4 Ways to Handle Waste on a Construction Site
It comes as no surprise that the construction industry produces a lot of waste. Regardless of the construction site, not managing waste properly can be quite dangerous. So, if this is an issue you have to deal with on a regular basis, we gathered some tips for you when it comes to handling and reducing waste during the construction process. Take a look.
Incorporate Waste Management into the Construction Process Plan
It’s a well-known fact that you need a plan before you start construction. Just like you will research the location, the cost and the time it takes to complete the project, you will also be thinking about the necessary materials. Focusing on the reduction and elimination of waste is a vital part of preparing for a project. If you carefully calculate everything that you will need, you will avoid ordering extra materials, which will result in less waste as well as save you some money. Furthermore, having exact measurements means that there will be fewer mistakes and all the materials will be used to the fullest.
Additionally, your plan should also include what you will do with the waste you create. Having clear directions your crew members can follow is vital for handling the situation properly. Whichever method you decide to implement, the instructions should be clearly stated in your construction plan and everyone involved should be taught what to do.
Look into the Materials You Are Using
In addition to not ordering in excess, you will also need to consider the sustainability of your materials. So, before you order anything, you need to think about whether there are any more eco-friendly options. Try finding materials that can be reused later on. Having the deconstruction process in mind while looking for materials is also essential seeing as how opting for reusable materials can ensure minimal waste and therefore have a big impact on the future.
Furthermore, look for suppliers that allow you to return the materials you did not use. On the other hand, you can think about selling the materials to other companies or exchanging them for something else. If you want to help local charities and organizations, you can even consider donating all extra materials. Alternatively, you can also save everything and see whether you can use it for another project in the future.
Set Up Recycling Stations
However, as much as you try, some items just cannot be reused on the site or found a new purpose. It’s good to know, then, that there are materials which can be recycled. For this purpose, you should set up recycling stations and bins. This way, if everything is clearly marked, it will be much easier for your crew members to dispose of the waste by putting it in the bin designated for a certain type of material. Make sure these bins are frequently collected and changed so that there are no piles of trash on the site. In case you don’t have the space for various stations, at least make sure that all recyclable material is delivered to a place where it will be separated, sorted and prepared for recycling.
You should do some research on the materials you are using and see which can be recycled. This is in no way an exhaustive list, but you can recycle paper and cardboard as well as certain kinds of metal, plastic and glass. Wood, concrete, gravel, bricks and plenty of other building materials can be recycled as well.
Get a Container for All the Waste
If you think that separating materials on-site will take too much time, you can get a big container and put all the waste there. When looking for the best option for your project, you can turn to professionals at Skip Bin Hire who will help you find a skip bin that matches your needs. The container is then taken to a recycling station or a landfill once it’s full.
While on the subject of landfills, you should be aware of the health and environmental problems they are causing. This is why plenty of companies are now looking into materials that can be reused and recycled, and you should definitely do the same.
Keep these four methods in mind when coming up with ways to handle the waste on your construction site. Make sure to educate your workers so that they know what can be reused and what can be recycled. Clear instruction will help make this process a whole lot smoother