How to dispose of Construction Waste Safely?

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Construction waste is basically the unwanted materials generated from a construction project, renovation project, or due to a demolition process. In Construction waste management, it is called as C&D waste (Construction and demolition waste).

Whatever the source of the construction waste, some materials can still be useful to some people or can be reused or recycled. So, disposal does not mean to dump it as a landfill option. Landfill is the last option when other methods of waste disposal are not feasible. It requires one to satisfy the standards and permissions of the region or state.

Disposal of construction waste is the process that moves the debris to a state from which it cannot bring any sustainable or environmental issues.

Almost all the sophisticated and straightforward construction waste disposal procedures are enlisted together in this article.

Disposal Methods Based on Type of Construction Waste

The C&D waste generated from construction can have debris, either hazardous, non-hazardous, degradable, or non-degradable. The critical classification is non-hazardous and hazardous waste. 

How to Dispose of Non-Hazardous Construction Waste Safely?

The best and safe disposal methods of Non-hazardous Construction waste are:

1. Donate Unwanted Construction Materials

Some construction waste or materials that are useless to us may help some local or needful people. Sometimes décor items or old appliances can find a new home by donating.

2. Reuse or Recycle of Construction Waste

The best option to prevent the disposal of construction waste is to reduce it. If that is not achieved, it is necessary to have the utmost patience to check all the possibilities to reuse or recycle the construction debris.

For example, broken tools and scrap metals, when fused, can form a single décor that can be used for garden ornaments or any other useful tool.

If there is no time to repurpose the waste, it can be sold as scrap to the people who perform recycling procedures.

Another example of construction waste recycling is:

1. Recycling concrete and rubble into aggregate and concrete producers
2. Wood recycled to engineered wood.
3. Metals to new metal forms.

3. Landfilling by Construction Waste

Landfilling option, as mentioned above, is only performed by satisfying the standards and permissions of the region or state. A C&D waste landfill does not receive hazardous waste or industrial or chemical waste. The primary construction waste materials received by the landfills are:

• Road work construction waste
• Construction or renovation waste
• Site clearance waste

More details on C&D landfill waste and Industrial Waste are provided by the United States Environmental Protection Act (EPA) under 40 CFR Part 257.

How to Dispose of Hazardous Construction Waste Safely?

The construction materials categorized under hazardous waste must be treated and/or disposed of as per the regulations provided by the state or the country.

The primary examples of hazardous construction waste are leftover paints and varnish, resins, adhesives, drums, and containers that contain the mentioned items, treated wood, utility poles, lead-based paint, products containing mercury, asbestos-containing items, etc.

Some of the disposal methods for common hazardous construction waste are explained below:

1. Disposal of Mercury-Containing C&D Waste

Mercury-containing C&D waste includes fluorescent lamps, neon lamps, mercury vapor lamps, thermostat probes, manometers, thermometers, smoke detectors, emergency lighting systems, security systems, exit signs, elevator control panels, coal conveyor systems, old paint, cathode ray tubes, and silent wall switches. Here is what you should do:

• The items that contain mercury must be isolated and taken to mercury recycler or consolidation site.
• Never remove the mercury from the items.
• Always label and store mercury contained devices to ensure proper disposal.
• Never crush fluorescent lamps as it results in the release of mercury.

2. Disposal of Lead-Based C&D Waste

The lead-based paint and its debris are considered red hazardous waste. The following methods are used for disposal:

• The paint chips, dirt, and dust are collected in a bag.
• Separate all the lead-based paint contained building items and store them in containers.
• Consult a local solid waste agency that helps to explain how to dispose of lead-based paint debris.

3. Disposal of Asbestos Construction Waste

In construction, asbestos has been widely used for the insulation and resistance of the building. It is used in the resilient floor covering, shingles, roofs, and cement products.

Asbestos waste must be packaged adequately in leak-tight containers. It is wrapped and disposed of on a licensed disposal site. Asbestos waste itself has a category that requires regulation, and some don't.

Non-regulated asbestos can be disposed of in the landfills along with other demolition waste.

Irrespective of the type of hazardous construction waste, the disposal procedure must be guided and surveyed properly by the environmental agency of the region. The generator must mention the amount of hazardous waste produced and the amount to dispose of to the respective authorities. Later, it must be supervised throughout its packing, transportation, treatment, and disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read More:

1. Construction Waste- Types, Causes & Recycling Strategies
2. Sustainability in Construction & Civil Engineering