Recycling reno waste a green way to save
Earth Day, on April 22, is all about bringing attention to protecting the environment. As a contractor, I see a lot of waste, especially when it comes to major renovations in which most of a house gets gutted. This waste represents a real cost to a renovation’s bottom line as well as the environment, so it’s important to do everything possible to stop reusable and recyclable materials from going to the landfill.
When a contractor starts a renovation, one of the first things that will arrive on site is the garbage bin, typically supplied by a third-party disposal company. This is where all non-hazardous materials removed from your home usually get put. Once full, the bin is hauled to a transfer station or drop-off depot, where it’s weighed and dumped.
Fees are charged by the transfer station based on the weight and type of material in the bin. Sometimes it’s a few hundred dollars, sometimes it’s in the thousands — all included in the cost of your renovation.
One way to reduce costs at transfer stations is to separate recyclable materials into different bins while still on your site.
For example, PT (pressuretreated) or chemically treated lumber should be separated from non-treated lumber. (You can’t dispose of them the same way due to the chemicals in treated lumber, and it’s why you can’t burn PT wood). Scrap metal, cinder block, drywall, glass, concrete, asphalt, brush and trees can be recycled. For example, companies can recycle the contents of your drywall (gypsum plaster) to make more drywall, and glass can be used to make countertops, among other things.
But the best way to reduce costs and help the environment is by keeping as much material as possible out of garbage bins in the first place.
One way to do this is by selling or donating reusable materials and items to a local re-use centre or a not-for-profit, such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore shops. Anything — from sinks, toilets and plumbing fixtures to cabinetry, windows and doors — can be reused. However, these items need to be removed without being damaged, which can cost a bit more on the labour end of the project. The benefit is that you will save on disposal fees, help the environment and possibly help someone else going through a reno stay on budget.
Another way to save on dumping fees is to recycle metals, such as plumbing pipes, electrical wiring and steel beams. Not only does this help reduce the weight of disposal bins, but metals have one of the biggest recycle paybacks of all the construction materials. People have been able to earn a few bucks just by picking up old appliances and cast iron tubs to take them to a scrap yard. Here, money is paid out based on the weight and market price for that type of metal.
If you’re re-roofing, visit shinglerecycling.org or search shingle recycling online. Asphalt shingles take up to 300 years to decompose so it’s very important to keep them out of landfills. The good news is that shredded shingles can be used for roads and bike trails, or added to concrete as an aggregate.
Different contractors dispose of waste differently. It’s up to you, as the homeowner, to ask the following questions during the hiring process: What do you do with waste materials? Do you recycle? What disposal company do you use? Do you donate anything salvageable to a reuse centre or to Habitat for Humanity?
My crews always try to salvage what we can. If you can save dumping fees by recycling demolition waste, why not do it? It’s a good idea to discuss this with your contractor in the planning stages of your renovation, so they know what you want done with the materials and what they can do to make it right.