If you are a regular viewer of TV shows like Property Brothers, Extreme Makeover Home Edition or Dream Home Makeover, you will no doubt be aware that home renovations can be a fantastic way to put your stamp on a property, increase its resale value, and improve its overall liveability.
However, while these programmes often showcase how amazing the transformation of living space or home can be from what they previously were, there is one aspect of the renovation process they tend to ignore – the removal of rubbish.
During your renovation work, the waste generated can cause significant inconveniences such as health and safety-related hazards, disruptions to your living circumstances and general delays in workflow. For this reason, it is important to generate a well-thought-out plan to get rid of your rubbish in a timely, efficient and responsible way.
In this post, we will highlight some practical tips on how to manage the disposal of your renovation waste. If you intend to start a DIY project soon in your home, these tips will go a long way towards helping you get rid of it in a responsible, eco-friendly and safe way.
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How Much Waste Does a Home Renovation Produce?
There is no hiding from it. Home renovations can create a significant amount of waste. Some estimates posit that it can average out as high as 60 pounds per square foot, depending on the nature of the project.
Typically, renovation waste can include bricks, concrete, metal, rocks, plasterboard, soil, asphalt, glass and even asbestos. So, it is vital to have a strategy at play to remove them safely and responsibly from your renovation site.
Tips for Eco-friendly Waste Disposal
So, how exactly can you remove these items safely from your renovation site? Here are ten strategies you should embrace.
1. Plan Properly
When renovating your home, you need to dispose of any rubbish in the most efficient way possible. To do this, it is important to plan the process thoroughly.
Before starting any work, take some time to determine what type of rubbish you will accumulate. Different renovation projects generate different types of waste, such as old furniture, construction debris, or hazardous materials. Knowing this will make it easier for you to dispose of them by separating them into different piles for collection or disposal.
If you plan on disposing of these items yourself, you should check with your local authorities about any state or local regulations in place. This can help you avoid hefty fines and ensure that you get rid of these materials responsibly.
Alternatively, if you prefer to outsource this task to a professional rubbish removal service, research companies in your locality like 1300 Rubbish. They can save you time and effort in shifting large volumes of waste. You can find out more about them here.
2. Repurpose or Reuse
Instead of discarding items that may seem outdated or obsolete, it is a good idea to try and give them a second life by repurposing or reusing them. For instance, you can refurbish old furniture pieces to breathe new life into a room, while bottles and jars can be transformed into decorative vases and wooden pallets can be made into stylish furniture pieces.
Just by tapping into your creativity and ingenuity, you can transform seemingly mundane items into a unique and functional design feature for your home. At the same time, doing this minimises waste that will only end up in landfill and provides you with a new and sentimental connection to an object that you created.
3. Opt for Materials that are Sustainable
When working on your DIY project, choosing materials that are responsibly sourced, recycled, or have minimal environmental impact can significantly reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
It is worth remembering that every decision – whether it’s using reclaimed wood for furniture, eco-friendly paints and finishes, or recycled metals for construction – contributes to a more sustainable outcome. So, try to make purchasing and sourcing decisions based on the sustainability of the item.
By making informed choices and prioritising sustainability, your DIY renovation will go a long way towards creating something long-lasting and beautiful. You will also do your bit to preserve our planet’s natural resources for future generations to come.
4. Reduce Wastage from Packaging
Another good way to reduce unnecessary waste is to use products with minimal packaging. If you need to source new materials or products, look for retailers that offer eco-friendly packaging options or allow customers to bring their own containers.
Potentially they might cost you a little bit more to purchase, but simply by choosing products with sustainable packaging – such as recyclable or compostable materials – you can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated throughout the project.
5. Recycle, Sell or Donate
During your renovation you will undoubtedly not have a need for certain items anymore. However, instead of throwing them away you should consider recycling, selling or donating them.
For instance, furniture, appliances, and building materials can all be put up for sale on Facebook Marketplace or given to local charities and community organisations. In addition, most local suburbs offer recycling programs for materials like plastic, paper and glass, which again helps to reduce waste in landfills and promotes sustainable resource recovery.
Overall, the more you can recycle, sell or donate the more you will be able to declutter your space. You will also be able to contribute to a circular economy, which in turn minimises environmental impact by reducing the need for new resources.
6. Use Cleaning Products that are Biodegradable
The chances are you will need to do a lot of cleaning during your DIY renovation project. Therefore, you should choose biodegradable cleaning products to reduce environmental harm.
Unlike conventional cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals which can harm ecosystems, biodegradable alternatives decompose naturally into non-toxic substances, reducing pollution and safeguarding waterways.
If you really want to take it a step further, you can even create your own eco-friendly cleaning solutions using household ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice, to reduce even more your reliance on chemical-laden products.
Doing this is an excellent way to maintain a clean and healthy renovation environment while minimising your ecological footprint.
7. Compost any Organic Waste
If your renovation involves making over your garden it is a good idea to set up a compost bin. Doing this can help divert organic materials such as grass cuttings, yard trimmings and even food scraps away from landfill and convert them into compost that is rich in nutrients.
This organic matter can then be used to enhance the quality of your soil and promote the growth of plants without the need for chemical fertilisers. This in turn will ensure your garden has a healthier ecosystem and is more vivacious.
8. Safely and Responsibly Dispose of Hazardous Materials
If you need to use or remove hazardous materials during the DIY renovation it is important to do this as safely as possible for both yourself and the environment.
For projects that involve materials like solvents, paints, electronics or batteries, it is essential to handle and dispose of them responsibly and carefully to avoid any risks. Additionally, you should research the local guidelines and regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste and follow them sedulously.
Moreover, many communities have designated drop-off locations or recycling programs for hazardous materials to prevent contamination of water, soil and air. Subsequently, you should make a point of finding out about the nearest appropriate ones to your property.
9. Share Resources with Others
Instead of purchasing new tools or materials, it is a good idea to borrow or exchange resources with friends, family, or neighbours who may have what you need.
You could also consider organising community swap events or joining online forums that focus on sharing resources to further facilitate this drive.
The good thing about sharing resources is that it reduces your costs and renovation produces waste. In addition, it also fosters a sense of camaraderie and cooperation, which could even help you make connections with specialised tradesmen who may be able to assist with your renovation project.
10. Go Digital
Throughout the renovation project and, in particular, when drawing up plans you should ensure that you stick to digital documentation.
Whether it is design plans, receipts for purchases or product literature you should make a point of receiving and viewing the information online.
This choice will reduce the amount of paper you need to use and therefore, store or eventually throw away.
Final Thoughts
For every DIY renovation project, particularly one that involves knocking down walls or ripping out tiles or kitchen benchtops, it is important to recognise that you are going to make a mess which you will need to clean up. It is also worth noting the effects your waste can have on the environment if it ends up in landfill.
For this reason, it is a good idea to incorporate eco-friendly waste disposal tips to do your bit towards maintaining a more sustainable future. By adopting the ten strategies outlined above, you will be able to create a beautiful and functional home while also preserving the planet for future generations.