The construction and demolition (C&D) industry is critical for modern growth, building homes, offices, and infrastructure to support expanding populations. Unfortunately, this development produces a significant environmental burden: waste.
Globally, C&D activities generate 40% of total solid waste, with nearly 100 million tons produced in the U.S. every year.
Despite these numbers, there are actionable ways to reduce waste and minimize environmental harm. Here are some strategies to consider.
A major cause of C&D waste is insufficient planning during the design phase, which contributes to 33% of construction waste. Other factors include material mishandling, poor site management, and a lack of recycling options.
To address this, companies can establish a detailed waste management plan tailored to the project. This plan should include local disposal methods and efficient tools like compactors or roll-off dumpsters to handle waste.
Deconstruction offers another powerful solution. This method involves carefully dismantling structures to recover reusable materials, reducing waste while lowering environmental impact.
By implementing these practices, the C&D industry can build more responsibly and sustainably. For additional strategies, consult the accompanying resource, developed by Sourgum Waste.
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