Working in the construction field is not that easy. It is not just a matter of piling up blocks, mixing cement, painting walls, etc. There are safety measures that must be observed and followed. One of the things that are usually looked after in construction is debris removal.
What and why should we know about this? And how important is this in the field of construction? Here are the fundamental things that you must know when it comes to construction material disposal.
Identify What Must Be Removed
You do not just put away everything and dispose of them in a single pile. You need to check first if there are materials mixed up with the wastes you are about to dispose of. You must also check if there are any hazardous materials or things that You should properly segregate to avoid accidents. Finding the right disposal option must also be done.
Ways How to Dispose of Unwanted Debris
Removal of Junk
This way of disposing of the unwanted debris can be the best option when you dispose of e-waste, such as old gadgets, batteries, etc. It can also be applied when you will dispose of bulk amounts of debris or waste materials. It can also be convenient since the junk removal company may handle all the removal and disposal services for you. However, if you are to do more extensive clean-ups, it might give you a cost. With that, you need to consider if you are going to rent a dumpster or hire a junk hauling service.
Recycling/ Reusing
For those who are considering their budget, this would be the best option. First is because it does help you save money, and second is that it allows the environment. If possible, you can always choose to recycle or even donate materials if you know that these are still salvageable and can be used by other people. If not, then you can choose from the different ways of disposing of these materials.
Dumpster Rent
For those who are into bulk disposal for construction, house cleanouts, and demolition, a dumpster rent would be a great option. Some dumpsters can range from three cubic yards to forty cubic yards. These are large enough if you want to dispose of bulk amounts of debris or waste materials.
Can You Haul Your Construction Waste?
If you ever happen to have a truck (or a trailer on your own) and capable of doing the waste disposal, you can always choose this option. This method can give you a lower cost for your waste disposal compared to when you are going to rent for a junk removal service and such. However, it is time-consuming since you will be the one doing the work. Also, you cannot drop off your debris at a landfill. It is still best to follow the law within your area before throwing away something.
If you do not have the proper vehicle and staffing to do the hauling, it is best to get a construction clean-up company’s services. Find experts who can manage your construction material disposal properly at a reasonable cost.
Types of Wastes or Debris
There are various kinds of wastes present on a construction site. With this, there are also proper ways on how you are going to dispose of these wastes. Here are some of the construction debris that you can encounter and how to properly dispose of it.
Roofing Shingles
It is a type of debris that is heavy. It needs to be loaded on a dumpster. You should not mix this type of waste with other loads. However, this debris can still be used using recycling which in other municipalities is what they do.
Wood/Lumber
This type of debris is typically reused if correctly disposed of. Some use this for making furniture, while some donate or even sell it for various purposes. In this case, it will lessen the disposal cost for the project.
Concrete
Since this type of debris is weighty, the best option for disposing of this is using a roll-off dumpster. Workers must separate this type of debris from other wastes. It must be put in a small container so that the roll-off truck that will load it will not be having a hard time.
Wood/Laminate Flooring
Just like the lumber, builders can use it again if it is still in good condition. It can likewise help in lowering down the disposal costs in a construction project. However, if not salvageable, you can hire a junk removal company to dispose of it completely.
Siding
One way of disposing of this waste is hiring a junk removal company or putting it in a dumpster. However, for some, since there are sidings that still look desirable, there would be those who would often ask it from you.
Metal
This type of debris can never be absent in a construction site. It is also considered the most valuable material in a construction project. Builders can still recycle aluminum, copper, steel, and other metals. But if it is already impossible for you to recycle them, you can drop them off at a scrap yard, where you can even earn extra.
Liquids/ Chemicals
Mostly, chemicals are highly flammable. This debris type must be thoroughly checked when it comes to construction debris removal. It can cause fire or other toxic effects if not disposed of properly. Other liquids, such as motor oil or fuel, can be dropped off in a local oil change facility, or they can hand it over to car dealers that provide specific services.
Light Fixtures
Some light fixtures contain small amounts of mercury. That is why you should not mix them with the regular trash. This type of waste material can also be broken. It must be handled and disposed of properly to avoid any accident, such as getting a cut wound. You can dispose of this debris by dropping it off at a recycling facility, particularly those that accept CFLs or Compact fluorescent lamps.
Explosives
During a construction debris removal, workers should watch out for this type of waste material. Explosive wastes like fuel, oil, matches, and paint thinner are highly flammable. They must not be mixed with the general waste stream, for they can cause accidents like fire or poison.
Remember: Always Observe Safety Protocol
There are safety measures when doing construction debris removal. Workers must observe these protocols to avoid any accidents.
Here are four of many safety protocols that everyone must follow.
• Wearing of Protective Wear
Workers need to wear appropriate protective equipment when they are working. These include hard hats, eye protectors, rubber boots, etc.
• Place Appropriate Barriers
There must be barriers and signs to warn the workers or any passer-by that they must not pass that part of the construction area. These barriers must be readable and visible.
• Proper Disposal of Construction Debris
As mentioned, different types of waste materials require an appropriate way of disposing of them. These products must be handled and disposed of properly to avoid having unwanted injuries to the workers and those who will dispose of the debris.
• Planning and Preparing Beforehand
Before performing any task, you must be prepared and plan what you are going to do. You already know how you would dispose of the waste materials you are going to use.
Bonus Tip: When choosing your demolition or construction clean-up provider, find the one who has insurance and bonds in place. It will protect both their workers and your company from unnecessary expenses and lawsuits in case of an accident.
Takeaway Thought
There are different ways of construction debris removal. It requires proper methods of handling those materials. You do not just merely put them in a vacant landfill and leave them there. Everyone involved must observe specific laws and preventive measures to avoid any injury or accidents.
It is also critical to plan things ahead of time to overview what you must do. It includes the materials that are going to be used and how you will dispose of them. With this, you will already be prepared for how much it will cost you. Will it have a lesser cost yet put more stress on you? Or you will pay at a higher cost yet get the service that you would like to have.
The workers’ and people’s safety is also a must. Everyone must observe safety protocols to make sure that no one will get hurt. Proper construction debris disposal is vital. There are many reported cases wherein workers experience fatal injuries. For some workers who are doing the debris removal, it is easy to get the debris and then dispose of them somewhere. In reality, they play a significant role in maintaining the construction site clean. Without them, the construction process will be complicated with all the unwanted waste materials being there.
Having safe and environmentally friendly construction debris removal is essential. You will be able to work well without worrying about the construction debris that can get out of your way.
