Demolition waste refers to the unwanted materials produced during construction, remodeling, or demolition projects and is also known as C&D (Construction and demolition waste) waste. The debris generates from the demolition of structures like highways, bridges, or buildings. The composition of debris varies. It can be concrete, wood goods, asphalt shingles, brick and clay tile, steel, and drywall that make up the bulk of the material.
Regardless of where the demolition waste came from, some components can still be recycled or repurposed. Therefore, disposal does not entail tossing it in a landfill. When all other options for trash disposal are not practical, landfills are the last resort. For this last option, one needs to meet the requirements and approvals of the state or region.
Construction and demolition trash might include hazardous, non-hazardous, biodegradable, or non-biodegradable debris. The main components of demolition debris are categorized as:
- Hazardous waste
- Non-hazardous waste
How to Dispose of Non-Hazardous Demolition Debris
1. Giveaway Unwanted Construction Material
Even if they are useless after finishing the construction, some construction materials or debris may benefit nearby residents or those in need. Occasionally, donations might help old appliances or decor items find a new home.
2. Recycle Demolition Debris
Reducing construction waste is the best way to avoid disposing of it. If that’s not possible, you’ll need to be patient as you look into all the options for recycling or reusing the building waste. Broken tools and scrap metal, for instance, can be combined to create decoration pieces that may get used as garden ornaments or for any other practical utility.
If there isn’t enough time to put it to another use, you can sell the garbage as scrap to those who carry out recycling procedures.
3. Landfilling
You can opt for landfilling if the requirements and approvals of the state or region are met. Hazardous trash, as well as industrial and chemical waste, is not dumped in a C&D landfill. The following are the main types of building debris brought to landfills:
- Construction waste from roads or other projects
- Waste from renovations
- Site cleanup debris
How to Dispose of Hazardous Demolition Debris?
Construction materials that fall under the hazardous demolition debris category must get handled or disposed of following the rules established by the state or the nation.
The left-over paint, resins, adhesives, treated wood, utility poles, lead-based paint, products containing mercury, containers that hold these materials, and asbestos-containing materials are the primary examples of hazardous construction waste.
The following is an explanation of disposal techniques for hazardous building waste:
1. Mercury-Containing C&D Waste Disposal
During a demolition project, many mercury-containing C&D waste materials are produced. Some of them are fluorescent lamps, mercury vapour lamps, thermostat probes, manometers, smoke detectors, security systems, exit signs, elevator control panels, coal conveyor systems, old paint, cathode ray tubes, and silent wall switches. What you should do is:
- Mercury-containing materials must be separated and transported to a recycling facility or consolidation site.
- Never take the mercury out of the objects.
- Mark and keep mercury-containing equipment in a safe place to guarantee appropriate disposal.
- Never break a fluorescent lamp because this might cause the mercury to leak.
2. Lead-Based C&D Waste Disposal
The term red hazardous waste describes lead-based paint and its leftovers. You should follow these disposal techniques:
- Gather all the paint chips, filth, and dust in a bag.
- Separate all building materials that contain lead-based paint and store them in containers.
- For instructions to get rid of scraps of lead-based paint, speak with a nearby solid waste management organization or an expert demolition contractor.
3. Asbestos Construction Waste Disposal
The Demolition Melbourne company experts say that asbestos is another essential material used in construction for a building’s insulation and resistance. It is utilized in cement goods, shingles, roofs, and durable floor covering.
Waste generated due to the usage of asbestos needs to be sealed in containers to prevent leaks. It must get packed before dumping it in a permitted disposal facility. Some categories of asbestos waste call for control, whereas others don’t. Unregulated asbestos may be disposed of in landfills alongside other construction debris.
To Conclude
Regardless of the type of hazardous construction waste, the disposal process needs to be adequately supervised and guided by the local environmental agency. The generator must inform the appropriate authorities of the quantity of hazardous waste produced and the quantity that needs to get disposed of. After that, one must look after it during packing, shipping, treatment, and disposal.
If you are looking for demolition services or want to know more about the demolition of debris, our team of Merhi Group is just a call away! We have experts who will understand your concern, recommend the best solution, and perform it within the estimated time. Get in touch with us at or consult us at 03 8378 6666 for the best solutions.