Whether you have just finished rebuilding the patio or removing the old pathway, you must remove the old, broken-up concrete correctly. This article discusses the environmental impact of concrete waste, as well as its disposal and reuse and recycling methods.
See also: How to drill into concrete?
Why is concrete disposal important?
Construction and demolition materials, such as concrete, are a major source of waste. It takes a lot of resources and energy to make fresh concrete, not to mention the CO2 emissions, and if just thrown away, it will wind up in a landfill rather than being recycled into new material, resulting in double the waste.
Taking the time to dispose of concrete properly can help create additional jobs, keep landfills clear of garbage, potentially offset the environmental impact of generating new materials, and result in recycled concrete products that are less expensive to purchase.
Methods of concrete disposal
When determining the best manner to dispose of concrete, there are various options to consider. Depending on the skill level, available tools and vehicles, and available time, one or more of these choices may be suitable for the needs.
Rent an inert dumpster
While one cannot simply throw concrete into a conventional dumpster, one can obtain an inert dumpster. These dumpster rentals are intended for heavy items that do not break down quickly such as concrete.
If you choose this option, do not throw anything else in the dumpster because the materials are transferred to a concrete recycling company. One cannot mix materials or even have any home debris or residue on the concrete with inert dumpsters.
Hire a junk or concrete hauler
If all else fails or one wants the simplest solution, contact a transportation company. While a junk removal service will be more expensive, it will also take the least amount of effort on your part. Most concrete hauling firms will execute the destruction and removal for you, so all you simply have to do is make an appointment.
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Take concrete to a landfill
If you already have a truck or trailer (and not a lot of concrete), you can just drive it yourself to a dump. However, even when broken down, concrete is heavy, so unless it is prepared to make many trips, this may not be the greatest answer for a larger project. Furthermore, because landfills typically charge per tonne, removing a large amount of concrete can be costly.
Contact a local company
A local landscaping company or a concrete supplier may accept the concrete trash for business uses such as creating retaining walls or elevating garden beds. While you most likely have to break it down and deliver it yourself, you won’t have to pay a dumping or dumpster rental cost, as you would with other options.
Post it on classified advertisement sites
If you do not want to perform the difficult lifting, first put the concrete requirements on a classified ad website. These sites are an ideal way to assess interest with little effort or money invested, whether you post it completely broken down or before anyone takes any steps to dispose of the concrete.
This method of removing concrete will not be the quickest or most efficient, but it may end in anyone doing little to no labour directly. In other circumstances, someone may request to break it down personally before offering to pick it up. Others may perform all of the work for you.
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FAQs
Is it eco-friendly to recycle concrete?
Yes, recycling concrete reduces landfill waste and conserves natural resources.
What are the benefits of proper concrete disposal?
Proper disposal reduces environmental impact, promotes recycling and supports sustainable construction.
How to prepare concrete for disposal?
Remove any contaminants such as rebar or wire mesh before taking them to a recycling centre.
Are there any regulations for concrete disposal?
Yes, local regulations vary. Check with authorities about disposal methods and permits.
Can concrete be used as fill materials?
Yes, crushed concrete can be used as a cost-effective fill material for certain projects.
Can I use 10 year old cement?
Avoid using cement that has exceeded its expiry date as its strength could have weakened over time.
What is the life of concrete slab?
Concrete slabs can last up to 80-100 years.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
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