Reducing waste disposal has numerous benefits for both the environment and construction companies. For the environment, reducing waste disposal means less waste in landfills, a decrease in the use of natural resources, and a lower risk of pollutant incidents and CO2 emissions.
For construction companies, reducing waste disposal can lead to cost savings by effectively using materials, increased efficiency among workers, and more business opportunities as a result of being “green.” Here are some strategies that construction companies can use to reduce waste disposal:
Plan ahead: Project managers can create a detailed building plan before starting construction to account for potential waste and to ensure that proper recycling, composting, and waste bins are provided on the job site.
Choose vendors wisely: Select vendors that support your company’s sustainability goals and can handle the scope of your project in a timely manner.
Deconstruction instead of demolition: Consider deconstructing a building piece by piece to preserve materials and eliminate waste, rather than demolishing it. This process can result in reusable materials and even tax write-offs for donations.
Recycle what is not reusable: Place recycling bins on the job site for workers to sort materials, and recycle materials such as asphalt, brick, concrete, carpeting, cardboard, and more.
Donate materials in good condition: Sort through debris and donate appliances, doors, fixtures, and hardware to organizations or charity projects.
Reduce packaging: Around 10-12% of a project’s construction waste comes from cardboard packaging alone. Minimizing packaging can greatly reduce the amount of waste generated on a job site.
By implementing these strategies, construction companies can not only reduce their waste disposal but also aid the environment and improve their public image as a “green” company.