Construction Waste - handle with care
Construction waste is a significant part of the total was disposed of in the UK. We've pulled together some details to give you an idea of what it's all about.
Construction waste consists of unwanted material produced directly or indirectly by the construction industry. This includes building materials such as insulation, nails, electrical wiring, and rebar (steel reinforcement). It also includes waste from site preparation such as dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble. The key concern about construction waste is that it may contain lead, asbestos, or other hazardous substances.
Much building waste is made up of materials such as bricks, concrete and wood damaged or unused for various reasons during construction. Research has shown that this can be as high as 10 to 15% of the materials that go into a building. This is a much higher percentage than the 2.5-5% usually assumed by quantity surveyors and the construction industry. Since considerable variability exists between construction sites, there is much opportunity for reducing this waste.
Even when removed certain materials remain a problem. For example plasterboard becomes hazardous once landfilled. As the plasterboard is broken down in the landfill, the conditions there release hydrogen sulfide, which is a toxic gas.
Construction waste consists of unwanted material produced directly or indirectly by the construction industry. This includes building materials such as insulation, nails, electrical wiring, and rebar (steel reinforcement). It also includes waste from site preparation such as dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble. The key concern about construction waste is that it may contain lead, asbestos, or other hazardous substances.
Much building waste is made up of materials such as bricks, concrete and wood damaged or unused for various reasons during construction. Research has shown that this can be as high as 10 to 15% of the materials that go into a building. This is a much higher percentage than the 2.5-5% usually assumed by quantity surveyors and the construction industry. Since considerable variability exists between construction sites, there is much opportunity for reducing this waste.
Even when removed certain materials remain a problem. For example plasterboard becomes hazardous once landfilled. As the plasterboard is broken down in the landfill, the conditions there release hydrogen sulfide, which is a toxic gas.
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There is the potential to recycle many elements of construction waste. Often roll-off containers are used to transport the waste. Rubble can be crushed and re-used in other construction projects. Waste wood can also be recovered and recycled.
Government or local authorities often make rules about how much waste should be sorted before it is hauled away to landfills or other waste treatment facilities. Some hazardous materials may not be moved, before the authorities have ascertained that safety guidelines and restrictions have been followed. Among their concerns would be the proper handling and disposal of such toxic elements as lead, asbestos or radioactive materials. |
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As you can see dealing with this kind of waste is for experts only. Even if you are doing some building work on your own, do be aware of the dangers. And more importantly the type of company you ask to remove the waste.