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HOME RENOVATION WASTE

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A man renovating

Renovating your home is a great way to improve its appearance and make it a more enjoyable place. At the same time, the work involved generates large quantities of waste. In fact, residential construction and renovation waste accounts for roughly six per cent of all of the waste we create.

When we brighten up our homes, it's an ideal opportunity to switch to more environmentally friendly products. Good quality doors and windows can reduce energy bills and cut pollution. New lighting and appliances can be energy efficient. Even carpets and flowing now offer greener choices. New plumbing offers low-flow options that conserve water.

We need to be aware that major work on the home can generate wastes that are harmful to our health - including lead paint, asbestos, mercury thermometers and wood soaked in creosote.

Always dispose of waste appropriately and follow municipal laws.

Never burn construction waste - it can release harmful chemicals and cause air pollution.

Many municipal landfills will not accept reusable or recyclable materials including:
  • clean wood

  • clean drywall

  • corrugated cardboard and paper

  • large used appliances

  • scrap metal

  • masonry

  • clean fill

Renovation contractors usually charge between five and eight per cent of the total job cost for disposing of materials.

Practice The 3Rs

If you purchase less material, it means less waste for disposal. You'll save money and help our environment:

ReduceA man renovating

  • Plan room sizes to match standard material dimensions.

  • Buy good quality, durable materials such as kiln-dried wood, to reduce material waste from warping and shrinking.

  • Avoid over-packaged materials; buy nails and other items in bulk.

  • Check measurements before cutting materials.

  • Use leftover insulation for sound-proofing interior walls.

  • Buy materials made with recycled content - e.g. drainage pipes made with plastics. Watch for BUILD GREEN materials at retail outlets near you.

  • Use pre-fabricated components, such as pre-hung doors.

Reuse

  • Identify reusable materials before work begins.

  • Demolish carefully. Salvage materials such as doors, windows, cabinets and plumbing fixtures. Give to friends or local reuse centres. Sell to salvage companies, specialty stores or at your own garage sale.

  • Buy pre-used materials form your local reuse centre. Look under Building Materials-Used in the Yellow Pages.

Recycle

  • Identify materials that are recyclable - including clean drywall and wood, corrugated cardboard packaging, scrap metal, concrete, brick and major appliances.