How to Recycle the Demolition Debris
The EPA or Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you recycle and reuse the materials or debris generated from the demolition of your buildings. This will help you save you money on the costs of your new structure; it will also save the environment. We call these debris C&D materials, which stands for Construction and Demolition materials.
These materials are generated not just from demolition, but also from renovation and construction of roads, buildings and bridges. The EPA has a certain approach calls SMM or Sustainable Materials Management that identifies certain materials that can be reused in new construction. This will avoid the process of mining over again and processing of virgin materials.
That’s why it’s also important to hire house demolition companies Houston that offers recycling services for the debris they’re going to get during the demolition. These materials are as follows: metals, wood, plastics, asphalt, glass, salvaged building components, plastics, gypsum and other materials.
The reason why the government agencies are alarmed by these materials is that it consist a significant waste stream in the country. Instead of disposing these materials, you can opt to diver them into new productive uses. In the EPA’s record, most of C&D materials collected from renovation, construction and demolition projects are wood products, steel, plaster, drywall, asphalt shingles, concrete, brick and clay tile and many more.
Whether you believe it or not, in 2014 the EPA recorded 534 million tons of these materials. 90% of these materials came from demolition projects, so the agency is more determined to encourage homeowners and commercial space owners to recycle their debris should they wish to demolish their structure. Imagine, from 136 million tons of these materials from 1996 to 534 million tons.
Benefits of Recycling Debris and other Materials
It’s not just for the environment’s sake, which is a top priority for all of us. When you think of it, recycling will reduce your costs in a significant amount. With this endeavor, you are going to be a part of something greater. Recycling can create employment in the recycling industries, and will also increase the number of economic activities. In 2007, EPA shows that recycling created approximately 230,000 jobs.
Recycling will also reduce your expenses. You can avoid spending money on disposal costs and will receive a tax benefit if you donate those materials to qualified charities. You’re also going to reduce transportation costs because of the reduced number of materials.
What You Can Do
You can help too. If you have demolition or renovation projects coming up, make sure you conduct the proper recycling method. You can start by reducing the materials you use. For example preserving the old structure, use a construction methods that will allow you to reuse materials and reduce interior finishes and many more!
If you really want to completely demolish the structure, make sure that you dispose the debris properly. Recovering used materials for future uses is a great way to save money and to also protect our environment.