The Environmental Impact of Demolition

Residential and commercial demolition services make sure homes and larger buildings are dismantled safely. Possible reasons for dismantling include tearing down condemned buildings, remodeling homes, and using the space for new community areas or buildings. Engaging in positive, sustainable practices during dismantling can lead to environmental benefits. Here is more information about the environmental impact of demolition:

Asset Recovery and Recycling

The demolition process generates construction and demolition debris, commonly referred to as C&D materials. This includes materials such as wood, concrete, asphalt, glass, plastics, bricks, and metal. Some dismantling companies offer asset recovery services and engage in recycling projects. This allows non-hazardous reusable materials to be retained for use on-site or to create new buildings. Doors, windows, and plumbing fixtures can be salvaged from the building and repurposed for alternative uses. Paint can also be remixed and used in garages or as a primer coat. Contractors can utilize materials such as bricks and concrete as driveway bedding or as a subbase material.

Reducing the disposal of C&D debris has environmental benefits, including conserving landfill space and reducing the consumption of new resources. Recycling debris in local markets in accordance with state and local regulations enables the material to be safely utilized for new products. Recyclable materials include metals such as brass, steel, and copper. A contractor may use equipment for processing and recycling debris. Processes such as hand demolition and sorting enable contractors to retain a higher percentage of recyclable debris.

Asbestos Management

Demolishing larger or older buildings can expose harmful materials, such as asbestos. Material management during the dismantling process helps prevent the release of these materials into the environment. This material can be found in flooring, roofing materials, paint, plaster, and wiring. Some asbestos materials are friable, meaning they can crumble when dry and release asbestos into the air. Many dismantling companies provide asbestos abatement as part of their services.

The process of removing asbestos from buildings may be subject to local, state, and federal regulations. The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollution provide work practice standards to follow during demolition to protect public health. These standards apply to facilities such as public and commercial buildings, as well as residential buildings with more than four dwelling units. Standards include removing asbestos material before beginning the dismantling process and keeping exposed materials wet to prevent crumbling. The contractor then disposes of this material after the dismantling process is complete. They do this by blocking off the infected area and carefully removing and disposing of the material immediately.

Safely disposing of other hazardous materials, such as mercury, helps mitigate the environmental and public health threats. This process includes isolating and labeling the material. To dispose of it, the contractor takes the material to the designated consolidation or recycling facility.

Learn More About Demolition Services

Careful planning prior to dismantling allows contractors to follow environmental standards when demolishing the building. This helps reduce negative impacts on the air and the surrounding landscape. A dismantling company provides surgical, interior, and total demolition services. They can perform complex dismantling and remediation projects. Find a reliable dismantling company for your residential or commercial project.