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Tag: Deconstruction

  • How to Incorporate Best Management Practices In Recycling Demolition Materials

    How to Incorporate Best Management Practices In Recycling Demolition Materials

    The Counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino have strict regulations when it comes to the disposal of materials after all demolition projects. It is required that at least 50 percent of all material be salvaged for recycling or reuse. Below are a few ways you can incorporate best management practices to meet these obligations.

    Determine Whether Materials Will Be Salvaged On or Off-Site

    Sorting through debris with any demolition will take space. If the area is limited, you might need to consider using an off-site location to get this done. There are well-trained individuals that work for companies that specialize in helping residents of Los Angeles County and the surrounding area reuse or recycle as much demolition material as possible. They will accurately document the percentage that is salvageable, versus what has to go to the landfill.

    Use a Properly Licensed Hauler

    There are specific haulers that are licensed to carry demolition debris through Los Angeles County. They are aware of all safety regulations in securing the load and transporting items in a way that guarantees safety for all other vehicles on the road. Make sure you plan to utilize one of these haulers.

    Discuss Recycling Equipment Options With Contractors and Recycler Services

    Not every contractor has the ability to provide recycling equipment for every job, but a few are able to bring it in when the job requires gathering an extensive amount of reusable and recyclable material. You can also check with the recycling services in Los Angeles and surrounding Counties. Most can accommodate your needs if given enough lead time.

    Incorporate Recovery of Materials In Planning Stages

    Find ways to incorporate the use of some of the demolition material in your building plans if you are adding an addition, or doing a complete remodel. You can miss golden opportunities to meet that 50 percent and more goal by skipping this step.

    File a Debris Management Plan and Update as Needed

    File your demolition debris management plan with Los Angeles County and keep them updated as needed. It is better for you to take a few minutes of your time and let them know how the project is going, rather than having them look you up for a progress report.

    [su_note note_color=”#f1f1f1″]Contact building demolition specialists like Tri Span and find out more about reuse and recycle plans for Los Angeles and all surrounding counties today![/su_note]

  • Deconstructing for Reuse & Recycling

    Deconstructing for Reuse & Recycling

    When a building is demolished making way for a new structure, many of the old building materials can be reused or recycled. This deconstruction process saves resources, energy, and landfill space. This same materials conservation practice can be used during remodeling when only part of a building is being demolished.

    Recycling and reusing old building materials can be done on any type of job site including, residential, commercial, and industrial locations.

    Deconstruction Before Demolition

    In some demolition situations, state and federal laws regulate which materials or fixtures can be taken out for reuse. Knowing these regulations is the first step when deconstructing a building and salvaging useful items.

    The next step in recycling parts of an old building is identifying any hazardous substances present at the location. This is important because the materials being removed for reuse must be free from any contamination, or they must be properly decontaminated before they are recycled.

    [su_note note_color=”#f1f1f1″]When a building is slated for demolition, rapid assessment of salvageable materials is important for preventing theft or vandalism of salvageable items. Unfortunately, there is a thriving market for stolen building materials and valuable metals found in old buildings.[/su_note]

    There are many building materials and appurtenances which can be reused and recycled from an old building. Some of the materials which can be reused include:

    • Dimensional framing lumber,
    • Wood flooring,
    • Fixtures such as sinks, faucets, bathtubs, and toilets,
    • Doors and window glass,
    • Bricks and stone,
    • Appliances such as air conditioners, furnaces, and water heaters,
    • Marble and other countertops and fireplace mantels,
    • Doorknobs and latches,
    • Cabinets and built-in bookcases and shelves,
    • Light fixtures.

    Wood trim around doors and windows, moldings, and doors from older buildings are often made with wood and architectural styles no longer available. These items hold special historical and architectural value, and they can demand a high price at resale.

    Copper pipe and other metals found in buildings also have a high value at the scrap yard and are worth salvaging.

    Salvaging and recycling useful, historical, and valuable materials from a building help preserve natural and cultural resources in a community. When you deconstruct for reuse and recycling before demolition, you are playing a role in community conservation.

    [su_note note_color=”#f1f1f1″]Tri Span Inc. is a general contracting company with extensive knowledge and experience in properly deconstructing a building before demolition or remodeling begins. Contact TriSpan for more information on preserving valuable construction materials in old buildings in the Los Angeles area.[/su_note]