Can we achieve a completely zero-waste home renovation? Not yet, but we can all play a role in reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.
The construction and renovation sectors produce a substantial amount of waste, with much of it ending up in landfills. A clear sign of this issue is evident when you drive through neighborhoods and notice dump bins in driveways filled to the brim. What’s more, many items thrown away, such as wood, piping, fixtures, and stone, could still be used or repurposed. Beyond just the visible bins, there’s waste generated before and after construction that often goes unnoticed. However, with a change in perspective, some adjustments in our habits, and everyone’s cooperation, we can substantially decrease this waste.
To start, here are some considerations to reduce waste for your next renovation, categorized by three construction phases:
- Demolition Phase
During renovations, a big challenge is reducing waste from tearing things down. Instead of just breaking everything and throwing it away, there’s a growing trend to carefully take apart buildings to reuse the materials. This new method is still catching on. Remember the key steps: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” First, try to minimize waste. If you can’t, then reuse things. If all else fails, recycle. For example, instead of trashing old cabinets or lights, why not sell or give them away? Many people love picking up free items online. Old windows can be updated, and wooden floors can be refreshed. If some items are truly no good, then make sure they’re recycled properly. - Construction Phase:
During a renovation, it’s crucial for everyone involved – the contractor, the tradespeople, and the homeowner – to be on the same page about reducing waste. On many job sites, the norm is to throw everything, from construction materials to food packaging, into one big dumpster. But with teamwork and early discussions, this can change. Tradespeople should be encouraged to separate out recyclables like cardboard and plastic. Homeowners can support this by setting aside space for sorting recyclables and using the local recycling services. Also, it’s essential to check with your local municipality about what can be recycled and any limits they might have. - Selections Phase:
When planning a building or renovation, it’s essential to think about how long materials and products will last. This is the key to reducing waste over time. We often buy items for their immediate appeal or low price without considering their long-term impact. Durable products, like high-quality insulation, flooring, or paint, will last longer and won’t need replacing often. Think about the end game too; select materials that won’t just end up in a landfill. For instance, solid hardwood floors can last over 50 years, can be refinished, and even recycled. In contrast, materials like laminate flooring last only about 10-15 years and usually go straight to the landfill when they wear out. Choosing quality not only makes the building last longer but can also save money and help the environment in the long run.
In conclusion, taking on a home renovation is thrilling but can be wasteful. By being conscious, rethinking our approach, and choosing wisely, we can significantly cut down on waste, ensuring our renovations are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly. Happy renovating!