Recycling Buildings: 10 Building Materials That Can Be Reused After Demolition
Construction and demolition waste are one of the heaviest and most voluminous waste streams generated in the EU accounting for approximately 25%-30% of all waste generated. But you may approach building projects in a whole new way with nucor metal buildings. These systems, which are renowned for their durability, adaptability, and efficiency, open the door for creative and environmentally friendly design in the sector.
Demolition recycling is an important step in a building’s life cycle, as material reclamation and good recycling practices can divert over 90% of the building’s material from the landfill. RubberBond have been investigating what materials can be recycled and what they can be turned into.
Reclaimed building materials, such as wood, bricks, and metal, can be salvaged and reused in new construction projects, offering an affordable and sustainable alternative to new building materials.
Recycling construction materials can significantly reduce the environmental impact of building projects by decreasing the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserving natural resources. Using recycled materials in your construction project can also lower costs and enhance sustainability.
This practice not only helps in reducing construction waste but also plays a vital role in lowering carbon emissions, thereby having a significant impact on mitigating climate change.
In the UK, the construction industry is responsible for a significant portion of carbon emissions, making recycling buildings a vital strategy for reducing the country’s carbon footprint. These efforts are crucial for the health of our planet, as they contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly construction industry.
Concrete, Bricks & Blocks
Research indicates that the average wastage level of concrete is about 4%, while brick and block is around 6%.
Method
Concrete and brick can be recycled by crushing them into rubble.
Repurpose
Once sorted, screened and contaminants are removed, reclaimed concrete or brick can be used in concrete aggregate, fill, road base, or riprap.
Gypsum
Stat
The landfilling of gypsum and other wastes with a high sulphate content together with biodegradable and hazardous waste removal has been banned in England and Wales since July 2005. This is to prevent the build-up of hydrogen sulphide gas which is both toxic and odorous.
Method
Gypsum is relatively easy to recycle. Contaminants need to be removed, such as screws and nails, and separate the paper.
Repurpose
It can be ground into a powder or turned into pellets. The resulting material is sold to manufacturers that use gypsum for different applications.
Wood
Stat
Wood waste from all sorts of building sites – including new builds and refurbishments – amounts to around 0.85mt per year.
Method
Wood can be reused, repurposed, recycled, or burned as bioenergy.
Repurpose
Wood can be used in pathways, coverings, mulches, compost, animal bedding, or particleboard.
Glass
Stat
The UK manufactures 750,000 tonnes of flat glass each year, three-quarters of which goes into glazing products for buildings. Currently, the recycled content of flat glass produced in the UK is between 20%–30%.
Method
There are various methods of recycling glass in order to make it fit for repurposing such as crushing, screening to remove contamination, air classification, optical sorting, size classification and washing and drying.
Repurpose
Glass can be used for pretty much anything including decorative materials, fluxing agent in the manufacture of bricks and ceramics, insulation, containers and even sports turf applications.
Metals
Stat
Britain exports 15 million tonnes of industrial waste each year, half of which is valuable scrap metal
Method
Metals are collected, sorted and then shredded. The scrap is then melted and purified and finally allowed to cool to solidify.
Repurpose
Metals—including steel, copper, and brass—are valuable commodities to recycle. Like glass, they can be repurposed into a vast array of items such as appliances, furnishings, fixtures and lighting.
Aggregates
Stat
Approximately 275 million tonnes of aggregates are used each year in the UK as raw construction materials, but a lot of it goes to landfill.
More than half (54%) of waste recorded as ‘Recycling and other recovery’ is ‘Mineral wastes’, while a further 12% is soils.
Method
Concrete aggregate collected from demolition sites is put through a crushing machine. Crushing facilities accept only uncontaminated concrete, which must be free of trash, wood, paper and other such materials.
Repurpose
Aggregate can be reused as a base material under foundations, roads and railroads.
Plasterboard
Stat
Up to 1.3 million tonnes of plasterboard waste is generated within the new-build construction and refurbishment sectors each year.
Method
Composting.
Repurpose
Standard plasterboard, which hasn’t been contaminated by paint or similar, can be added to an aerobic composting system and is likely to have a neutral or beneficial effect when added to the soil, especially clay soil.
Plastics
Stat
According to National Geographic and the National Geographic Society, 91% of plastic isn’t recycled.
Method
All plasterboard recycling goes through a thorough process which takes away all of the added material which is left on the plasterboard when it’s removed from the wall or ceiling.
Repurpose
In construction, plastics are generally used for pipework, interior fittings, window frames, scaffolding boards and kerbstones. These can be repurposed into packaging, textile fibre and clothing, street furniture to name only a few.
Floor & Wall Coverings
Stat
Almost 600,000 tonnes of flooring is disposed of each year, of which less than 2% is recycled. A small quantity is incinerated but the vast majority, over 90%, goes to landfill.
Method
Fibresolve – subjecting wood fibre to a vacuum and pressurised steam with mechanical agitation at a high temperature.
