How to Eliminate Waste on Your Home Construction Site

Home construction projects can produce a considerable amount of waste. The high cost of building materials and the current crisis in landfill space provide you with both economic and environmental motivation to work at reducing a bit of this waste when you decide to take on the task of home construction. It will not be easy; however, you will significantly reduce the waste your project produces if you pay close attention to the following tips.

Plan Well

You are probably familiar with the old adage that instructs builders and renovators to "measure twice and cut once." The wisdom of this saying will never be as clear to you as to when you initiate a home-building project. You should make sure the designs you possess are complete, detailed, and well thought out long before any construction begins. You should also have an accurate estimation of all the materials you will need including wiring, siding, pipes, concrete, and other things you will use to build your home. Make sure you possess a comprehensive plan for disposing of the waste you do accumulate during construction. You should also have a designated position for the bins and bags you will use to dispose of this waste.

Recycle

Much of the materials that are not in shape for reuse can be recycled. Instead of throwing these items away, set up a bin specifically designated for recyclable items. Some of these materials include metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, asphalt, concrete, brick, and carpeting.
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This material can be sorted onsite and either sold to someone in your local community or used as part of your current project. You will also save on the higher fees associated with the waste that results from a demolition project. Deconstruction will take more time to complete than a demolition so you will have to figure this into your project budget. However, a properly completed deconstruction will significantly reduce the waste that is accumulated at this stage of your project.

Use Sustainable Materials

The list of benefits experienced by the environment when building materials are used that will stand the test of time and are not easily depleted is both long and impressive. Materials that grow naturally in abundance like bamboo will eliminate the strain on the environment that happens when resources are depleted. Sustainable resources also save on the waste of manufacturing materials that can be used only on a single occasion.

Use the Right Equipment

The tools and equipment you use to complete your home construction project will play a large role in determining the success and failure of your waste-reduction efforts and your project as a whole. A self-dumping hopper is one tool you may consider. Self-dumping hoppers come with features that make them ideal for reducing waste on any site. These hoppers will also eliminate much of the labor involved in disposing of your waste products when it is time to do so.

Avoid Demolition

If the land where you plan to build your new home already hosts a structure that needs to be removed, make sure your builder opts for a deconstruction instead of a demolition. When a building is deconstructed, it is taken apart piece by piece and all materials that can be reused or recycled are collected. It is not necessary for your entire home to be constructed with sustainable materials for your efforts to make a difference. Using one or two of these products will lessen the carbon footprint that results from your home building project and reduce the waste it produces.

Find the Right Vendors

When considering the vendors you will use for your construction products, it is important to select vendors who are capable of supporting your efforts to minimize the waste your project creates. It will do you no good to come up with a plan to use sustainable and recyclable materials if your vendor is unable to deliver these products when they are needed the most. There are also vendors who are able to eliminate the need for you to sort through the recyclable materials they offer by providing the option for single-stream recycling. This option costs a little more in upfront costs but will reduce waste and expenses in the long run. Shop around a bit and make sure the vendors you end up with are a compliment for the waste-management goals you set for your project.

Organize Your Project

Your home construction project will go a lot smoother if you take the time to do a little organizing. One of the first considerations is to keep materials that are either salvageable or recyclable with materials that also possess this quality. This will prevent the possibility of confusion and facilitate efficiency at your project site. This efficiency will increase the work rate of your project and the time you save will result in a welcomed addition to your pocket.

Track Progress

The efforts and plans you make to reduce waste will not come to fruition if you are not serious about tracking progress. When you possess an accurate and up to date account on things like the amount of waste you are creating and what materials are in your possession that can be recycled, you will be able to make any adjustments to the project that may be needed. It is important for you to begin tracking the materials you use from the day the project begins. Your numbers will not provide you with all the information you need if you intently track half of the project and slack off at other times.

There is no getting around the fact that constructing a home will create more waste than most other projects you can undertake. However, you can minimize the waste you produce and the effect the waste has on the environment with a little effort and care. These eight tips above provide an excellent foundation for waste management efforts for home construction sites. Time to have some fun and see the fruits of your labor.

If you’re looking to construct a home in the Casa Grande area, contact us to request a free quote!
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