Construction projects come in all sizes, and they all have their own rubbish that’s important to get rid of. Some of the rubbish will comprise concrete, timber, bricks, blocks, and asphalt, amongst other things.
Hiring a skip is the simplest way to go about removing the rubbish, as you can put all the construction waste into one place and leave the recycling to the skip provider that you used. Granted, it’s best to learn a little bit more about construction waste disposal, even with this efficient removal method. Continue reading to know more.
What Waste Type is Construction Waste?
In waste management, the waste generated in the construction of buildings and other structures will fall under the category of construction waste. Any material that has been removed during the construction process is usually considered part of construction waste.
Roofing tiles, nails, and other items are subject to the waste management hierarchy that’s effective in many parts of the UK, particularly England and Wales. The Waste Regulations 2011 instructs the need for waste to be reduced, reused, recycled and disposed of.
What Are Different Types of Construction Waste?
Four general types of construction waste are separated on the basis of their material, spanning from hazardous, non-hazardous, degradable, and non-degradable. Each type has its own specifications and process for its disposal, such as:
Hazardous
Hazardous construction waste will be subject to special rules in the form of an environmental permit. This type of construction waste may contain harmful chemicals and other toxic materials. If these materials get into the environment, they may pose a serious risk to the environment and human health. Disposal by your hired skip services must be exercised with care.
Non-Hazardous
Non-hazardous construction waste has very little or no risk of causing harm to the environment or human health. This kind of construction waste includes roofing tiles, concrete products, asphalt, and bricks. As long as you get a skip, you should be in the clear for putting all these items together in one container.
Degradable
Degradable construction waste is made up of different organic materials that were used during the construction process, such as timber, grass cuttings, and food waste collected on the premises. Degradable waste is subject to different composting techniques to ensure that they aren’t left on their own and that they don’t decompose over time.
Non-Degradable
Non-degradable construction waste is any material used during the construction process that doesn’t really decompose, including concrete products, bricks, and cement. This type of waste doesn’t contain any organic material and is therefore not subject to composting techniques. Skip services can still take the task of throwing this away off of your hands.
Why Should You Dispose of Construction Waste?
Many individuals and businesses don’t know why they should dispose of construction waste in the first place. Here are some reasons why it’s absolutely significant to dispose of debris from construction sites and projects:
Legal Obligations
It’s most likely that you’ll have a legal obligation to include waste management in your construction project or business premise. The law prohibits you from polluting and not disposing of waste properly. The rubbish that you dispose of may not have an immediate effect right away, but over time it can have adverse consequences on the environment.
Health Concerns
The rotting and decomposing of waste from a construction site over time pose numerous health risks to humans, animals, and plants. For example, the decaying of hazardous waste can cause toxic chemicals to seep into the soil and water. This may lead to health issues and other disorders in the long term.
Safety Concerns
Non-degradable items like concrete blocks, bricks, and concrete products may cause serious harm when they break down, so you’ll want to get rid of them sooner rather than later. If these items are left to rot and degrade on the construction site, they can cause serious injuries to construction workers and people walking by the site.
Reuse and Recycle
If you can take advantage of your waste, you’ll be able to reuse and recycle it for your own purposes. It’s a good way to save money and contribute to the environment simultaneously. If you’re unsure how to reuse or recycle specific construction waste items, you should call your local authorities for more information on how to proceed.
How Do You Reduce and Dispose of Construction Waste?
The importance of reducing and disposing of construction waste cannot be stressed enough. The best way to eliminate and deal with construction waste is to prevent using too much. As for what’s on-site, here’s what can be done:
Plan Building Material Quantities
The long process of constructing any building or structure is usually quite comprehensive, so it’s a good idea to plan what materials you’ll be using before you start. This will help you note down and keep track of the materials you’ll need and allow you to avoid using up and purchasing more materials than what’s necessary.
Store Away Unused Materials
If you don’t use all the materials you’ve purchased, they shouldn’t be categorised as construction waste just yet. Make sure that you store them away for the next project. Some of the materials can be reused for future projects, so it’s best to keep them away instead of throwing them out on the site.
Set and Review KPIs
The whole construction business depends on KPIs, key performance indicators. Once the project is done and the construction phase is over, you can review the performance of the KPIs. This will help you evaluate the materials used, how they were used, how they were disposed of, and what can be implemented for a better change in the future.
Hire a Skip
If you’re going to be handling some tricky construction waste like hazardous waste, it’s best to get in touch with the biggest skip services in your area. They’ll be able to help you through the process of getting rid of hazardous waste and other construction items. They also recognise the waste management hierarchy in place and how construction waste disposal works.
Conclusion
Construction projects can be plenty of work, especially if you handle the design, management, and implementation. You’ll want to ensure that your construction waste is disposed of properly so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt.
Need to hire a skip? Enviro Skip Hire is a family-run skip hire and aggregate company servicing Staffordshire. Check out our wide range of skip sizes and aggregates today.
