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    • A Complete Guide on Construction Waste Management

    When we look at finished buildings and roads, we’re unlikely to think about the waste generated during construction. Why? Contractors usually have a construction waste management plan that includes the proper disposal and recycling of the rubbish and debris generated on a site. 

    The UK construction industry produces 100 million tonnes of waste annually, of which 5 million tonnes end up in landfill. The good news is that almost 92% of the waste is recovered. For this to be possible, proper construction waste segregation and disposal is essential. 

    Construction waste that isn’t properly recycled can create environmental pollution since most of the waste generated is non-biodegradable. A lot of waste is hazardous, so improper construction and demolition waste disposal also leads to air pollution, water pollution, and increased carbon emissions.

    Storefield Aggregates offers construction waste disposal and management for a variety of civil engineering projects. With almost thirty years of experience, you can count on us to effectively and efficiently collect, remove, and dispose of building waste.

    Types of Construction Waste 

    Construction waste management regulations categorise building and demolition waste into three classifications: inert, non-inert, and hazardous. The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) has a six-digit code for different types of waste, and hazardous waste usually has an asterisk sign next to it. 

    Non-inert Waste

    Non-decomposable materials can be reused and include things like wood, metal, insulation material, and plastics. Proper construction waste segregation is needed for this category of waste to reduce the likelihood of environmental risks. 

    Inert Waste

    Inert waste materials don’t undergo any physical, chemical, or biological transformations and don’t pose a threat to the environment. These materials include concrete, bricks, aggregates, and tiles, and can be easily recycled and reused.

    Hazardous Waste

    A construction waste management plan must make special provisions for the proper disposal and handling of hazardous waste. This includes asbestos, adhesives, paint solvents, varnish, contaminated soil and lead-acid batteries. These wastes are flammable, corrosive, toxic, and harmful to humans and the environment.

    Sometimes, construction waste can also be categorised based on the way it’s generated:

    • Demolition Waste: When a building or any structure is being torn down, it produces a lot of rubble and debris.
    • Excavation Waste: Construction sites are often excavated to prepare the foundation of the building and the waste generated is usually soils, rocks, and other natural materials.
    • Packaging Waste: A lot of construction waste is packaging waste. Construction materials like paint, tiles, and cement are packaged in plastic wraps, wooden pellets, tin containers, and cardboard. Construction waste segregation is important when dealing with packaging, as some items can be recycled, while others can be toxic. 

    Why Should Construction Materials be Recycled?

    Every construction site needs to have a proper construction waste management plan. This includes strategies for segregating waste that needs to be treated before disposal, recycled, and even reused. 

    Here are a few reasons why you should commit to proper construction and demolition waste disposal and recycling:

    Prevents Environmental Pollution

    Improper waste disposal without the necessary treatment or segregation can lead to air, water, and soil pollution. This can impact the environment and contribute to the release of carbon dioxide. Improper disposal can also lead to contamination, which can have a huge adverse impact on environmental health.

    Depletion of Natural Resources

    A vast quantity of natural resources like sand, gravel, and wood are used in the construction. By reusing these materials, you’re reducing the strain on natural resources. An important part of construction waste management regulations requires contractors to reuse and recycle most of the waste generated.

    Legal Compliance

    Construction companies in the UK are required to adhere to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which states that contractors must try to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste instead of disposing it in landfills. It also has stipulations regarding the proper handling of waste. Failure to comply may result in a fine or even imprisonment.

    Leads to Health Complications

    If you don’t follow a proper construction waste management plan, you’re putting the health of your workers, and even people who live near the construction or disposal site, at risk. Hazardous waste exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, asthma, and other health effects.

    Proper Wealth Management

    Construction waste segregation allows you to identify items that can be recycled and reused in your project. By following proper construction waste management regulations, you can build a sustainable and financially viable business model.

    How to Create a Construction Waste Management Plan

    Now you know the importance of construction and demolition waste disposal, let’s look at how to formulate a construction waste management plan. 

    • Begin by identifying the types of waste generated by the project during each construction phase.
    • Next, form a dedicated waste management team, with staff who are trained in handling different kinds of waste, especially hazardous waste.
    • Create a safe zone for storing your waste on-site until it’s properly segregated and disposed of.
    • Audit your existing waste management plan, find the loopholes, and explore how they can be addressed.
    • Implement a waste management hierarchy, which includes prioritising construction waste recycling, reusing, and recovering over disposal. The aim is to reduce your waste wherever possible. Work with the right waste management partner.
    • Train your employees and set company-wide construction and demolition waste disposal goals.
    • Finally, track your progress and make amends to achieve your objectives.

    Trust Storefield Aggregates for Bulk Waste Removal

    At Storefield Aggregates, we have a huge fleet of tipper and grub trucks, allowing us to easily transport construction waste. Our experts are trained to identify and test different types of waste, allowing for their proper disposal. When you work with us, you access additional services—we also supply top-quality construction aggregates and hire out construction vehicles.

    We’re experts in construction waste management, and our end-to-end construction waste management plan enables us to support you in creating a sustainable and safe construction site.

    Contact us with your requirements today at 01536 418121 or email our sales team at orders@storefield.co.uk.

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