10 Ways to Reduce Waste in Construction & Demolition Projects

Traders across the world...now we know when you are not carrying out back breaking labour, wolf whistling at passers by or being general salt of the earth, friendly workers, the last thing that may be on your mind is counting and measuring the amount of waste being generated on construction and demolition projects. 

We understand this, but with an increased focus on more eco-friendly practices & our environmental impact, looking at different ways to reduce your waste can not only save your business some money, but may even be that one unique selling point that convinces a client to use your services! 

Sounds like a win win to me. 

In this blog, we have put together 10 ways to reduce waste on constructions sites and demolition projects...from how to implement a waste management plan all the way to how to track and measure your waste.

1. Plan Efficiently and Design for Waste Reduction

The construction industry is full of planning and preparation! You don't build The Shard without being fully prepared for every scenario.

Just like when you have to plan your designs or your timeline for how long the construction is going to take, you need to plan on how to efficiently reduce your construction waste whilst on site.

Put together actions that you are going to take to reduce waste. IE: Skips On Site / Choosing the right waste provider / Sourcing eco-friendly materials / Reusing any old equipment or supplies (As long as it is safe) 

Action: In the project planning and design phase, run through waste reduction strategies, so that all staff can be told from the start, what is expected from them. 

Tips:

1. Try to implement designs that are based around making few cuts and adjustments to materials, which helps to reduce off-cuts and any material scraps. 
2. Use Modular construction techniques (Think of big Lego pieces) 
3. Design for Demolition! Use connections like nuts and bolts instead of glue and other adhesives, so that it is easier and simpler to deconstruct. 

2. Source Materials Responsibly

This doesn't just mean going to your local B&Q or Screwfix and asking what little bits of eco-friendly materials that they have...you are going to need to fully plan how to incorporate recycled or sustainable materials into your build!

Now we don't know the ins & outs of being a builder, (the most we have built is an IKEA Wardrobe) and you may be shouting at the screen 'The price for sustainable materials are almost double the standard stuff' & you are probably right, which means the customers may have to pay a bit more, but we are sure that if you spoke about the benefits to your customer and how it will improve the community, environment and doing their bit for the planet, then we are sure they won't mind. 

Choose materials with recycled content or sustainable certifications (e.g., FSC-certified wood).

• Tip: Purchase local materials to reduce transportation emissions and on packaging waste. Ensure that you look for materials that come with minimal packaging. 

3. Implement a Site Waste Management Plan

Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail!

Now we say it all the time...partly because our Geography teacher, used to drill it into us when we were younger and partly because...it is true! 

If you don't fully prepare and in-depth waste management plan that outlines how you will minimise, reuse, recycle or dispose of your waste, then you aren't going to achieve anything. 

You will need to:

1. Identify all the potential waste streams that you are going to generate, 
2. Locate the best spots to place skips/bins etc...
3. Figure out what items can be reused - For instance old cut offs. 
4. Pick a waste management company that you know can deal with the amount of waste you are going to have. 
5. Plan out the whole site, so that you have an overhead view of every item and waste.

4. Reuse and Salvage Materials

Now, in demolition projects cases this may not be able to carry out. However, if you can...try and salvage any materials from your sites and reuse materials in new construction projects. 

Any building materials that you feel can be reused or even resold can only be beneficial for you and your business. Also, it stops any materials ended up on the dreaded landfill! 

Look to work with companies that will buy old materials off you or who can assist with salvaging your demolition or deconstruction sites. 

• Tip: Items such as: Bricks, Timber, Doors, Windows or Fixtures can be reclaimed or repurposed to help reduce construction waste.

5. Recycle Construction and Demolition Debris

Set up designated waste stations and on-site recycling systems for all the common construction materials, such as concrete, metals, wood, drywall, tacks, timber etc.

This could mean that you will need to educate employees on the best waste disposal method for each different material and where best to dispose of this. Will it be in a specialist recycling skip station or does it need to be recycled in another way?

