Game Day Strategy Needed for Construction and Demolition Waste

While the Super Bowl is typically the last big hurrah of the NFL season, the close of 2013-14 will come with a bigger bang. That’s because this season marks the final days of two legacy stadiums: San Francisco 49er’s Candlestick Park, and the Minnesota Vikings’ Metrodome. Both venues, which at one time were both homes to MLB teams as well, are being torn down so that new state-of-the-art football stadiums can be constructed.

The demolition and construction of these historical sporting arenas may allow for a better fan experience but not without the cost of a lot of waste. Those working in the construction and demolition industry are no stranger to the mess made by tear downs and rebuilds. But just because it’s the nature of the business doesn’t mean there aren’t environmental solutions available to keep the waste under control.

Pregame

Mark Hope, CEO of Hazardous Waste Experts, specializing in developing sustainable solutions to manage construction and demolition waste says the most important part of effective waste management is proper planning. “Demolition and construction techniques have improved from years past,” says Hope. “For example, more cities now offer auctions for materials recovered in deconstruction. That’s a great way for businesses to recover money from waste that would’ve otherwise ended up in landfills.”

The EPA further recommends contacting state environmental agencies, local builder’s associations, and county solid waste departments for information regarding current regulations, waste services in the area, and recycling opportunities available.

Best Offense Is a Good Defense

According to a 2002 US Army Corps of Engineers publication, 35 to 40 percent of what ends up in landfills is made up of construction and demolition debris. Seeking opportunities to avoid conventional demolition and landfilling can result in less solid waste, less costs, and potential revenue sources. These alternatives include:

• Recycling: Assess the materials in the building you are taking down to understand how it can be reprocessed for other means. This process will likely lead to extra cost for the hours needed to separate the materials, but the US Army Corps of Engineers points out that this can be recouped through the higher value of recycled materials. Additional cost savings come in the way of less tipping cost fees at landfills due to reduced debris of which is being disposed.
• Recovery: Look for materials in the building to be demolished that may be of use to the new building being constructed or to be sold to other construction projects. Solid wood flooring and doors, windows, metals, and many other items all have resale potential. Again, cost is needed to remove and handle items with care, but resale profits and less dumping fees help to strike a balance.
• Deconstruction: Instead of demolishing a building until it is nothing but rubble, consider deconstructing the structure to retain as much of the integrity of the materials as possible. If this isn’t feasible for the entire unit, consider partial deconstruction. Like the Recovery process, more hours are needed to make sure materials are kept in tact. However, the cost may be countered by not needing as much or any heavy machinery and equipment for demolition.

Are you searching for effective construction waste management techniques? Do you need environmentally friendly demolition practices for your project? Look no further! Hazardous Waste Experts specializes in developing sustainable solutions to manage construction and demolition waste.

Just like every stadium has traditions unique to their team, every building site comes with its own unique demands. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Hope believes working with experts in the waste management industry is the game changing key to can finding the right strategies for demolition and construction debris. Let the Hazardous Waste Experts create disposal strategies that are right for your building, business, and budget. Give us a call today at 800-936-2311 to speak with an expert.

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