Benefits of Providing Your Customers On-site Recycling Solutions
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 600 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) debris are produced yearly. C&D debris is a type of mixed waste that includes a wide array of discarded construction materials. Some of these are concrete, cinder blocks, drywall, masonry materials, asphalt, wood, steel, brick, and more.
Learn about the methods of recycling construction waste on-site and why they are a simple and cost-effective investment.
Reduces Material Waste
Once discarded, C&D debris and waste go into what the industry refers to as the waste stream. If these materials are not recycled, they typically reach the two most common end-points of the waste stream: Landfills and incinerators.
According to 2016 estimations by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the amount of waste produced by construction companies accounts for 23% of the national waste stream.
Yet, most materials discarded by construction, renovation, and demolition sites are recyclable. Using on-site screening equipment, such as the Komplet Kompatto 5030, is a cost-effective solution for separating and sorting waste materials.
These solutions allow construction sites to identify recyclable and reusable debris, reduce the waste stream, and avoid sending usable materials to landfills.
Preserving Raw Materials and Natural Resources
Sorting and processing debris directly on the construction site allows contractors to reuse part of the materials they already paid for to create new, usable resources.
For instance, mobile shredders such as the Komplet Krokodile can process concrete, plaster, wood, framings, and many other types of construction and domestic waste.
Instead of sending these materials to a disposal facility, shredding them on-site produces multiple types of valuable materials. Here are a few examples:
- Crushing concrete and plaster into aggregate and paving materials
- Recycling and reusing gypsum from waste drywall to make new drywall
- Shredding wood (lumber, framing, etc.) produces wood chips
Consequently, on-site recycling helps contractors save money on new raw materials, reduce disposal costs, and reduce the consumption of new-production materials and resources.
Reduces Toxic Emissions
Traditional waste stream end-points, such as landfills and incinerators, have a well-known negative impact on the environment. Waste materials generate large quantities of toxic gases such as methane and carbon dioxide as they burn or decompose.
Additionally, C&D debris and waste may contain hazardous materials. Lead, asbestos, mercury, and toxic chemical compounds (e.g., wood treatment coatings, paint thinner) are harmful to humans if released into the air or groundwater.
On-site sorting and recycling solutions allow contractors to separate hazardous and non-hazardous waste and dispose of them properly before entering the waste stream.
For instance, multiple state and federal laws regulate asbestos disposal and recycling services, requiring specialized personnel and equipment.
Job Creation and Economic Advantages
Adopting on-site recycling equipment opens an opportunity to create more environmentally sustainable jobs, contributing to waste management and the recycling industry. According to a well-known 2011 study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), achieving a 75% waste recycling rate by 2030 will create over 1.5 million jobs.
Besides job creation opportunities, there are tax deductions and other incentives for recycling in 25 states. Taking advantage of these incentives can significantly decrease operating costs.
For example, Florida’s recycling program includes C&D debris into the categories of waste it aims to decrease as part of the Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008.
The state offers a $500 tax credit for every $100,000 invested or every new employee hired due to recycling. As of 2020, these incentives have resulted in over $42 million of cost savings.
Work More Efficiently With Komplet America
Komplet is a world leader in construction waste treatment and recycling equipment. We manufacture high-quality mobile crushers, shredders, hammer mills, and screeners suitable for construction and demolition projects of all sizes.
Komplet America is the sole official distributor of Komplet’s world-renowned equipment catalog in the United States. For quotes or additional information, contact us today at info@kompletamerica.com.
