Construction is a dirty job. In fact, the EPA estimates that the United States produces between 230 to 600 million tons of C&D waste each year and the waste isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Traditional post-construction cleanup uses harsh chemicals and adds millions of tons of debris to national landfills, among other environmentally harmful practices.
As a part of the construction cycle, it’s important to play a role in the sustainability of the industry.
In this blog, explore seven sustainable construction site cleanup hacks for your next project
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Post-construction cleanup starts with the basics, and making this step more eco-friendly is fairly simple. The first step is to do your research; Select cleaning products that are certified eco-friendly by reputable organizations such as EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, or EcoLogo. Look for products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and free of harmful chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances.
Finally, avoid single-use cleaning products like wipes and paper towels. Instead, opt for multi-use versions like microfiber cloths and mops. Bonus: These are more effective at capturing dust and dirt, anyway. It’s a win-win!
Don’t switch out cleaning products and leave it at that, though. Make sure to educate and train your staff or cleanup crew on how to use the new products safely and effectively.
Create a Comprehensive Waste Management Plan
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail! Succeeding in more sustainable post-construction site cleanup practices relies upon a robust and well-executed plan. Develop and implement a comprehensive waste management plan that includes waste reduction goals, recycling targets, and procedures for handling different types of waste. Follow these steps for creating a waste management plan:
- Conduct a thorough waste audit to identify the types and quantities of waste generated on-site.
- Set clear goals for waste reduction, recycling, and reuse, and establish procedures for sorting and handling different materials.
- Designate specific areas for waste segregation and ensure that workers are trained on proper disposal practices.
- Partner with local recycling facilities and donation centers to facilitate the recycling and repurposing of materials.
- Incorporate guidelines for the safe disposal of hazardous waste and use sustainable practices such as deconstruction instead of demolition.
- Regularly monitor, document, and report progress towards waste management goals, and adjust the plan as needed to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Segregate, Recycle And Reuse Materials
A major factor in the sustainability of post-construction site cleanup is waste disposal. Sustainable C&D disposal all starts with a plan. Before starting the clean-up, conduct a thorough waste audit to identify the types and quantities of waste materials on site. This is how you’ll know what can be recycled, reused or must be sent to the landfill. Set up clearly marked areas or bins on-site for sorting different types of waste materials such as metal, wood, concrete, plastics, and hazardous waste. Work with your construction site services partner to create an effective plan to transport waste to its designated location.
Finally, evaluate what can be reused either on-site, if anything. For example, concrete can be crushed and used as aggregate for new concrete or road base, and wood can be repurposed for formwork or temporary structures.
Donate Unused Materials
Another great sustainability practice when it comes to sustainable construction waste removal? Donation.
Donate surplus materials like paint, tiles, and fixtures to local charities or community projects instead of discarding them. Partner with local charities, community organizations, schools, or building material reuse centers that accept construction donations. For example, Habitat for Humanity accepts a wide variety of new and used building materials, giving it a second life. Of course, always contact these organizations to understand their specific needs and donation guidelines.
Then, arrange for transportation or coordinate with the recipient organization for pick-up. Document the donations for tax purposes and publicize the efforts to promote sustainability and community support. Donating these materials not only helps divert waste from landfills but also provides valuable resources to those in need.
Dispose Of Hazardous Materials Properly
It’s unavoidable – construction projects involve a wide variety of materials and chemicals, some of which are hazardous and harmful to the environment. To promote a more sustainable construction site, hazardous materials must be disposed of safely and properly. To do so, first identify and properly categorize these materials like asbestos, lead-based paint, solvents, and chemicals.
Follow local regulations and guidelines for handling and disposal. Trained personnel should manage the process to prevent contamination and health risks. Do your research: use certified hazardous waste disposal facilities or services that specialize in environmentally responsible disposal methods. Not sure where to start? Use the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information (RCRAInfo) Web to search for specific waste handlers in your area.
Additionally, consider implementing waste reduction strategies, such as using less hazardous alternatives during construction. Document the disposal process for compliance and sustainability reporting, and educate workers on the importance of proper hazardous waste management to promote a culture of environmental responsibility.
Compost Organic Waste
Composting is one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce trash in landfills and bonus – build healthy soil. Composting waste from construction sites might be a foreign concept, but it’s just as simple a concept as if it were composting eggshells in your own backyard. During construction site cleanup, identify and collect organic materials like landscaping debris, paper and cardboard, straw, wood scraps, and food waste from the site.
Next, set up designated composting areas or bins where these materials can be properly sorted and processed. You’ll need a composting method that suits your site’s needs and scale: will you require simply a compost pile? Or something larger like a bin? Once the compost is ready, it can be used to enrich soil on-site or donated to local community gardens and landscaping projects, thereby reducing landfill waste and enhancing soil health.
Monitor, Report & Optimize
With all of the hard work you put in making your construction site cleanup practices more sustainable, it’s important to track and report waste generation and disposal practices. It provides accountability, guides improvements, and demonstrates environmental responsibility. Certification bodies like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) promote sustainable building practices, among other things.
Here are a few other common channels to report sustainable metrics for construction site cleanup practices:
- Local, state, or national regulatory agencies
- Client or project owner
- Industry associations and initiatives, like Construction Industry Institute or U.S. Green Building Council
If nothing else, keeping track of your sustainability metrics will help you understand where to optimize your practices and get an internal benchmark for success and improvement over time.
Cleaner Post-Construction Cleanup
Your next construction project is going to produce waste – there’s no doubt about it. But you can start to implement sustainable practices in post-construction cleanup. By employing eco-friendly cleaning products, implementing comprehensive waste management plans, and segregating, recycling, and reusing materials, construction sites can significantly reduce their environmental impact. Interested in working together? Reach out to us today to get a free quote.