How to Handle Large Volumes of Waste During Construction Projects
The United States generates upwards of 600 million tons of construction waste yearly. Every construction site produces some waste, but larger projects can be more of a challenge and require more meticulous planning.
Proper waste management is not only a matter of compliance but of safety as well. It also ensures limited environmental impact.
This article covers tips and strategies for safe and efficient construction waste removal on commercial projects. Keep reading to find out how to implement a plan to keep your Chesapeake or Virginia Beach site clean and safe.
Why Waste Management Matters
There are several reasons that waste management should be important to your business. A basic one is that it is required by law.
Most states have laws that differentiate construction waste from other types. Examples of the latter include household or regular business garbage.
In Virginia, construction waste includes lumber, wiring, sheetrock, brick, shingles, glass, pipes, concrete, and paving materials. Some metals and plastics fall into this category as well. It is against the law to discard these materials in a normal landfill-they require special handling and disposal.
A related reason that waste management is essential is that it helps protect the environment. Improper disposal of waste can impact air quality and groundwater sources.
Environmental stewardship is something you can take pride in. You may find that current or prospective clients value this in a construction company.
Another reason to have a waste management plan is that efficiency will suffer if you do not. Waiting for a dumpster to be emptied and returned is disrupting your schedule. Since time is money, this translates into losses for your construction business.
A final way that effective waste management benefits your business is that it helps keep your work site clean. This, too, can translate to better efficiency and increased safety for you and your crew.
Construction Waste Removal Strategies
You can do several things to effectively remove construction waste. Here are the main ones to consider.
Start with a Waste Assessment
Before work begins, conduct a thorough waste assessment. This entails identifying the types and quantities of waste you anticipate on the project. Those amounts also can vary at different times throughout the project, which will give you an idea of the number of disposal units needed. It also will help you determine the best locations for them based on proximity to work zones.
Put Together a Waste Management Plan and Schedule
Using this information, you can put together a comprehensive waste management plan. This includes locations for storage and targets for construction waste removal.
For instance, if you need ongoing or periodic construction debris removal, consider times when disruptions to the project are minimal. Balance that with the goal of limiting the time that waste, especially hazardous waste, is left on site.
Also, consider the types of disposal systems you require. For instance, large job sites can benefit from compactors, which can help increase the amount of waste you can store on-site before it needs to be removed. Consider utilizing these where possible.
Look for Waste Reduction and Reuse Opportunities
One of the easiest ways to handle waste on a large construction site is to limit its production in the first place. To this end, explore opportunities for greater sustainability.
For instance, construction packaging alone generates a huge amount of trash that must be cleared from your site. Finding suppliers that limit packaging or use recyclable materials can help reduce worksite waste.
Recycle
For materials that you cannot reuse, look for ways to recycle. You may be surprised by the amount of construction waste that can be used for other purposes. For instance, concrete and rubble can be converted into aggregate for building furniture.
Like other types of waste, sort recyclable materials on-site as much as possible. If this is not feasible, use a commingled recycling storage container. Which method is best for you depends on available space and staff on your work site.
Do On-Site Waste Segregation and Storage
The next step is to implement effective waste segregation practices. For instance, you might designate specific dumpsters for sorting wood, metal, plastics, or wood waste. Be sure to have special designations and proper storage containers for any hazardous waste you produce on the site.
Train Employees
One of the most important and effective things you can do to ensure thorough waste management is to communicate your plan to your team. Basic training for your employees can guarantee they have the necessary knowledge for handling large amounts of construction waste. Also, proper supervision on the job site can ensure effective and efficient waste disposal methods are being carried out.
Schedule Transportation and Disposal
Once these strategies are in place, you can schedule waste pickup. Doing so as much in advance as possible can help guarantee availability and efficient waste handling.
Also, be sure to go with licensed and insured waste haulers. Failing to do so could result in hefty fines levied against your company. It also ensures that construction waste is properly disposed of, limiting environmental impact.
Carry Out Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting
Throughout the project, regularly monitor and reevaluate the effectiveness of your construction waste management plan. Collect and analyze data regarding waste generation and recycling rates. Also, look at disposal costs.
This will let you identify potential areas of improvement and make needed adjustments. It will help you optimize sustainability, minimize waste, and save money.
Find Construction Site Waste Solutions Near You
Now that you understand how to handle large volumes of construction waste, you are ready to get started. Meticulous planning and regular reevaluation can go a long way toward limiting waste and minimizing disposal costs. A prominent construction waste removal company can further advise you on the best practices for your unique site and project. At Full Strut Disposal, we aim to be the most reliable roll-off dumpster company in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding Norfolk areas. We tackle everything from small homes to massive construction site projects. Reach out to us today to discuss your waste removal needs.
