4 Things Contractors Can Do to Reduce Waste in Construction
Construction is one of the world’s largest industries that, unsurprisingly, generates a lot of waste. Things like leftover materials and debris from demolition stack up quickly and can cause significant harm to the environment.
But you can, at least, reduce waste in construction, as long as you employ effective waste management measures. This helps the environment and can also save you money in the long run.
What’s more, waste reduction in construction and efficiency go hand in hand, with the more you reduce waste, the more time and money you save.
Over the past few decades, more sustainable building practices have become increasingly common, with more and more contractors now focusing on eco-friendly construction.
In this guide, we’ll explain how you can reduce waste in construction, along with the benefits of effective waste management.
1. Use Recycled Aggregates When Possible
A simple way to reduce waste across the construction industry is to use recycled aggregates. Depending on the needs of your project, you can use these aggregates as a viable alternative to virgin materials.
For instance, aggregates like sand, gravel, and stone are commonly needed in construction projects. Traditionally, these aggregates are mined from quarries.
However, if your project allows for slight material variability, then recycled aggregates can be a cost-effective option that helps reduce landfill waste. These materials cost less to procure and support sustainable building practices.
2. Plan Material Use More Accurately
Over-ordering materials is another common issue in construction. Contractors often buy more than they need “just to be safe”, but that extra material usually ends up being wasted.
To avoid wasting spare materials, you should plan your project carefully and only order what you need. Digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), AI, and virtual reality can help here.
These tools allow you to plan your project more accurately by giving you an exact idea of what materials are needed. This leads to more accurate material ordering and less excess, which means less waste.
It’s not just about getting the right quantity; it’s also about material size and packaging. Making bulk orders helps you cut down on packaging waste, and standardised sizes reduce leftover scrap.
3. Reuse and Recycle On Site
Construction sites produce a lot of waste, but that doesn’t mean that everything has to go to landfill. Reusing and recycling materials on site is practical, cost-effective, and better for the environment.
For instance, processing concrete can be a major contributor to carbon emissions and other pollutants. Instead of buying more processed concrete, you can use crushed concrete. Reusing recycled concrete as a base for new projects will help you keep your disposal costs down and avoid using fresh materials unnecessarily. Materials like wood, bricks, and tiles can also be reused.
A great way to simplify material reuse is to set up recycling stations on-site. Label bins clearly for wood, metal, concrete, and plastics, and keep them organised. When your workers know which material goes where, recycling becomes much easier.
Implementing recycling practices will also help you streamline your daily operations. Your workers will spend less time managing debris and more time focusing on the quality of the build. Plus, it sets a positive example for your clients and other contractors.
4. Train Your Team on Waste Reduction Practices
Waste reduction in construction needs a team effort, with everyone on-site playing a role. That means it’s your responsibility to communicate and train your team to make sure your sustainable plans are implemented correctly.
Hold regular training sessions that involve teaching your team about the importance of reducing waste. You could also designate someone to oversee waste reduction efforts on-site. This person can monitor material use and recycling efforts and make sure that waste is minimised and sorted properly.
You don’t necessarily have to hold extensive sessions to make it happen. Waste reduction just needs to be a consistent process. You could start with 15-minute sessions per week after all the tasks for the day have been completed.
When waste reduction becomes part of your staff’s daily routine, it’s easier to maintain. Clear communication and education on the topic can go a long way in ensuring minimal construction material waste.
Contact Middleton Aggregates to Support Sustainability in Your Projects
As the construction industry continues to evolve, sustainability is undoubtedly going to rise as a priority for contractors. There’s no denying its role in helping you make the most of your resources while reducing the environmental impact.
It’s not difficult to reduce waste in construction – it just requires you to make consistent efforts and make sure that your processes are being followed by your team.
Now that you understand the benefits of effective waste management, you may be looking for quality aggregates to support sustainable practices.
At Middleton Aggregates, we supply everything you need in aggregates and more.
Browse our wide range of durable aggregates and fill materials for various construction and landscaping projects. We also offer a plant hire service to meet all your construction needs.
Operating from Blackborough End, King’s Lynn, we serve Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and the wider UK. For any questions you may have, our team of industry experts is on hand to provide you with the best advice.
For more information on our products and services, visit our website or contact us to find out more.
