Waste Not, Build More: Revolutionizing Construction with Smart Waste Management Solutions

Construction waste management

There are times when modifications to architectural structures are very necessary; for example, when the family grows, we have to make renovations in our house in order to couple the spaces.

When these structural renovations take place, we tend to focus on the end results of construction: we plan the design, establish a budget, source the right materials, hire the best professionals…and we feel ready to see the results. But we don’t think about something very important: what are we going to do with construction waste?

The best way to dispose of construction waste

Every day, large amounts of rubble are generated across New Mexico, as buildings are still being demolished or renovated and new buildings are being created. The construction waste resulting from these construction works must be managed in a way that guarantees the right of all residents to enjoy an environment suitable for the development of the individual, which is why it is important to include waste management that result in the construction project.

You’re probably wondering what to do with the debris then. Don’t worry, there is a solution for everything. There are sorting centers that process construction waste in Albuquerque. In these places, they also separate waste that can be recycled and treat it appropriately.

In practice, construction and demolition waste that is processed for recycling includes a variety of materials, including aggregates, wood, glass, metals, plastics, etc. Some residents use dumpster rentals to discard their construction materials.

When it comes to recycling, the uses that can be put to construction waste are varied, for example, leftover masonry, concrete slabs or structures such as beams or columns can be used to fill excavations or serve as a foundation for other structures, the same goes for reclaimed metals, with the advantage that it can also be melted down and forged again.

In the case of wood obtained from construction waste, it can only be reused if it is not contaminated with paint or insulating materials. The wood waste is shredded and passed through a sorting machine, where the large pieces are separated. The uses of this wood range from fuel for boilers and landscaping to composting and other avenues that waste management and recycling companies are constantly working on with their research and development teams.

Construction and demolition waste, what do do with it

The construction industry of New Mexico generates a lot of waste, it’s a known fact. According to recent statistics, this industry alone is responsible for nearly 35% of all residual materials generated in New Mexico. It is enormous! It is therefore important to have eco-responsible habits.

The famous 3Rs

What are the 3 Rs? This is a comprehensive approach aimed at minimizing the amount of waste that will have to be landfilled. So, we must reduce at source, reuse and recycle.

Discount: the basis

Reducing means not throwing away what can still be used. In demolition, it is demolition in a more selective manner in order to preserve what can be preserved. Reducing should also be a way of consuming better by, for example, purchasing more durable goods rather than disposable ones. Thinking about your consumption and avoiding buying what is not necessary is another way to reduce your own amount of waste.

Reuse: What is no longer good for one person can be good for another

Reusing means giving new life to an object, allowing it to be reused rather than throwing it away. In demolition, it involves removing certain elements from a building before its demolition and putting them back on the market.

Recycling: giving a second life through the material

Recycling means reusing items not for what they are, but for what they contain. In demolition, this is an important portion of the operations. The entire construction industry in New Mexico is doing well in this regard since the current recovery rate of construction, renovation and demolition materials is 74%.