While construction projects are notorious for producing waste, with the right planning, a lot of the construction material can be recycled and repurposed.
Recycling construction waste not only reduces a firm’s environmental impact, but can also provide cost savings and help them become more sustainable.
Here are 15 practical ideas for recycling construction waste in Australia.
What is Construction Waste
Construction waste is any of the waste created during the construction process. It is commonly liked with demolition waste due to the often large chunks of varying waste types found in both.
As with any waste type, correct disposal methods must be followed. However, when it omes to construction site waste, there are often additionally measures that need to be taken to ensure safe disposal for everyone involved.
Recent innovations within the waste management industry have seen more effective measures for construction waste disposal being adopted. These include creating recyclable building materials, as well as other waste reduction methods.
The Importance of Construction Waste Recycling
Proper management of any waste type is a must, and it is especially important when it comes to the often large volumes of waste produced during the construction process. Added to this, there are often different waste types with this, some of them including hazardous waste.
Construction and Demolition Waste
Construction and demolition waste are often discussed as similiar waste types. This is because the construction industry produces waste materials often similar to the demolition waste industry. Both contain valuable resources and can commonly be disposed of through the same waste stream.
Additionally, both construction and demolition waste can go through resource recovery processes that seeks to extract valuable resources from them. These same resources are commonly used in the construction sector for new building materials.
15 Construction Waste Recycling Ideas
The fifteen construction waste recycling ideas that we list below all seek to find ways to give these building and construction materials a new kind of life. This helps to avoid them being inefficiently dumped on landfills or dumpsites.
It should be noted that this process can be relatively complex given the often varying nature of construction and demolition materials. This means that it is very important to contact a dedicated waste management team like Cleanway.
1. Use Bricks Again
Bricks and concrete can be crushed and reused for new construction projects, such as foundations, road base, walkways, and even drainage systems. Many demolition companies have mobile crushing plants for this purpose.
Both construction and demolition waste can be used here given that both produce the same waste types. A major benefit of this is that is both saves the environmental and the extra costs of new materials.
2. Modify New and Old Timber
Wood from old buildings and pallets can be used as is or modified into furniture, fences, or even landscaping materials. Hardwood that is unusable can also be chipped and shredded for use in gardens.
The key takeaway should be one of ingenuity and creativity. Rather than throwing scrap wood away, as with any waste type, it is important to consider how it can be reused.
3. Repurpose Metal Scraps
Steel, aluminium, and copper are very easy to recycle. Scrap metal can be melted down and fabricated back in manufacturing, so there is no need to use new raw materials.
While this blog focuses on construction waste, metal scraps is not unique to this industry. Old metal is known to have value in many manufacturing industries, making the repurposing process highly lucrative and valuable.
4. Repair Doors and Windows
Old doors, windows, and frames can most times be restored or painted over for reuse in new buildings or used in DIY home improvement.
At times this reuse process has become quite trendy. Older doors and windows can give otherwise normal construction projects a new aesthetic edge while still being environmentally conscious.
5. Recycle Plasterboard or Drywall
Plasterboard or drywall can be destroyed and reused for wall board, farming, or even made into soil conditioner.
As with other construction and demolition waste projects, it is advisable to consult the necessary experts so that the safety of the building process is not compromised.
6. Upcycle Glass
Windows and doors can be recycled. The glass can be melted down and crafted into new glass items, or it can even go towards artistic pieces like tiles and countertops.
What’s more, old glass can give projects a retro edge that many newer buildings are seeking to capture.
7. Turn Old Tarmac into New Roads
Roads can be constructed with recycled tar pavement using reclaimed asphalt, which fulfils the need for new materials with greater efficiency.
It goes without saying that many people will not have to be involved in large scale tarmac resurfacing projects, but this remains a great example of the benefit of smart waste disposal and management.
8. Reuse Plastic Waste
Plastic packaging, pipes, and insulating materials can go through recycling and be reused in new construction materials such as decking and insulation panels.
Additionally, given the large amount of plastic waste that often ends up in municipal landfills and dumpsites, this is a great way for the construction industry to play their part in building an eco-friendly world.
9. Donate or Sell Unused Materials
Surplus tiles, wood, and skeletons can either be sold off to salvage yards or given to second-hand stores and charities for community projects.
There is an added benefit here of making money. This again highlights how effective waste stream systems can lead to greater production and revenue down the line.
10. Use Eco-Friendly Insulation
Insulation materials such as cellulose (from newspapers) or wool provide energy efficiency while reducing waste in landfills.
This does not have to be done only by the construction and demolition waste industry. This is something that everyday homeowners can use to better manage their waste.
11. Repurpose Carpet and Flooring
Carpeting and certain types of flooring materials can be refinished and reused in new spaces. The obvious environmental benefits of this is that less materials are needed in the first place.
Again, there is an aesthetic value here as older flooring and carpeting commonly appeals to people who want a retro look in their home or apartment.
12. Recycle Packaging Materials
The cardboard, plastic wrapping, and foam from online purchases can be kept and sent to the recycling centre. These materials can also be saved for new deliveries.
While this might seem strange to include in a blog about construction waste, this is not the case. They still operate as a business that produces various waste types. All need to be considered in order to run effectively.
13. Use Scrap Concrete
Broken concrete can be converted into landscaping endeavours, like retaining walls. Bricks and stones can also be used in constructing pathways.
Scrap concrete can also save extra money and costs in the long run so long as they are used in a safe manner that does not compromise the building quality.
14. Create A Site Specific Plan To Structure Waste Recyclables
Properly sorted recyclables will reduce landfill waste and help increase sustainability efforts of the solid waste generated worldwide.
A great way to start with this is to be in contact with an EPA-certified waste management team like Cleanway. They can help set up these necessary plans.
15. Reach Out To A Recycling Centre
Local waste management and recycling firms can make sure the materials are sorted well and reused properly.
Cleanway’s waste management team is skilled at managing various waste types in a safe and efficient way, all of which seek to have a positive environmental impact.
Closing thoughts
Constructive waste recycling is crucial in achieving the greenhouse goals and with proper planning, construction firms, builders, and renovators in Australia can contribute positively towards a more sustainable industry while saving money and reducing resource expenditure.