store your leftover materials, stuff, and scraps until you need them again.

3. Recycle Construction Waste

There are so many innovative strategies for construction waste recycling available. You can determine what can be recycled by sorting your waste based on its potential for recycling. For this reason, your construction team must have a backup recycling bin for recyclables. This will reduce the quantity of items you need to throw in the dumpster and, more significantly, decrease waste. The following items can be recycled if you are unsure what to put in your recycle bin: metal, plastic, gravel, paper, cardboard, glass, wood, concrete, carpeting, asphalt, etc.

4. Reduce Packaging

Reducing packaging is another powerful technique for minimizing construction site waste. Buying materials in bulk will save costs and waste from single-packaged goods; hence, choosing recyclable packaging is another important consideration. Certain packaging materials, like barrels and buckets, can be reused on the site for storage purposes.

5. Choose the Right Vendors

Choosing the right vendor is the one of best practices for sustainable construction waste management. Having the right vendor to support your waste management goals is essential for commercial trash services. An ideal vendor is one that can expand its operations to accommodate your project. If your vendor cannot quickly empty your bins, all of your hard work sorting your recycling will be useless. To put it briefly, look for a vendor whose offer fits your needs.

Conclusion

In summary, effective waste management is crucial in the construction industry to mitigate the negative effects of construction activities on the environment. Best practices for sustainable construction waste management will save you money and time, in addition to helping you adhere to environmental health. Remember that the less waste you have to throw away, the less you will have to spend on waste management when you practice these construction waste management techniques.

Before leaving this page, we would like to draw your attention to our exclusive blog on sustainable building practices. This blog surely will enhance your knowledge about the sustainability in construction industry.

Sustainable Building Practices