Creating and implementing a waste management strategy for a residential building company not only helps in reducing environmental impact but also can lead to cost savings and improved project efficiency.
Here are some steps to take in preparing your strategy:
1. Understand the Types of Waste
Some of the more common types of waste on building sites are:
Concrete: Includes offcuts, broken pieces, and leftover mixed concrete. This can be particularly important if extra concrete has to be ordered and a minimum quantity has to be taken leading to waste concrete.
Paint: Includes leftover paint, empty cans, and washout water.
Plasterboard: Includes offcuts, damaged sheets, and leftover full sheets.
Plastic: Includes packaging, plastic sheets, pipes, and containers.
Timber: Includes offcuts, damaged wood, and pallets.
Steel: offcuts, extra reinforcing sheets and starter bars
2. Conduct a Waste Audit
Assess the types and quantities of waste typically generated in projects.
Identify stages of construction where each type of waste is generated.
3. Set Waste Reduction Goals
Define specific, measurable goals for reducing waste, such as a percentage reduction in waste sent to landfill and this could be measured by the number of skip bins or truck loads sent to the landfill at each site clean.
4. Develop Strategies for Each Waste Type
Concrete
Reduction: Optimize ordering and mixing to reduce excess.
Reuse: Use crushed concrete as aggregate for new concrete or other construction materials.
Recycling: Partner with recycling facilities to process concrete waste.
Paint
Reduction: Calculate precise quantities needed to minimize leftovers.
Reuse: Store leftover paint for touch-ups or future projects.
Disposal: Follow local regulations for hazardous waste disposal; some recycling centres accept paint.
Plasterboard
Reduction: Measure and cut accurately to minimize offcuts.
Reuse: Use offcuts for smaller sections or patching.
Recycling: Separate plasterboard waste and send it to recycling facilities that accept gypsum.
Plastic
Reduction: Choose suppliers with minimal or recyclable packaging.
Reuse: Reuse plastic sheeting and containers where possible.
Recycling: Separate plastics by type and send them to appropriate recycling centres.
Timber
Reduction: Optimize dimensions on plans to reduce offcuts.
Reuse: Use offcuts for smaller projects, temporary structures, or mulch (if untreated).
Recycling: Separate treated from untreated wood and send to appropriate recycling facilities. Untreated wood can often be composted or used as biomass fuel.
5. Implement Waste Management Practices
Training: Educate staff and contractors on waste management practices and goals.
On-site Waste Segregation: Provide clearly labelled bins for each type of waste.
Regular Monitoring: Monitor waste levels and adjust practices as needed.
Collaboration with Suppliers: Work with suppliers to reduce packaging and provide take-back options for excess materials.
6. Engage in Continuous Improvement
Feedback Loop: Regularly review waste management practices and outcomes.
Benchmarking: Compare performance against industry standards and best practices.
Innovation: Stay updated on new technologies and methods for waste reduction and recycling.
7. Documentation and Reporting
Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of waste generation, reduction, and disposal.
Reporting: Regularly report progress to stakeholders and adjust the plan as needed.
8. Compliance and Certification
Regulations: Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal waste management regulations.
Certification: Aim for certifications such as Green Star, which encourage sustainable waste management practices.
Sample Waste Management Plan Outline
Introduction
Purpose
Scope
Waste Types and Sources
Concrete
Paint
Plasterboard
Plastic
Timber
Steel
Goals
Waste reduction targets
Waste Management Strategies
Detailed strategies for reduction, reuse, and recycling of each waste type
Implementation
Training programs
Waste segregation practices
Supplier collaboration
Monitoring and Reporting
Methods for monitoring waste
Reporting procedures
Continuous Improvement
Review processes
Benchmarking
Innovation strategies
Compliance
Regulations
Certification goals
The 3C Mentor can help your business create its own waste management strategy plan.
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