Demolition waste is the excess materials produced during construction and demolition processes. They are a necessary byproduct of a functioning economy.
Cleanway’s “What is Construction and Demolition Waste?” explores how these two forms of waste form part of similar waste streams. Additionally, they are both industrial activities which produce specific types of waste.
This blog focuses on demolition waste. In particular, it offers 12 facts and explorations of various types of demolition wastes. Reading it can help those who are outside of the waste management industry to learn and better understand how it functions.
It also offers a stark insight into the waste demolition process in Australia.
What is Demolition Waste?
Demolition waste refers to anything produced during the demolition process. But it’s not just the concrete from the building itself. A more holistic approach includes the potential waste caused by the entire process.
Following this, one can see that both organic and inorganic waste exists. Additionally, some hazardous wastes are produced from certain chemicals. Waste management teams therefore approach demolition waste with the same level of caution as any other type of waste.
Australia’s Demolition Waste Figures
Australia’s demolition waste figures are high given the booming construction industry within our country. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water notes that “a total of 19.0 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste was generated in Australia.”
With such a high figure come stringent regulations and requirements. It’s important to contact a waste management team that is capable of dealing with such large quantities in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
Demolition Waste and the Environment
The potential for environmental damage because of improper demolition waste handling does exist. However, this should be placed alongside general waste management. There is always a potential for harm if they are not handled properly.
These dangers include soil contamination, water contamination, and other dangers caused by improper disposal. Because of these dangers, many construction and demolition companies are looking at producing building materials that are capable of degrading in an eco-friendly manner.
Demolition Waste and the EPA
Australia’s construction and demolition industries fall under the mandate of the Australian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This governing body works alongside waste management companies to ensure that environmental best practices are followed.
The Department provides tools that are useful for both managers, builders, and investors alike. If you are unsure about whether your construction and demolition projects are abiding by the necessary regulations, be sure to contact a local waste management company.
Demolition Waste Recycling Rates
Demolition waste recycling rates follow similar trajectories of recycling figures across Australia. Luckily, these have seen great improvements as part of a wider desire to make the construction and demolition industry more environmentally friendly.
But there is always room for improvement. The benefits of recycling is that it forms part of a continuous process towards greater efficiency. Technological improvements will likely see future improvements.
Economic Impact of Demolition Waste
The Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources draw a connection between the demolition waste industry and jobs. This industry pays the bills for many workers across the country.
The economic impact of any industry is difficult to measure in part because of the various offshoots and connections. But given the size of the construction industry, and the prevalence of demolition alongside it, it is safe to say that it accounts for a large chunk.
Technological Innovations and Demolition Waste
The construction and demolition industry operates with many heavy machinery and complex technological processes. It’s no surprise then that it is often at the forefront of various innovations.
This can include mobile recycling units to manage forms of construction and demolition waste. Additionally, advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning can see some optimisation processes becoming more prevalent.
The Demolition Waste Industry
The demolition waste industry encapsulates many different facets, and some are more surprising than you might think. There’s more than the usual contractors, recycling specialists, and government agents.
This is not a surprise given the size of the industry. While its focus remains on demolition and construction waste, its expansive nature sees it incorporate a large number of industry players.
Construction and Demolition Waste Composition
Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is composed of many different waste materials. This includes the usual bricks, concrete, wood, glass, and other common building materials that you might expect.
Construction and demolition waste can include hazardous materials from various construction and demolition activities. There is also the potential for valuable resources and precious metals.
Landfills and Demolition Waste
Landfills are a popular demolition waste management plan. This is because they are easy and capable of handling large construction materials. Construction companies often use landfills to manage the waste generated during the process.
That being said, many companies are looking at alternatives with greater environmental benefits. Additionally, a move away from landfills helps with conserving natural resources by not creating large dumpsites.
Demolition Waste Hierarchy
A Construction and demolition waste management plan should follow the standard waste hierarchy. This seeks to promote environmental best practices within the demolition waste construction sphere.
Demolition waste management plans that follow the waste hierarchy seek to promote recycling construction practices across the construction sector. It also forefronts human health when seeking sustainable management in the waste industry.
Circular Economy Initiatives
Circular economy initiatives seek to minimise wastage within the economy. When it comes to demolition waste, circular economy initiatives do just this. It involves taking the rubble and other waste items and turning them into something useful.
These initiatives promote two key aspects of waste management: ingenuity and resourcefulness. Reusing waste items requires forethought and creativity during the design process. Additionally, knowing how to reuse various resources in a safe and environmentally friendly manner is key.
The Demolition Waste Community
The demolition waste community understands the importance of environmental best practices as well as adhering to safe waste disposal techniques. Companies like Cleanway work with partners across Australia in an effort to enhance and improve the demolition and construction waste community.