Demolition is a huge part of the construction industry. But it’s also one of the most wasteful aspects of it. Though few construction materials can be salvaged and repurposed after demolition, a handful still goes from construction sites to landfills.

A study about demolition waste management in Canada found that the waste from construction and demolition industries contributes to 27% of the total municipal solid waste in landfills. Meanwhile, it also found that about 75% of the solid waste has value, meaning it can still be reused.

Now that we know the statistics, how exactly does all this waste get managed? Let’s talk about the various disposal and reuse methods for specific materials.

Demolition debris is usually managed in one of three ways: incineration, recycling, or landfilling.

Concrete recycling is one of the most common methods for dealing with demolition waste. This process involves crushing concrete after removal and other materials into gravel-sized pieces, which can then be used for construction projects or sold for a profit. The Spyhill and East Calgary Landfills also accept concrete waste for recycling, making it easy to find a concrete recycler in your area.

This method is fairly simple. Demolition contractors burn the debris in an industrial incinerator, which reduces concrete, metal, wood, and other materials to ash. The resulting ash is often used as landfill cover or concrete aggregate material.

Finally, concrete debris can also be buried in landfills. This is typically the least environmentally-friendly option, as it contributes to air and water pollution. However, concrete debris is generally inert, making it less likely to leak harmful chemicals into the environment than other materials.

Recycling demolition waste is an essential part of minimizing environmental impacts and conserving resources. It can also save you significant money on construction projects, as concrete and metal are valuable building materials. Some common materials that can be salvaged and reused include:

After concrete removal, this material can be crushed and repurposed as concrete aggregate for use in new construction projects. It can also be sold for a profit, depending on the quality of the concrete. That’s because concrete is also known to have a long life span, which makes it ideal for recycling.

May it be a metal pole or steel, as long as it is not bent completely or is not yet rusty, this can still be used in another construction project or a house renovation project. Metals can be melted down and formed into a new form, making them an ideal upcycling material.

This is on a case-to-case basis. If the wood is too old or is already brittle, it should be disposed of properly so it won’t fill up the landfill. However, if it still looks good as new, you can use them for home construction and/or renovation projects. Just make sure that it’s free of termites and molds.

Bricks that are not yet too broken can be upcycled and can perhaps be used in driveways, pathways, or a decoration for an outdoor space.

Concrete removal and demolition companies in Calgary can pair up with a recycling facility so the solid waste can be managed and disposed of properly.

The concrete, metal, wood, and brick waste materials can be taken to recycling centers so they can be reused or recycled. This is an effective way of disposing of demolition material while still considering the environment.

Aside from taking it to recycling facilities, you can also use the waste concrete, metal, wood, and brick materials for other purposes. For example, concrete can be used as fillers in road construction. Metal scraps can be melted and formed into new materials, while wood can be composted or repurposed for other projects.

Remember that it is such a great help if you’ll be recycling and reusing materials until they are no longer usable—this is what makes a material sustainable.

Proper disposal of demolished house materials is a great start in reducing landfill waste—and concrete removal and demolition companies in Calgary are doing their part to help out with this kind of endeavor. TNA Concrete is a concrete and demolition company that takes proper care of its demolished residuals.

If you require more information about our concrete removal and demolition services, do not hesitate to contact us and seek more advice on how to properly dispose of your construction and demolition waste responsibly.

Start your sustainable journey small yet strong by knowing how to properly take care of your demolished material and waste!

Proper disposal of demolished house materials is a great start in reducing landfill waste—and concrete removal and demolition companies in Calgary are doing their part to help out with this kind of endeavour. TNA Concrete is a concrete and demolition company that takes proper care of its demolished residuals.

If you require more information about our concrete removal and demolition services, do not hesitate to contact us and seek more advice on how to properly dispose of your construction and demolition waste responsibly.

Start your sustainable journey small yet strong by knowing how to properly take care of your demolished material and waste!