Who Takes Out the Trash?

If you own or work with a small business that specializes in construction, then it only makes sense to know about all the ways in which you can recycle. Not only is recycling good for the environment, but it helps to recoup a substantial amount of material cost after a project is done. To learn more about some of the things every construction site should recycle, take a look below for just four of the most recyclable materials.

Wood

When the average consumer thinks of recycling everyday materials, they often think of items made with plastics and aluminum. However, wood is usually much more common than either of these on a construction site. The good news is that it can easily be recycled since most wood used for construction purposes is high-quality virgin timber. If you have wood left over from a recent project, be sure to explore re-milling options in your area.

Concrete

Concrete hasn't always been a viable material for recycling, yet newer technology allows it to be refined and subsequently reused much more effectively. That said, concrete can only be recycled if it does not have noticeable traces of other materials. If you discover you suddenly have too much concrete for a project, keep the excess concrete free of trash and aim to recycle it as soon as possible.

Steel

Steel has a reputation for being a particularly strong metal, but it is also extremely recyclable. In fact, one of the many reasons scrap steel is so valued is because recycling it causes no loss to its durability or quality. Whether you are in charge of a residential or commercial construction site, you're likely to have steel that can easily be recycled after a project. As such, don't forget to specify that any leftover girders, plates, or trusses be taken to a local scrap metal recycling plan right away.

Copper

Of all metals used on construction sites, copper is perhaps the most valuable. It is resistant to fire and corrosion, is extremely flexible and lightweight, and can be used for a variety of purposes: electrical wiring, heating systems, and even roofing are just a few common examples. If construction plans change and you find yourself with a substantial amount of scrap copper after a project, there's no reason not to take all of it to a scrap metal plant where you can be paid by the pound.

Reach out to a construction recycling service to learn more.