Responsible homeownership: Construction debris removal

Whether you are working on a home remodeling project or building a new one, the process is sure to leave behind construction wastes. A part of your responsibility as a homeowner is removing this construction debris and disposing of it in a responsible manner. We’re going to take you through your options for construction waste removal.

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What is construction debris?

The EPA, or the United States Environmental Protection Agency defines construction debris as any kind of debris generated during the construction, demolition, and renovation of buildings, roads, and bridges. 

Simply put, any waste generated when you build or renovate your home falls under this category.

What are the types of debris?

Here’s a list of the top eight types of construction debris.

1. The first type of waste is dredging debris, which is what is generated during the preparation stage of a project. This may include trees, tree stumps, rocks, and soil.
2. The second type of waste is hazardous if not handled carefully. We’re talking about asbestos and insulation materials. Asbestos is commonly used in floor backing, sprayed-on fireproofing, resilient tiles, gaskets, insulation products, and more.
3. The third type of junk is concrete, tiles, bricks, and ceramics. A lot of these are recyclable.
4. Glass, wood, and plastics are also a waste created by construction activities. Glass waste includes broken shards and leftovers from skylights, windows, shelves, and door panes.

Plastic wastes include PVC pipes, siding, plumbing pipes, and plastic sheets, among others. 

Wood wastes could vary from shavings, scrap wood, and sawdust to leftover lumber, chip wood, and plywood.

5. Metals such as copper, bronze, lead, aluminum, steel, and iron make up the majority of the metallic debris from residential constructions and renovation projects.
6. Drywall is made using gypsum wallboard, and excesses are usually left behind at the construction site.
7. What construction project does not use cement? Excess cement mix and rejected cement form the majority of cement waste left behind at construction sites.
8. You must handle paint removers, varnish removers, organic solvents, paint cans, sealant containers as well as adhesive containers are all extremely hazardous.

Responsible construction debris removal

Here are some ideas for how you can practice construction debris removal from your construction site.

Recycle and reuse

This is definitely the most eco-friendly option. Over 90% of all construction wastes are recyclable. If you can reuse some of it, store it responsibly until you do. You can transport the rest to your local recycling center. You can also donate some things to charity, such as old carpeting, extra tiles, and old furniture.

Rent a dumpster

Depending on the amount of debris you need to remove, you can get a quote from a local dumpster rental company. Most companies have great customer service and offer dumpsters for rent based on size. Some even offer delivery and pickup services. 

The cost of renting a dumpster varies from $110 to $1,815, with the national average being $540.

Hire a professional debris removal services

If you don’t want to bother with the hard work of removing the waste yourself, you could always hire a professional construction waste disposal service. Expect to spend between $100 and $600 for a truckload of construction debris.

Read more: Tricks for building your dream home

Written by Narayan Shrouthy. May 20, 2022

Narayan is a content writer for Kukun. With experience in both content writing and editing, Narayan mixes his writing and love for reading with his passion for music. As an active musician, He aims to be a key player in Kukun's content experience.

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barbara.smith.lgtb@gmail.com(@barbara-smith-lgtbgmail-com)

My father is very clever, he used this rubble as fill to level another house in the neighborhood that was below street level.