Sustainability and green living is becoming more evident in homes and workplaces. It’s one thing to create a green finished product; it’s just as important to make the construction process environmentally friendly.
Construction & Demolition Materials
Many of the materials used in construction can be recycled. Construction & demolition (C&D) waste comes from building and tearing down houses, buildings, roads, and bridges. C&D materials can be recycled in the following ways:
- Concrete rubble can be reused in new projects.
- Wood can be recycled into mulch, compost, animal bedding, wood pellets, and more.
- Gypsum drywall can be recycled into new drywall, in the production of cement, and as an additive to composting operations.
- Asphalt can be recycled an endless number of times, as it never loses quality.
- Metals can be sent to metal scrap yards and reused.
Additional materials that can be recycled include glass, cardboard, and paper.
Many C&D materials can be reused. During a demolition or remodel, items that can be reused in new projects should be removed carefully before tearing anything down. Items that can be reused include:
- Doors
- Hardware
- Appliances
- Lighting fixtures
- Windows
- Brick and masonry
- Excess insulation
- Paint
- Packaging materials
Benefits of Recycling C&D Materials
In 2015 alone, 548 million tons of C&D debris was created, with 90% coming from demolition, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Recycling construction materials has both environmental and economic benefits.
When recycled materials are used, the consumption of natural resources is decreased, saving energy. By reusing materials, less waste goes to landfills. Since landfills are filling quickly, it often costs more money to dispose of materials than it does to recycle them. This can help to reduce the building project expenses.
Whether recycling of reusing materials, planning is essential to fulfill rules and regulations. Local recycling centers, landfills, and waste departments all work with construction companies to reduce waste and achieve green building practices.