12 Common Construction Waste Recyclables in Connecticut

In the United States, almost one quarter of all waste materials are a direct result of construction or demolition projects. This number could be reduced significantly if materials were collected for reuse or recycling. Ushering in a new era of construction waste removal is an environmentally responsible way to both reduce on-site costs and conserve energy and resources.

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of the top 12 materials that are currently being recycled from residential and commercial build sites:

Lumber

While it may take longer to do reclamation tear down than a typical full demolition, much of the wood that was used in the original structure can be reused in the new building to reduce material costs.

Drywall

In traditional demolition, drywall is destroyed with sledgehammers, backhoes and other major pieces of equipment. This releases potentially dangerous dust into the air (depending on the age of the material). A reclamation demolition attempts to remove as much of the drywall as possible intact for use in the new building.

Metal

Most metals reclaimed from a home are in no shape to be reused on the existing site. They are separated from other materials and sold to recycling facilities. This can offset the cost of new materials.

Concrete

Concrete is often reused as backfill around the dug out foundation of a home. Large, well preserved pieces can also be used in landscape design.

Porcelain

This material is often quite easily damaged in a traditional demo. Porcelain fixtures are often collected and used in specialty builds.

Rigid Plastics

Usually siding or other rigid plastics are separated out and sent to a recycler.

Tile

Well preserved tiles can be re-laid on-site or kept as raw materials for future builds. If there is no immediate storage area, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity or other similar organizations

Masonry

Bricks are almost always stacked and covered during the demolition process. These are treated in the same ways as tiles.

Plastic

Thin plastic packaging is separated and sent to a recycling facility to reduce the need for raw materials.

Rock

People have been reusing rock for millennia. We do it the same way – just like tile and brick.

Carpet

Old carpet can be donated to non-profit organizations or sent to a special recycling plant to recover the raw materials.

Insulation

Insulation that is reclaimed on-site is often used on the build to reduce materials cost. It can also be donated.

In addition to these materials, whole doors and windows are often reclaimed and sold to local salvage companies. These shops will also take unique period pieces like window shutters and vintage pieces like interior moldings that are common in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • Construction and demolition account for almost ¼ of all waste in the country.
  • Practicing reclamation demolition can reduce this amount significantly.
  • When reuse and recycling aren’t an option, donating materials to non-profit organizatons is the next best choice.

Need Help?

For more information on construction site reclamation, contact us today!

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