Construction site waste can get overwhelming, especially if you don’t manage it properly. Not to mention, it could quickly become a safety hazard if you let it get out of hand. However, minimizing waste doesn’t have to break the bank or overextend the project. Instead, there are ways to make it happen while saving money and time. So using the tips in this article, you can effectively manage your construction site to deal with the trash and unused materials.
Deconstruct
Deconstruction can help you save a significant amount of money compared to demolition. And while it can take a little more time, the resources you gain from doing so are worth the extra work. In addition, you will have additional materials to use for current and future projects, and you’ll attract customers who value your sustainability. So the benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages in this case.
Reuse and Recycle
You’ve heard “reduce, reuse, and recycle” repeatedly, but have you applied that practice to your company? The main point is that you can safely reuse materials from deconstruction and recycle those you can’t. Moreover, you’ll save yourself and your client money by giving you a leg up in the business. Modern times call for carbon emission reduction, and you can tap into a lucrative market by going green.
Plan Ahead
Planning is a critical step in the construction project, and many companies tend to overshoot when ordering materials. However, even though it’s good to have extra materials, you should only buy what you need if you want to reduce waste. Additionally, if you choose to deconstruct, you should have plenty on deck if you need it. Regardless, if you decide to buy extra materials, make sure you save them for the next project so you’re not throwing out perfectly usable scraps.
Keep the Worksite Tidy
Keeping the worksite tidy and debris-free is essential for your workers’ safety. So you should do your best to ensure it stays clean. In addition, make sure you organize your supplies in a place that is easily accessible.
Additionally, invest in some bottom dump hoppers to scatter around the worksite and make trash organization a breeze. They’re incredibly convenient when it comes time for the waste management company to dispose of your garbage. Plus, you’ll have a cleaner worksite, minimizing the risk of unnecessary injury.
Find Sustainable Vendors
You have to work with many vendors to complete a project on time, and the ones you choose can significantly affect your waste management. Therefore, selecting people with a reputation for cleanliness and sustainability is essential. In addition, you want to work with those whose goals are aligned with your own. Otherwise, you’re going to fall into the same cycles that led you to this article in the first place.
Donate Unused Materials
When you go through the process of deconstruction, you may come across materials you won’t need. When you get to this point, you should consider donating them to local charity projects or other construction companies in your network instead of scrapping the excess.
Donating unused materials can also give your company a good reputation. Not only are you offering a quality service to your clients, but you’re serving the community around you. So everyone benefits in this scenario.
Minimize Packaging
Packaging contributes significantly to the amount of waste in both the construction site and the landfill. This amount of garbage is unnecessary in today’s world, and you can reduce it easily with two options. First, you should see if they reuse their packing materials by allowing customers to send them back.
The other option would be to order in bulk and ask for reduced packaging. However, if they participate in both practices, you can kill two birds with one stone. Plus, these options may help you save money in the long run.
Sign up for Regular Waste Pickup
Waiting for a trash day can lead to excessive waste buildup. This, in turn, can be dangerous and annoying. On the other hand, adding an extra day to your contract can improve the working conditions on your construction site. Furthermore, if you want to save money and time, you should also consider booking with a company that will take both your trash and recycling on the same day.
Conclusion
Dealing with waste on the construction site can be an annoying task, to say the least. However, it doesn’t have to be this overwhelming. By taking the time to implement even just a few of the suggestions in this article, you can save money, reduce waste, and contribute to the well-being of your community. In addition, if you choose to take the sustainable route, you’re likely to increase your pool of potential customers.
