Renovation projects often generate a substantial amount of waste, particularly during the demolition phase. However, instead of discarding all of these materials, we can adopt a more sustainable approach by separating and diverting the recyclable items away from the landfill. Not to mention, separating demolition materials not only benefits the environment, but it can also save you money.
Why Sorting Demolition Waste is Important
In 2022, over 15000 tons of demolition waste was landfilled, and 68% of this waste was unsorted mixed loads of demolition materials. Choosing not to sort the materials from construction and demolition projects results in many divertible materials ending up in the landfill, which significantly shortens the lifespan of the landfill while costing you extra money.
How to Maximize Your Recycling
Here are a few tips to maximize your recycling efforts:
- Learn the categories.
The first step towards efficient recycling is to sort and categorize demolition materials. Common categories include wood, metal, concrete, masonry, asphalt, and drywall. Separating these materials at the source makes it easier to identify and divert recyclable items away from the landfill. - Know where to take it.
Wood, metal, concrete, masonry, and asphalt all have recycling options in Prince George. See our website www.sortsmart.ca, for a complete list of demolition materials and where you can take them. - Know what can be reused.
Before demolition, consider salvaging materials that can be reused or repurposed in other projects. Doors, windows, fixtures, lumber, and other items can find new life, reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste. Donating reusable materials to Wall to Wall on 1st Ave or listing them on social media are easy ways to extend their life span and reduce the amount of garbage you produce.
Learn More About Recycling Demolition Waste
Diverting recyclable demolition materials away from the landfill is a crucial step in promoting sustainability within renovation projects. By sorting, recycling, and reusing materials, we can minimize the environmental impact, conserve resources, and save costs. Embracing our shared responsibility to separate demolition materials and maximize our recycling efforts lets us all contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Learn more about reducing demolition waste on our website www.sortsmart.ca.
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