December 2011

Recycle, Reuse, Boost Profits

Many contractors are literally leaving money on the ground when they don’t recycle the waste materials their projects generate. Scrap concrete, wood, metals, glass, asphalt and plastic can all be sold to recyclers. Asphalt and concrete can be recycled into aggregate or new asphalt and concrete products, while wood waste can be turned into composite decking or furniture. Recycling reduces the waste stream and has a positive environmental impact. It’s a win-win situation for contractors and for the communities they do business in.

The financial--and other--advantages for contractors that recycle their waste materials are numerous. If you recycle, you can:

• Add to your firm’s bottom line since a healthy market exists for scrap metal, such as steel conduit pipe, rolls of wire and HVAC materials.
• Reduce the costs normally associated with hiring a haulage company to remove and dispose of worksite construction and demolition materials.
• Help lessen the burden on your region’s landfills and reduce the environmental impact of creating new construction materials.

Just be sure you work with a recycler who is licensed by the proper local and state authorities and who will ensure that all materials are disposed of properly.

Get Started

The Environmental Protection Agency’s website (www.epa.gov) is a good resource if you are interested in learning more about reducing and recycling your construction and demolition materials. Your local builder’s association, county solid waste department or state environmental agency can give you information about certified and licensed recyclers and waste haulers in your area.