In the construction trade, we don’t speak about recycling enough. But a recent conversation with a client of ours at Update Renovate made us reflect on our own practices, and highlighted the importance of doing our part for the environment and our community. So in our latest blog, “Everything you need to know about recycling during construction” we thought we’d explain our sustainable construction practices, which we’ve had in place for a long time. We hope that these approaches – including recycling and reducing our waste – will reduce our impact on the environment.
Packaging – Cardboard & Styrofoam
The sheer amount of packing material for even a small extension or bathroom renovation is astounding. Every product, including items such as light fittings, fans, toilet suites, vanities, tapware, among others – comes with copious amounts of packing materials.
At Update Renovate, we actively separate the cardboard and Styrofoam. Then we store this packaging in our shed. Once we have enough for a full load, we take it to Brisbane City Councils’ resource and recovery centres which allows us to recycle the materials for free.
Concrete & Brickwork
Most consumers don’t realise that concrete is a recyclable product. If our construction work involves removing existing slabs or brickwork, we separate the clean concrete and send the material to recycling facilities where it is crushed up and recycled as a concrete blend. This type of concrete blend is used in landscaping. If mixed with cement, water, and sand it can also be used to make brand new concrete.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Wherever possible, we reuse existing concrete roof tiles for extensions. If we are undertaking a second storey extension, we will suggest reusing roof tiles from the existing property and sourcing additional tiles from a second hand supplier.
When tiles are removed and not used, they are taken to a recycling facility to be crushed up and used for landscaping materials.
Metals
All metal products – including metal fascia and gutters, metal roofing and structural steel – are separated onsite to be taken to a metal recycling facility. For most metals, particularly light weight metals, we receive a small payment for recycling the product which is a nice little bonus for doing the right thing.
Timber
Most timber we remove from a property cannot be reused for structural applications as we cannot certify the stress grade or structural capacity of the material. We do however use pine framing for non-structural nogs where possible. Weatherboards and chamfer board cladding is reused, especially if it ties in with the new features included in a ground floor extension.
Elsewhere, untreated hardwood and pine from old roofs or floor frames can be cut up and used as firewood for our employees who have fireplaces at home.
Windows and Doors
Depending on the age, style and intended application, we can sometimes reuse existing windows and doors. However, any works that trigger a building application require manufacturers certification of all glazed products, which we cannot supply for an existing product. In most cases, we will sell this removed product to salvage shops or separate out the scrap metal.
Fixtures and Fittings
Most tapware, fixtures and fittings in bathrooms are simply not worth reusing due to the age, condition and changes in water efficiency standards. However, if the toilet suite has recently been replaced we will always work to reuse it. It’s a very similar situation with light fittings and fans, which have a limited life span and can be difficult to store safely during construction.
Kitchens and Cabinets
You would be amazed what people buy and sell on online platforms such as Marketplace and Gumtree. Depending on the age, condition, shape, and finish of your existing kitchen, you will often be able to sell the lot as a whole package.
While we are often not involved in this negotiation, I always recommend that our clients sell the entire kitchen as it is so that the buyer is responsible to remove and disassemble the lot. However, having someone who probably doesn’t have much construction experience floundering about in your home may not be worth the hassle.
New Products
When it comes to ordering new materials, we actively aim to reduce waste by ordering exact quantities. Any materials left over are always either taken straight to another job to be used or stored at our shed to be used at a later date.
While it’s impossible for us to recycle and reuse everything, we try our hardest to reduce our impact by cataloguing, recycling, repurposing materials. If we ourselves cannot recycle the materials we will sell these items on to someone who can.
At Update Renovate, we offer a unique, all-in-one design and construction service to remove the hassle and simplify your building journey. Get in touch with Kevin and Ray today to discuss your dream house extension project.