Setting Up a Sorting System
Every new building, renovation, deconstruction and demolition site is different. This means that the materials and logistics for an on-site waste sorting system will be unique as well. There are however some basic practices that can make sorting easier. Being organized saves time and money on every project.
Choosing bins
Dumpsters generally come to mind when thinking of managing C&D material. However, they require a large volume of material to justify their use, and they do not always contribute to good sorting practices. Sizing bins and containers to suit a project is an efficient way to approach C&D material. Depending on the project bin options could include:
- Cardboard boxes
- Garbage cans
- Buckets
- Lobster crates
- Plastic tubs
- Burlap bags or strong plastic bags
- Anything else that works!
These containers can be reused from project to project.
| Remember: cardboard is not C&D material. If used to transfer C&D goods cardboard boxes should later be broken down and recycled along with blue bag items. |
Sorting is about space
In addition to choosing appropriate bins, organizing available space is equally important for successful sorting. With a lot of room, materials can be separated into many bins. With a smaller area it makes sense to focus on those streams with the most recycling potential; for example clean wood and metal are the most valuable to recyclers.
| Space |
Materials |
| No space | 1. Keep all C&D material together. 2. Sort it out later if possible. 3. Make daily trips to processing and reuse sites. |
| Some space | 1. Focus on the most valuable materials and set up containers for them. 2. Make frequent trips to processing and reuse sites. |
| Large space | 1. Separate all waste types into different containers for easy and efficient sorting 2. Make trips to processing sites as needed |
>>Next: Shifting to Green: questions for building professionals
Built Environment Committee
Phone: (902) 429-2202
Fax: (902) 405-3716
The Built Environment Committee meets the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm at the EAC. All are welcome at our monthly meeting.