Ensure everyone knows their role. 

• Tip: Partner with local recycling facilities that specialise in Construction & Demolition waste to ensure that materials like steel, concrete, and wood are recycled effectively & in an efficient way. 

6. Reduce Packaging Waste

When you have over 10 tonnes of laminate flooring to be delivered, we understand that there is going to be an extremely large amount of plastic waste, due to the flooring being wrapped up for delivery.

However you can minimise packaging waste by working with suppliers that can use bulk packaging rather then individually wrapped materials. Some suppliers may be happy to collect excess materials as a possible solution. 

• Tip: Encourage suppliers to deliver materials in reusable containers or pallets and return unused or excess materials to suppliers when possible.

7. Use Prefabricated or Modular Materials

Get the over-sized legos out!

Opt to choose prefabricated or modular construction materials that are delivered to you ready to assemble and slot together. Many countries across the world are adopting this method as it reduces on site waste from cutting and assembling materials from scratch. 

By introducing this into your company, not only are you going to be saving money in the long run from the waste you would usually create, it is a great selling point for potential eco-friendly customers & can put you ahead of other construction companies. 

• Tip: This approach reduces on-site waste from cutting and assembling materials, as well as construction time.

8. Train Workers on Waste Reduction Practices

It is half the battle with: Planning, Preparing & Organising your construction waste reduction drive...now you have to get your soldiers on board! 

To do this, develop a comprehensive training plan, provide on-site training sessions, place signage around so that your employees can organically stay informed whilst being on site. 

If you have employees that are let's say, more enthusiastic then others, why not create a Waste Champion...this means that you can reduce the amount of time spent encouraging people to recycle, as yours waste champions can manage your bidding for you. The beauty of dictatorship! 

• Tip: Provide on-site training sessions on recycling protocols, material handling, and the importance of seperating reusable or recyclable materials from general waste.

9. Donate Excess Materials

Donating excess construction materials not only prevents waste from going to landfills but also supports communities and provides natural resources for those in need.

It’s a great way to give back and promote your companies sustainability at the same time. 

• Tip: Items like lumber, fixtures, and leftover insulation can be donated to organisations like Habitat for Humanity or local building centres, colleges or universities.  

10. Track and Measure Waste

Just like you track your measurements, your fuel, your waist...you need to accurately track and measure the waste generated in your construction businesses. 

This helps you understand where waste is coming from, how much is being produced, and what happens to it. 

This data is crucial for making informed decisions to reduce waste and improve overall project efficiency.

• Tip: Use waste tracking software or detailed reporting to measure how much waste is being recycled, reused, or sent to landfills. 

Conclusion

Let’s face it—construction sites can sometimes look like they’re auditioning for the role of the world’s messiest site, but with a little planning and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, we can turn them into workplaces of sustainability and efficiency...like a well oiled machine!

So when your tradesman and builders out there, aren't donning your hard hats & utility belts, you can be planning and preparing for all things waste reduction!

If you do ever need to work with a waste company that cares about what happens to your material and waste and environment...then why not use us? 

There are plenty of reasons to choose Busy Bins for to take away all your construction and demolition materials, these are: 

• Fully Accredited & Licensed Waste Carriers.
• 12 months contracts / No Auto-Renewal
• Duty of Care/Waste Transfer Note provided.
• Dispose of waste correctly! No Landfill! All your rubbish is sent to an Waste to Energy facility to ensure your construction site is as environmentally friendly as ever.
• Speedy, reliable service - Turn up when we say we are going too! Perfect for planning your trading day.
• Junk Removal & Skip Hire Service - Ideal for construction or demolition of ANY SIZE!
• If you wish to see any of our legal documentation then please email binfo@busybins.co.uk and we will be happy to provide copies of this. Our waste carriers licence number is CB/DU222271 for any online checks you wish to carry out.

If you wanted to speak to a waste expert about your waste needs or want to know more about the service that we can offer to you, please give us a call on 0161 766 3330 and we would be more then happy to help!