Building a greener future with construction waste management
Waste is an inevitable byproduct in all construction projects, no matter how big or small. From offcuts and packaging to demolished materials, the industry generates a staggering amount of waste. In fact, the construction industry is responsible for producing approximately 40% of the world’s waste and is one of the biggest drains on the earth’s natural resources.
Effective waste management not only reduces the environmental impact of construction projects, but also contributes to a circular economy where materials are continuously reused. We explore the importance of construction waste management and share practical strategies for managing and reducing waste on your site.
Methods for reducing construction waste
Create a Site Waste Management Plan
Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) are valuable tools for construction projects, designed to efficiently manage and reduce waste generated on-site. While not legally required, SWMPs offer a structured approach to identifying your waste streams, tracking waste quantities, and implementing recycling and disposal strategies. Through effective planning, your construction company can minimise waste, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
Order the correct amount of construction materials
Many construction companies are guilty of over-ordering materials, which is one of the key contributors to construction waste. It may be tempting to order slightly more materials than needed to account for any oversights, but you should always take the time to calculate the exact amount of materials required for your project. Building material suppliers can provide accurate material estimates, with some even offering to take back any unused materials.
Recycle your construction waste materials
By recycling materials such as concrete, metal, and wood, you not only divert waste from landfills, but also conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of your project. Recycling also reduces the need for raw material extraction, which can have significant environmental consequences.
Many construction projects now aim for high recycling rates, with some achieving over 90% diversion from landfill. To maximise the sustainability of your site, work with a waste management company that offers comprehensive recycling services tailored to the construction industry, such as McCarthy Marland.
Which construction materials can be recycled?
Plasterboard recycling
McCarthy Marland’s plasterboard recycling services handle clean, segregated plasterboard waste, ensuring it is effectively processed for reuse and recycling. We can dispose of all plasterboard types, including demolition plasterboard, off-cuts from construction, and manufacturing excess materials.
Wood recycling
Wood recycling transforms old or unused timber into valuable resources, promoting sustainability in construction. We accept a wide range of wood for recycling, including pallets, demolition timber, fencing, window frames, furniture and off-cuts from construction. All wood is graded and processed into wood chips, before being recycled into chipboard or biomass fuel.
Scrap metal recycling
Scrap metal recycling involves the recycling of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, reintroducing them back into the manufacturing cycle. Our specialist machinery is able to extract both small and large pieces of scrap metal from construction sites, before being bulked up for recycling.
Rubble recycling
Rubble recycling processes materials from construction sites into aggregates for future use in new projects. We collect stone, hardcore, bricks, concrete, block work, demolition stone, paving slabs, tiles and ceramics from construction projects, removing any potential contaminants before it is crushed for recycling.
Types of construction waste collections
McCarthy Marland offers a wide range of construction waste collections to match all project requirements, helping businesses of all sizes to work efficiently and cleanly, no matter the scale. Below are just a few of the options available to you and your business:
Skip hire
We provide various types of skips, including open-top, enclosed, roll-on roll-off (RoRo), and drop-door skips. Each skip comes in a range of sizes, suitable for any construction job requirement. All our skips are delivered and collected promptly, with some locations even offering same-day delivery.
Grab hire
Grab lorries are ideal for collecting large volumes of waste from excavations, including soil, rubble, and aggregates. Our grab lorries provide a practical solution for extracting waste from areas with access issues, offering same day removal of waste for up to 12 tonnes in a single load.
Asbestos collection
Specialist asbestos skip hire ensures the safe collection and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, adhering to strict safety regulations. We can collect all manner of asbestos waste using a variety of skips and roll-on roll-off containers, before being transported to a fully licensed asbestos disposal facility.
Recycle your construction waste with McCarthy Marland
Searching for a new construction waste recycling partner? McCarthy Marland’s comprehensive range of construction waste management services can help reduce the environmental impact of your construction projects, as well as minimising project management stresses. Contact us today to discover more about our construction waste management services.