The EPA estimates that the US generates 600 million tonnes of building and demolition waste per year. More than 7.5 million tonnes of building and demolition waste were dumped in Texas landfills in 2019; this waste could have been recovered or utilised, taking up valuable landfill space.
Austin mandates building and demolition waste be recycled. For the sake of the local economy and the environment, here are five reasons to reuse and recycle construction material.
A Reduction In The Amount Of Landfill Space Required
Construction and demolition garbage accounted for nearly 21% of all Texas landfill waste in 2019, as per the Texas Center for Environmental Quality (TCEQ). After municipal waste, it’s Texas’s second-largest waste stream.
Communities can save money and time in the long run by repurposing or recycling construction waste, which extends the life of landfills in the region.
Boosts The Economy And Creates Jobs
In 2018, Austin’s recycling and reuse business generated more than 6,300 employment and $1.1 billion in total economic output. A contractor’s donation or recycling of demolition waste materials can help create new jobs. Reusing and recycling construction materials promotes a more resource-efficient society by allowing these items to be put to better use instead of being disposed of or incinerated.
In addition, there are tax deductions.
Instead of dismantling a structure, owners have the option of deconstructing it. Contractors recycle materials and repurpose them for use in the construction industry.
After some more than 15 years, Roxy Cafe & Bar has closed its doors.
Business groups in Colorado are concerned about the validity of a measure that would establish a free recycling programme.
Popovich’s loss of Duncan remains as he considers the future
Donations of building materials to nonprofits are tax deductible for building owners. When deconstruction costs rise, these deductions can help. Most of the donated construction supplies are worth about 35percentage points of the final appraised price after taxes. The type and building condition and its materials, as well as other factors, all have an impact on the tax benefits that can be claimed.
When it comes to claiming a tax deduction, there are numerous things to keep in mind. The donated goods must be of use to the organisation. The fair value of a materials must also be known by building owners. Donated property worth and over $5,000 will necessitate an assessment of the item or set of related goods.
Protects the environment by conserving natural resources
We can help to conserve by recycling and reusing construction materials.
Every year, the Texas Transportation department (TxDOT) consumes approximately 1 million tonnes of recycled concrete from the state. TxDOT eliminates the need to mine natural stone & reduces landfill trash by recycling these materials in road building.
Helps to reduce hazardous emissions
In landfills which contain construction waste, hydrogen sulphide gas is an issue. A byproduct of the reaction between bacteria and the gypsum present in drywall is this gas. Disturbing scents from the gas produced by recycling drywall can be alleviated with this method.
According to TxDOT, recycled concrete reduces greenhouse emissions by 46,000 tonnes of co2 each year. That’s the equivalent of driving 31,542 cars for a year.
