During a demolition planning process, you are bound to get immersed in activities such as seeking demolition approval or looking for a demolition contractor. However, another important detail that you should not forego is recycling. Recycling entails organizing re-use of the materials that remain after a demolition. Just like other details of a demolition, recycling planning should start early. Read on to learn more.
What can be recycled?
- Concrete: The concrete blocks that remain from your house can be re-used to construct other structures. The concrete blocks are crushed and used as construction aggregate. Since they already contain cement, recycled concrete is highly valued in construction.
- Steel: Steel from your house can be sold to metal recyclers. It can then be used to smelt new metal for a myriad of uses.
- Fixtures: Parts such as windows, doors and cabinets or wall units can also be removed from your house. They can either be re-fitted elsewhere or taken apart for construction of new fixtures.
- Electrical fittings- Electrical cables and wires are valuable and can be recycled. They can be used for electrical cabling in other properties or smelted to make new wires/metal.
How to recycle:
Recycling requires planning. A number of processes must be followed before, during and after the demolition.
- First, ask your demolition contractor if they offer a stripping service. This is where house fixtures and electrical fittings are removed prior to the demolition. If your demolition contractor does not offer the service, seek a separate provider for that task.
- Ask your demolition contractor for leads on recyclers of metal, concrete and demolition fixtures (if you don't have a recycler in mind already). Most demolition contractors can point you to recyclers as the two industries are related. Other demolition contractors even double up as recyclers.
- Before the demolition happens, explain to your contractor what items you plan to recycle. This will alert them to demolish with caution for easier recycling & removal.
- Look for a recycler near you. Arrange the removal of the materials. You can hire bins or trucks for the process. The recycler can also arrange to collect the materials from the site themselves. If your demolition contractor is doubling up as your recycler, they will handle the clearing and removal themselves.
Once done, you can sell the salvaged materials and earn some money. If rebuilding, you can re-use some of the materials and save on construction costs. Overall, you will reduce wastage and help conserve the environment thanks to your green-conscious efforts. For more information, contact a business such as Roach Demolition & Excavations.
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