The construction industry produces a lot of waste on job sites and therefore can have a significant negative impact on the environment. According to the EPA, 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris were produced in the US in 2018, which is more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste that was generated.

However, with the right sustainable practices, it's possible to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and to lower CO2 emissions, and the risk of pollutant incidents.

On the other hand, construction companies that adopt a sustainable approach are able to reduce costs through the efficient use of materials and by attracting more business from clients that favor “green” construction practices. To secure these benefits, here are the top tips you need to know about to reduce waste on your construction site.

Be Proactive About Reducing Waste On Job sites

The best way to reduce waste on construction sites is to take a proactive approach. This is usually the prerogative of project managers who are responsible for coming up with a building plan that incorporates ways to reduce waste disposal.

For instance, the project manager should accurately determine the amount of building material that's required to avoid excess, unused building material. The project manager should also make sure the company uses as much recyclable material as possible.

Workers should also receive adequate training to sort waste and have access to recycling, compost, and waste bins. One major way to be proactive about reducing waste is to choose suppliers and vendors that have also adopted a sustainable approach.

Avoid Demolition and Opt for Deconstruction Instead

In the past demolition was commonly used to knock down buildings, but deconstruction is now recognized as a better alternative. That's because demolition is more destructive and fewer materials are recovered as a result. Demolition is also bad for health since it generates a lot of dust and airborne particles that can aggravate respiratory problems.

However, deconstruction enables construction companies to selectively disassemble parts of a building that contain a lot of salvageable material. This ensures that more material can be obtained for reuse or recycling so that fewer materials end up in landfills. The salvaged materials can be used for other construction projects or donated, which offers tax benefits.

Recycle, Reuse, and Donate More Material

Recycling is one of the best ways for construction companies to reduce waste that harms the environment. As mentioned, before each project starts, the company should make sure there are enough recycling bins on the job site. As waste is generated, workers should sort the material appropriately to ensure that any waste that's not reusable is recycled.

If there are materials that can be reused, then a reuse pile should be created and utilized as much as possible. Taking this approach means less waste will end up in your waste bins and in landfills. The good news is, there's a lot of material that can be recycled on construction sites and the long list includes, bricks, concrete, roofing, plastics, paper, cardboard, and gravel.

If there are any materials in your waste bins that can't be reused or recycled, then consider donating them to organizations that can benefit from them. For instance, chances are there are charity projects in your area that will be happy to take some materials and items off your hand. Donating materials can also be economical because you can use them as a tax write-off.

Hire a Construction Waste Cleanup Company

Trying to organize waste disposal while trying to run a successful construction site can be a hassle. Therefore, if your job site is generating a lot of waste, the best way to manage the situation is by hiring a construction waste cleanup company. This helps you reduce waste because a construction waste cleanup company can provide you with insider tips on the best way to minimize waste on your job site.

Hiring a construction waste cleanup company enables you to manage your time better and increase the efficiency of your operations, since you're no longer responsible for waste disposal. It also ensures you maintain health and safety standards on your job site by removing hazardous waste properly. Hazardous waste should be handled with care and it's best to leave it to professionals.

If you need to hire a reputable construction waste cleanup company, be sure to give us a call. Not only will your decision be economical, but it's one of the best ways to improve your brand image by adopting a green approach and doing your part to preserve the environment.