
Do you run a construction site? Do you have to deal with construction waste problems? Would you like to know how to reduce waste and implement an effective construction waste management plan? This guide on how to reduce waste on a construction site is going to provide all the information you need. We’ll also answer the question,
How Does Construction Waste Affect the Environment?
The construction industry is one of the biggest users of natural materials. A significant result of this usage is the huge amount of waste that’s produced. Construction site owners, managers, and workers are aware of this fact and continually looking for ideas on how to reduce waste on a construction site.
Construction waste recycling is a key factor but the most important step is to look for ways to reduce construction waste. Construction waste puts a huge amount of pressure on landfill sites, and it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to find them. Another issue with construction waste is that if an effective construction waste management plan is not being followed, solvents, chemically treated woods, and other hazardous material can cause pollution, both of the soil and waterways.
It’s therefore essential for people working in the construction industry to find ways to answer the question of how to reduce construction waste.
Tips on How to Reduce Waste on a Construction Site
There are many different ways to reduce construction waste and is a crucial step in reducing the amount of waste you send to landfill, which can bring many benefits:
- Reduce costs, as you require fewer materials and maximise skip space.
- Comply with legislation.
- A reduction in accidents if materials are stored carefully.
- Help to conserve natural resources.
- Reduce CO₂ emissions.
We’ve already answered the question of how construction waste affects the environment. Now it’s time to look at some of the steps you can include in your construction waste management plan.
Reduce mistakes on site
Mistakes are all part and parcel of being a human being. Sometimes there are consequences, especially on a construction site when it comes to ordering and using materials. Look at the way your construction teams are working and see whether they are contributing to the construction waste problems.
They can do this in a number of ways, for example, measuring or cutting inaccurately, using the wrong material or tools. If you see these things happening, take appropriate steps and reduce the number of expensive materials finding their way into the waste.
Order the right quantities of materials
When planning your work, it’s vital that you involve the best people. An experienced and knowledgeable member of your team will be able to order materials correctly and accurately, thereby reducing the amount of waste.
If ordering too much, whether it’s concrete, two-by-fours or any other construction materials, work out why it’s happening, correct the mistakes and learn for the future.
Ordering the right size material is just as important. There’s little point in ordering 10-foot size drywall when you need 8-feet, as the extra will go to waste. The same applies to all pipes and other types of material.
Store materials correctly
The materials you buy for your construction site are a valuable investment, so it’s important they don’t go to waste. If you don’t store the materials correctly, they are more likely to get damaged and be unusable. You should, for example, store timber level and undercover. You should store bricks and other masonry products stacked and covered.
You should also store materials in a secure location to reduce and prevent theft.
Try new methods of construction
The construction industry is continually evolving with new techniques and materials being used every day. A good example of this is the formwork used for concrete construction. Traditionally, it would be lumber or plywood formwork that you would throw away after use. A much better option is to use metal form systems. These are more durable, you can take them apart and use them over and over again.
Buy building products with less packaging
When you purchase construction materials, you’re also paying for the packaging the products arrive in. When you use the products, you’ve got to dispose of the packaging, often at a cost to your business.
Work with suppliers to reduce construction waste problems
Choose suppliers who are also concerned about how construction waste affects the environment. They might deliver materials on pallets that they will collect and use again. You might also find a supplier who is willing to take back products you’ve not used.
Recycle and reuse
You can reuse or recycle many of the waste materials on a construction site. Construction waste recycling includes using old bricks, masonry, and clean concrete chunks as backfill for foundation walls. You could use any large pieces of drywall scrap as filler pieces, or repurpose them elsewhere in other projects
Throwing away materials on a construction site is not only bad for your bottom line. It’s also bad for the world around you. Now you know some effective ways to rescue construction waste, it’s time to start putting them into practice. Here at KSD, we help you to remove waste with our skip hire services. Where possible, we will always recycle first, thereby reducing the amount of stress on the environment and taking control of our own environmental footprint.
To find out more about our services, get in touch with a member of our team today!