With spring right around the corner, spring cleaning and home renovation planning is in full swing. Home renovations can generate a ton of waste. Oftentimes, all of those materials are lumped together and thrown in the landfill. However, some of these materials can and should be repurposed, reused or refurbished. Planning ahead for responsible waste management during home renovations is important to reducing landfill waste and pollution.
This informational article about handling renovation waste responsibly is brought to you in partnership with the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste District.
Planning ahead
Putting some thought into disposal methods before the waste is generated is the best way to stay on top of things. It’s helpful to identify how much and what type of waste will be generated by your project (i.e. wood, metal, drywall, hazardous materials.) This will help you identify the disposal methods you’ll need to utilize.
If you have a larger scale project on your hands, you may want to consider dumpster rental. Having a large enough space to keep debris confined can be helpful to minimizing pollution from the project. These are especially convenient as the company will pick up the dumpster and haul your waste away for you. You can find roll-off dumpsters from Kimble as well as some other local companies.
Reducing waste
During the planning stages and throughout your project, you can consider ways that you may be able to reduce the amount of waste generated. Here are a few ways to do just that..
- Be as accurate as possible when you take the initial measurements of your space. This’ll help ensure the right amount of materials are ordered.
- Minimize waste from mistakes by being precise with measurements and cuts during the project
- Re-purpose or reuse materials wherever possible. If you don’t have a use for it but it has life left to live, donate or sell usable items to give them a second chance. There are even some local businesses that will take and refurbish appliances.
Sorting and recycling
During your renovation, various types of waste such as wood, metal, concrete and plastics are generated. Some of these materials, like wood and metal, can be recycled. Concrete can be crushed and used in future construction projects. Sorting these materials and ensuring that they’re sent to the appropriate facilities is going to conserve landfill space while minimizing the environmental footprint of your renovation.
For more information on where to take common renovation waste:
Visit this helpful page from the Joint Solid Waste District for more information on where you should take some common waste, old appliances, hazardous waste and debris: How To Recycle – Residents.
The Recycling District assures safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste for the residents of Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties. Their goal is to reduce reusable or renewable wastes from entering landfills within the district. The Solid Waste District accomplish this through the development of residential and industrial programs that educate, promote, provide, implement, and improve recycling opportunities that will preserve landfill space now and into the future. Visit www.timetorecycle.org for more information.