Construction and demolition waste form part of similar waste management strategies even if they might appear different. Construction waste refers to everything that needs to be disposed of while making a new product. In contrast, demolition waste is created when something is destroyed.
The two are an essential part of the industrial waste management systems. They are formed whenever something is created or destroyed and are commonly made up of large building materials and other forms of rubble.
Managing them requires the expertise of a professional waste management services. Not only are they often large in nature, but they are also potentially hazardous. Old building materials, such as wood, often require specialised disposal techniques.
This blog explains many of the ins and outs of the construction and waste management industry. While it provides an outline of how the waste management systems works, it is still advised to consult a professional team whenever dealing with this waste type.
What is construction and demolition waste?
Construction and demolition waste is the excess materials produced during the construction and demolition process. It includes the actual materials no longer needed as well as everything else used during these processes.
Construction and demolition projects commonly use excavated material, bricks, glass, wood, concrete, steel, asbestos, and other materials that might be found in a construction site. Masonry materials and waste asphalt also form part of the waste generated in the construction industry.
Managing these materials involves more than just transporting them to a landfill or dumpsite. These industries often come with both environmental considerations and legal considerations. Both work together to ensure that safety and environmental best practices are followed.
Asbestos as construction waste in Australia
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was once a favourite material for low-budget construction jobs. However, during the mid to late twentieth century, asbestos was found to be a hazardous material.
Although no longer legal to use in Australia, many older buildings still have ceilings and walls built with asbestos. This means that the demolition process can be harmful to human health if it is not done properly. Additionally, it must be safely disposed of to prevent further harm and soil contamination.
Demolition and Construction waste in Australia
Demolition and construction waste in Australia is relatively large considering the size of the Australian economy. It is also the kind of sector that will continue to grow as the economy continues to require new buildings and technologies.
38% of the waste produced in Australia comes from demolition and construction projects. Having effective and efficient ways to manage this large amount of waste is essential if Australia wants to continue building its economy.
Companies like Evoro allow for this to continue. They fill the gap built when new buildings are constructed and old buildings are demolished. They also ensure that this process does not cause unnecessary harm to the environment or to human health.
Safety in construction and demolition waste
Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to managing any type of waste. Even wastes that appear to be safe can become hazardous overtime. Safety best practices must be followed at all times.
Additionally, following waste management safety best practices helps to prevent unnecessary damage to the surrounding environment. Protecting humans from hazardous waste entails preventing things like soil contamination.
The last thing that anyone wants is an emergency spill situation, and following safety guidelines helps to prevent this.
Common safety equipment for managing hazardous wastes include
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safe storage vessels for hazardous waste
- Transport materials to remove all the waste
- Bins
- Skips
- Soil contamination devices
These safety items are essential to have on hand even when working with what appears to be non-hazardous waste.
The differences between construction waste and demolition waste
Construction and demolition waste (CD waste) comes from building, repairing, renovating, and demolishing various buildings.
The differences between construction waste and demolition waste lie in how they are created during the industrial process. Quite simply, construction waste is the waste produced during construction processes. Demolition waste, on the other hand, is all of the waste formed during demolition.
They commonly constitute very similar waste materials. Rubble, debris, broken glass, and old bricks are common examples of waste items that would fall into both categories. Their disposal methods would be similar.
While household and commercial buildings are the most common waste generators, the CD waste industry handles roads, bridges, and other manufactured structures.
What percentage of construction and demolition waste must be recycled?
The amount of construction and demolition waste that must be recycled depends on a variety of factors and legislation. The New South Wales government set its construction and demolition waste recycling rate target at 80%, and the South Australian government set its target at 90%.
These goals highlight the commitment that many local bodies have made to become more environmentally friendly and eco-conscious. It also highlights their desire to create alternative waste disposal methods.
Managing demolition waste
The three main methods for dealing with demolition waste are reducing, reusing, and recycling. This is in line with global environmental sustainability methods that seek to minimise the effects of climate change.
Waste Reduction
Reducing the amount of demolition waste begins during the construction process. Building materials should be procured and used with sustainability in mind. This means all building materials used in the construction process should be minimised. Unnecessarily used concrete, for example, will only create more waste in the long run.
Reusing Waste
Resource recovery, which refers to using materials again after they have been demolished, is a common practice in the demolition industry. All building materials are valuable resources in their own way. Innovative demolition waste management involves finding ways to reuse what others would discard.
Demolition Waste Recycling
Recycling is one of the most commonly used waste management projects. This is because it highlights environmental sustainability, whereas little waste is disposed of as possible.
Instead of putting valuable resources and other materials to waste, they are recycled into new usable products.
Excavation and Demolition
The construction industry is commonly involved in both excavation and demolition projects. This is because they already have the machinery, equipment, and expertise to manage large amounts of waste and materials.
Closing thoughts
Any of the waste created during demolition and construction projects require safe disposal and transport to waste facilities. This helps to ensure that safe waste management practices are followed and that the environmental impact remains low.
Waste management companies like Evoro can aid in managing construction and demolition waste. Additionally, they can also provide guidelines that will help t reduce waste and the created of unwanted materials. Both will help to lessen the industries carbon footprint.
