5 Tips on Recycling Construction Waste
Construction waste is considered all of the leftover material, once building and remodeling has commenced on a site, which can either be utilized again for the same purpose or recycled for another use. To get a good idea of just how much leftover material you might be dealing with, there are roughly 8,000 pounds of waste that heads to the landfill after the construction of a 2,000 square foot home – waste that could have possibly been recycled!
When you’re recycling waste from construction, it’s important to remember a few handy tips to make the experience run as smooth (and efficiently) as possible.
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Know the Difference Between Different Types of Construction Waste
Not knowing exactly how to separate construction waste takes time away from you. In addition to time, a person’s lack of knowing how to separate will also cost money. Yep, it’s true – most facilities charge to do the sorting of materials for you, which is why knowing how to separate is in your best interest. Material that can potentially be recovered includes packaging, scraps from new material, old materials and debris. Recyclable materials include appliances, masonry materials, doors and windows.
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Have a Backup Plan
Sure, there is always the possibility to sell the recycling waste for reuse – but you need a certain amount to do so with most industry buyers. Regardless of this, even if recycling materials doesn’t seem economically practical at the time – for instance, if there’s not a nearby recycled resource facility where you live – these materials can still be donated to non-profit organizations.
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Be Extra Safe While Handling Waste
Always take precaution when sorting and placing items in the bins you use to hold the waste, so that no unwanted materials get inside. If any garbage – no matter how small the amount is – is placed in with the recycled waste, the entire load is deemed unacceptable for recycling. Make it a habit to identify and label clearly which areas are what by using defiant, proper signs.
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Choose a Waste and Recycling Company That Will Work With You
There’s plenty of dumpster rental services out there, but not all of them offer extensive accommodations and fair pricing. When skimming through your options, be picky. Choose a service that has an efficient process and fits your needs. Some provide same day shipping, and even allow containers to be kept on a customer’s property for an extended period of time (which can be helpful if your disposal process takes longer than anticipated).
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Take Note of All Your Disposal Methods
Once you’ve established which materials can be turned into something else, consider your options in regards to methods – primarily whether or not you want to use mechanical demolition or deconstruction (the systematic disassembly of a material). If you’re having trouble deciding, seek a knowledgeable recycling facility’s opinion to help you make a decision.
By choosing to recycle construction waste, you are choosing to make a significant, positive impact on the environment. These benefits include:
- Preserving embodied energy
- Promoting historic preservation
- Conserving resources
- Reducing harmful greenhouse gases
- Reducing carbon emissions
Residential and Commercial Waste Management and Recycling Services in NJ
Regardless of where you are in the process of recycling construction waste, Cali Carting Inc. can provide you with help, insight and a dedicated staff. A full service solid waste and recycling company is conveniently located in Kearny, New Jersey, less than 10 miles away from New York City. Cali Carting has over 50 late model trucks, and serves over 1,000 commercial customers everyday from this location.
To schedule or learn more about Cali Carting’s services, call the office at (201) 991-5400 – or contact them by e-mail for any sales, billing, customer service or general questions.