REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE – Waste Management in the Construction Industry

Over 50,000 new construction sites started between 1^st April and 30^th June 2022 alone, it’s not a surprise the construction industry uses approximately 400 million tonnes of building materials a year. It is estimated that, on average, 25% (100 million tonnes) go to waste each year and 93% is recycled and reused.

The majority of waste goes to landfill, where hazardous materials need to be managed correctly otherwise, they could cause soil and water pollution. Therefore, it is crucial that construction companies aim to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to minimise their waste and conserve the planet.

How can we Reduce, Reuse and Recycle?

Reduce

• Avoid over ordering
• Avoid ordering errors
• Reduce offcuts
• Don’t remove plastic until the material will be used
• Order materials to match your specification

Reuse

Do not waste any surplus items, store, and reuse:

• Bricks and tiles
• Concrete blocks
• Timber
• Plasterboard
• Packaging
• Sanitary wear
• Plastic

Recycle

It is essential to recycle to reduce the amount that ends up in landfill. Common materials you can recycle are:

• Wood
• Plasterboard
• Metal
• Crushed concrete
• Cardboard and paper
• Certain plastics
• Crushed glass

What are the Benefits of Recycling?

Cost-Saving Opportunities

• Recycling can save you disposal and landfill fees, as well as the purchase of new materials. On April 1st 2020, landfill tax was increased by HM Revenue and Customs to £94.14 per tonne for standard waste and £3 per tonne for lower-rated (inert) waste

Environmental Benefits

• Reducing the amount of waste to landfill reduces the strain on natural resources and also reduces the amount of hazardous substances causing further soil and water pollution

Health and Safety

• Carefully storing surplus materials and waste can minimise the risk of accidents and hazards on site

There are increasingly more options available in terms of recycling and reusing construction materials and in turn, reducing landfill waste. Despite this, a large amount of construction waste is still sent to landfills and makes up 32% of this, with 13% being products sent directly to landfill without being used.

It is, therefore, crucial that construction companies continue their aim to reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimise their waste and conserve the planet’s natural resources.

For further information please contact Ed, Kelly & Rob on Tel: 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk/ rob@granitebw.co.uk