Demolition waste is any unneeded items resulting from the construction and demolition processes. It is a common phenomenon in an established economy.
In Evoro’s “Construction and Demolition Waste Explained,” these two forms of waste are placed in particular waste streams due to their similarity. In addition, they are all considered industrial operations that generate specific kinds of waste.
We put our focus on demolition waste in this particular blog. More specifically, we explore fifteen facts that relate to types of demolition wastes. It can aid people outside the waste management business to appreciate the true workings of the industry.
What is Demolition Waste?
Most people consider demolition waste to be anything and everything made during the demolition of a structure.
But it doesn’t start and end with the concrete that composes the building. The entire process can potentially cause waste that needs safe management in order to lessen the potential of harm to human health.
This opens the door of understanding that organic and inorganic waste both exist. In addition, some chemicals produce certain types of poisonous waste. Waste management teams therefore handle demolition waste like any other type of waste.
15 Demolition Waste Facts
Our 15 demolition waste facts revolve around general waste management trends. Many look at both the statistics surrounding the waste materials produced during the construction and demolition process.
These waste materials vary. Some contain hazardous materials which, if improperly handled, can result in issues like contaminated soil which have a negative environmental impact. However, others merely contain unwanted material that might still hold valuable resources.
Australia’s Demolition Waste Figures
Considering Australia’s construction industry is rapidly growing, it is not surprising that Australia’s demolition waste figures are strikingly high.
A number this grand requires a large quantity of resources along with strict stringent regulations. For waste management professionals, this figure means employing the most effective and sustainable practices to ensure the waste is eliminated in a safe manner.
Global Demolition Waste Figures
Global construction and demolition waste figures stands at roughly 2.24 billion tons of waste produced annually. They are an inevitable part of the building industry, and therefore require safe management and disposal.
Additionally, newer ways of managing this waste type through more modern ideas like resource recovery is a must. These measures helps to ensure that waste is reduced and reused at the source, thereby being more efficient and eco-friendly.
Skip Bins and Demolition Waste
It’s worth noting that one of the most popular ways of dealing with large waste types like construction and demolition waste is through the use of skip bins. These are large bins that are common in the waste industry.
Skip bins are a popular way to deal with large waste items due to their size and versality. They are perfect for dealing with common demolition waste types like timber, steel, asbestos, wood, and other common materials.
Demolition Waste and the Environment
When it comes to the environment, there is always scope for damage with the improper management of demolition waste. This needs to be considered just as any other kind of waste management, and that is something that always needs to be addressed with caution.
Disposal, if done carelessly, can lead to contamination of soil and water, in addition to other dangers. Due to these reasons, C&D companies are trying to focus on creating bio-degradable building materials.
Demolition Waste and the EPA
Construction as well as demolition works across the country are regulated by the Australian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in collaboration with waste management companies, this governing body makes sure that the best practices are maintained.
For those who have confusion on their construction and demolition projects, it is best to reach out to your local waste management services.
Demolition Waste Recycling Rate
As with other forms of recycling, the recycling rates for demolition waste follow a similar pattern throughout Australia. As part of a more overarching aim to ‘green’ the construction and demolition sector, the recycling rates have thankfully increased vastly.
That being said, improvement is still needed. The process of recycling is beneficial because it leads us towards greater productivity and increases. Many people have strong hopes that we will see technological advances in the future.
Economic Consequences of Demolition Waste
The demolition waste industry has a direct correlation with employment opportunities which the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources readily acknowledges. This industry foots the bill for many workers throughout the country.
Its economic influence, like anything else, is complex due to the multitude of branches and relations that are interconnected parts. However, it is quite reasonable to estimate that because of the size of the construction industry, combined with the frequent demolition, it constitutes a significant portion.
Technology and C&D Waste
There are numerous heavy machinery operating simultaneously on a construction site, and that alone makes it clear that construction and demolition is a technologically driven industry in every respect. This is why it tends to be one of the first adopters of any new technology.
This may involve the use of mobile units specially designed to recycle certain types of construction and demolition wastes. Furthermore, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning may result in an increased occurrence of some optimisation routines.
Hazardous Demolition Waste
Whether it is construction, demolition, or household waste, all waste types have the potential to be hazardous. This is part of the reason why safe disposal methods are vital in order to minimise the risk of harm.
Managing hazardous demolition waste is similar to other types of hazardous waste.
Demolition Industrial Waste
Construction and demolition waste consists of many intricate parts, some of which can be shocking. Apart from the usual contractors, there are recycling companies and government specialists which all play their roles as well.
It is unsurprising given how large the industry is. Even though it specialises in demolishing and constructing waste, it does not lessen its scope as it contains a colossal amount of players from various industries.
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste
C&D refers to the construction and demolition sites that are involved in creating waste. These may include the expected concrete, bricks, glass, lumber, and other materials associated with construction.
C&D wastes can have some dangerous materials blended with them in different activities of constructing and demolishing buildings. In addition, there often lie precious resources and metals.
Landfills and Waste Management
Landfills are commonly used for the disposal and demolition of construction waste. This is mainly because the rest of the processes are effortless and can accommodate large construction debris. Construction companies have embraced landfills for the disposal of any waste encountered during the construction processes.
At the same time, however, many companies are pursuing alternatives that are more environmentally friendly. In addition, a shift away from landfill use aids in the preservation of natural resources by preventing the creation of enormous waste sites.
Demolition Waste Management Hierarchy
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plans have to comply with a waste management hierarchy. This aims to optimise environmental governance in the domain of construction and demolition waste within the entire construction industry.
Demolition waste management strategies based on the waste hierarchy aim to encourage sustainable recycling activities in the building industry. In addition, it gives priority to people’s health in how sustainable measures are implemented in the waste management sector.
Circular Economy Initiatives
These initiatives aim to make losses in the economy as minimal as possible. Circular economy initiatives relate to construction waste in the following ways: It takes rubble and waste and puts them to practical use.
Minimisation of waste and reuse of waste items requires creativity and ingenious thinking. Creativity and foresight are needed during the design phase for reusing waste items. In addition, there is a need for very safe and environmentally friendly ways to reuse various resources.
Community Initiatives
This community knows how to manage their environment best while observing safe methods of waste disposal. Evoro is one of these companies that works with partners across Australia to advance the demolition and construction waste community.
Closing Thoughts
Demolition waste is an interesting waste type when compared to more popular forms of waste. Additionally, while it is often seen in light with construction waste, it still have its own benefits to understanding it.
At the end of the day, how a company manages their demolition waste sheds lights on how they view their own efficiency. If you wish your company to be better across numerous vertices, then consider contacting a waste management company like Evoro.
