Tips for a clean building site

Tips for a clean building site
Tags: Going Green
January 30, 2012 - Luis Imery

Our goal when we embark into any new construction project, especially when building a new home, is to first reduce the amount of materials that get deliver to the job site. Basically, we try to have on hand what we will actually use. Then, we have a plan on how to maximize the use of such materials.

For example, we have found that a great way to substantially reduce the amount of lumber used for framing is to go with panelized construction. Wall panels are assemble off-site according to a framing and cut plan where all the lumber is cut per plan, and leftovers can be used for blockings, bracing, etc. Then panels get delivered to the job site, and you just put the pieces together.

In addition to this, is a good idea to have a waste management plan posted on the job site and discuss it with each trade that roles into the job site. The waste management plan can be as simple as the following example:

Waste management plan:

Plastic bottles and metal cans need to go into the designated 50 gallon recycling container (blue trash can) for proper disposal at a recycling center.
Domestic refuse needs to be place in 50 gallon trash can (black trash can) and not into the dumpster.
30 cubic yard commingle container is onsite for the purpose of recycling up to 75 percent of its content. Only leftover construction materials can be dumped for proper separation and recycling.
Leftover drywall will go into a separate dumpster. The goal is to recycle 100 percent of the waste
Cardboard and packing content needs to be flattened out and stack in a pile for proper disposal at recycling center.
Burning of any kind is strictly forbidden.
Prior to end of working day the site needs to be clean up and look neat.
Disposal of any damaged equipment or tools is forbidden.
Any land disturbance of any kind needs to immediately be restored with mulch.

Job site recycling goals:

Divert 75 percent of wood
Divert 75 percent of cardboard
Divert 75 percent of drywall
Divert 75 percent of plastic

Of course without enforcement and setting an example it will be impossible to reduce waste. We try to encourage recycling and waste reduction by designating a specific area in the job site for this purpose.

Implementing an waste management and recycling strategy not only makes sense to the environment but your clients or prospect buyers will be blown away on how neat and clean the job site looks.