Microrelease – using microwaves to reclaim wood fibres from the resin.
Thermohydraulic processes – separating the adhesive from the wood fibres.
Repurpose
There tends to be a lot of wastage when it comes to floor and wall coverings due to over ordering, pairing this with the fact that a lot of it can also be recycled afterwards, materials such as ceramic and terrazzo tiles, wallpaper, carpet, carpet tiles, vinyl and linoleum and laminate flooring can be repurposed into many things including road cone manufacturing and animal bedding material.
Insulation
Stat
In just 23 housing projects in the UK, the average amount of insulation wasted was 1.0m3 per 100m2 floor area.
Method
Insulation can be recycled by returning materials through take-back schemes offered by manufacturers, but reclamation and reprocessing can only happen after removing impurities such as nails and screws.
Repurpose
Similarly, materials involved in insulation such as glass and stone wool, polystyrene, sheep’s wool, spray foam, polyurethane and fibreboard can be transformed into concrete blocks, fibreglass board and fibreglass ceiling tiles.
Introduction to Recycling Buildings
Recycling buildings is a crucial step in reducing construction waste and promoting sustainability in the construction industry. The process involves reusing and recycling materials from demolished or renovated structures, turning what would be waste into valuable resources. Reclaimed building materials, such as wood, bricks, and metal, can be salvaged and reused in new construction projects, offering a sustainable alternative to new building materials.
Recycling construction materials can significantly reduce the environmental impact of building projects by decreasing the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserving natural resources. This practice not only helps in reducing construction waste but also plays a vital role in lowering carbon emissions, thereby mitigating climate change. In the UK, the construction industry is responsible for a significant portion of carbon emissions, making recycling buildings a vital strategy for reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
The process of recycling buildings requires careful planning and execution to ensure that materials are properly salvaged and reused. The benefits of recycling buildings are manifold, including cost savings, reduced waste, and a lower environmental impact. Additionally, reclaimed building materials can add unique character and charm to new construction projects, making them not only sustainable but also aesthetically appealing.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, recycling buildings will play an increasingly important role in promoting sustainability and reducing waste. Embracing this practice is essential for creating a more sustainable future and ensuring that the construction industry can meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Benefits of Recycling
Recycling construction materials offers numerous benefits, including reduced waste, cost savings, and a lower environmental impact. By incorporating recycled materials into construction projects, the industry can significantly reduce carbon emissions and help mitigate climate change. This practice also conserves natural resources, reducing the need for new materials and the energy required to produce them.
Reclaimed building materials, such as wood and bricks, can be reused in new construction projects, providing a sustainable alternative to new materials. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also offers economic benefits, such as cost savings and job creation. The recycling process itself can create new opportunities within the construction industry, fostering innovation and sustainable practices.
The construction industry can reduce its carbon footprint by adopting sustainable construction practices, including recycling buildings and using recycled materials. This approach helps to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills, mitigating the environmental impacts associated with landfill waste. Additionally, the use of recycled materials can improve the sustainability of buildings, reducing their environmental impact over their lifespan.
Overall, recycling construction materials is an essential strategy for promoting sustainability and reducing waste in the construction industry. By embracing these practices, the industry can contribute to a more sustainable future, ensuring that construction projects are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.
10 Building Materials That Can Be Reused After Demolition
- Bricks: Bricks are a common building material that can be reused after demolition. They can be cleaned and repurposed for new construction projects, providing a rustic and durable option for walls and pathways.
- Wood: Wood is another building material that can be salvaged and reused in new construction projects. Reclaimed wood can be used for flooring, beams, and furniture, adding a unique character to new builds.
- Metal: Metals, such as steel and aluminum, can be recycled and reused in construction projects. These materials are valuable commodities that can be repurposed into structural components, fixtures, and fittings.
- Concrete: Concrete can be crushed and reused as aggregate in new construction projects. This recycled material is ideal for use in foundations, road bases, and other structural applications.
- Glass: Glass can be recycled and reused in construction projects, such as in windows and insulation. Recycled glass can also be used in decorative applications, adding a unique touch to new builds.
- Plasterboard: Plasterboard can be recycled and reused in construction projects, such as in walls and ceilings. The material can be ground into a powder and repurposed, reducing the need for new plasterboard production.
- Roofing Materials: Roofing materials, such as tiles and slates, can be reused in new construction projects. These materials are durable and can provide a cost-effective solution for new roofs.
- Doors and Windows: Doors and windows can be salvaged and reused in new construction projects. These components can be refurbished and installed in new builds, offering a sustainable alternative to new products.
- Timber Framing: Timber framing can be reused in new construction projects, such as in beams and joists. Reclaimed timber provides a strong and sustainable option for structural applications.
- Stone: Stone, such as granite and marble, can be reused in new construction projects, such as in countertops and flooring. These materials are durable and add a touch of elegance to new builds.
By reusing these building materials, the construction industry can reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainability in future projects.
