sidewalk are accepted many material locations. It’s common practice for these locations to crush and screen the concrete to be re-sold as crushed-rock alternative.
There are many locations that accept waste concrete for recycling—vendors such as Girard Resources & Recycling, few. Options may include drop-off, pick up, or leaving a concrete. Often, these same companies will also accept demo topsoil to be screened and incorporated into soil mixes later sold.
Repurposing Material
What about removed brick masonry? Bricks, like concrete make a great recycled crushed rock alternative—and many of the same places that accept concrete also accept brick. In some cases,
bricks are also reclaimed for re-use or resale. Very old bricks—in good condition—are especially great for inclusion in new masonry work to give it added character.
Frequently, household construction work will include removal and disposal of old appliances. Refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens and more are repurposed when being replaced. Most appliances can be recycled for
reconditioning and resale. Your local waste management contractors generally have their “go-to” sources, with many of these locations also available to the public. Appliances unable to be reconditioned may be used for parts or disassembled for recyclable components like steel.
So, what about drywall debris, and its correlating materials like: framing two-by-fours, aluminum window frames, copper piping, cardboard, paper, plastic items? Many of these
building materials can be recycled, and private recyclers are ready and waiting. Contractors work with these private recyclers and can bring many types of building material items to be recycled. There are many other private recyclers, often they are more specialized. Two examples: one private recycler may only take gypsum drywall, while another one only takes copper piping.
Green Policies For Construction Projects
Most cities now have green policies for debris being removed during a job. When applying for a permit, contractors may need to disclose materials being removed, and their respective destinations.
Required paperwork may include an agreement to applicable jurisdiction. As disposal/recycling requirements become stricter, new opportunities to capitalize on recycling will continue to grow, creating more cost-effective option for contractors.
In the future, recycling opportunities for contractors will increase—giving greener ways to handle those items that are currently not recycled. Items like paint, cleaners, polish, wax, solvents, wood preservatives,
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