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In the UK, the Construction and Demolition (C&D) industry is the leading contributor to waste generation. With the majority of this waste being sent to landfills, this highlights a real issue with the sector's approach to waste management, calling for more sustainable practices to be implemented to reduce its environmental impact.
Read on to learn more about the importance of rubbish recycling and sustainable waste management strategies in the construction industry.
Why Is Rubbish Recycling Needed?
Statistics from the government have found that in 2020, the C&D sector contributed 59.4 million tonnes of waste, equating to roughly 62% of the UK’s total waste produced that year. Although this is a decrease from 2018, when the sector produced around 138 million metric tons, it still remains a significant contributor to national waste generation.
The Three R’s of Recycling in Construction
The construction and demolition industry generates a significant amount of waste, making efficient waste management a major challenge. To tackle this, a key sustainability goal is to reduce overall waste while increasing the amount that is recycled and reused, using the three R's strategy:
Reduce: The first step in sustainable waste management is always to reduce the amount of waste generated in the first place. This means taking steps to minimise waste production at every stage of the construction process.
Reuse: Reusing materials involves giving used materials a second life rather than disposing of them.
Recycle: When materials cannot be reused in their current condition, used or discarded materials are to be transformed into new products.
Conserving Natural Resources
The majority of building materials come from natural resources, such as wood, metal, sand, and quarried stone. Since these materials are finite, we are using them at a rate which is unsustainable, meaning that one day they will run out.
By opting to reuse these materials when they are recovered in good condition or recycling them when they require processing to transform them into another product, we reduce the demand for these raw materials, slowing down the rate at which they are being depleted.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Making products from recycled materials requires significantly less energy than making them from new raw materials, which often involves energy-consuming processes like mining, excavation and transportation before these materials can be prepared for use. By recycling used materials into new products, the energy consumption associated with the construction industry decreases.
Lowered Carbon Emissions
Recycling uses less energy for sourcing and processing materials compared to producing new ones, resulting in lower emissions. This reduction in carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases is essential for slowing down global warming and the effects of climate change.
Responsible Waste Clearance with Mark Luck
At Mark Luck, we are committed to leading the construction industry towards more sustainable waste management practices. As industry leaders in rubbish removal and waste clearance in London, Kent and Sussex, we ensure all types of waste are handled efficiently, prioritising recycling and reuse to minimise environmental impact.
For assistance in sustainable waste management that complies with environmental regulations, get in touch with our team today.
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