One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s House

Technology is an amazing thing that seems to make everything happen much faster than before. Nowadays, it takes such a short amount of time to complete most construction projects that almost everywhere you look, there is a new building or plaza opening. One minute there’s an empty lot, the next there is a brand-new structure. In between, there is a whole lot of debris and mess, but when the project is complete, where does it all go? 

Well, some of the unused materials or construction waste is recycled and used in other construction projects. Rubble, wood, and even scrap metal can be reused in other building projects or even repurposed for another use. And if recycling isn’t an option, there are even sites where people will buy building materials, appliances, tools, et cetera. 

While some extra materials may be difficult to sell, scrap metal seems to be something which a lot of companies want to purchase and recycle. California seems to be one of many states where recycling metal is very popular. For instance, searching any metal recycling cerritos ca, will bring up pages of results featuring various companies that buy and recycle scrap metal. Once the metal is melted down, it can then be converted, according to the particular metal, into blocks, sheets, et cetera. 

Most construction debris is recyclable but for the materials that aren’t, proper waste disposal is implemented. However, any hazardous materials such as those containing lead or asbestos must be disposed of at a special industrial waste landfill. Whether the materials are being recycled, sold or disposed of, proper construction waste management is an integral part of the building process. 

There are a lot of materials that go into building a structure and frankly, some of those materials can be hazardous. For example, while insulation is no longer made with asbestos, the fiberglass used in it has caused many people to question its safety. Aside from the commonly known side effects of coming in contact with insulation, skin irritation; difficulty breathing and seeing, there are also concerns of if the product causes cancer as well. 

While fiberglass causing cancer is still debatable, there are other, and safer insulation options available such as wool or even old newspaper. However, if you must use fiberglass insulation, be sure to wear protective clothing as well as a face mask so as not to inhale any of the particles. This holds true no matter if you are the builder or the homeowner. As the homeowner, you may find it necessary to make a DIY repair in the attic or where there is insulation. Regardless of the reason, proper precautions when handling any potentially hazardous material is extremely important. 

Lately, more and more people are getting into self-building when it comes to their homes. These homes are being made almost totally out of recycled materials and are virtually environmentally friendly. These earth homes, as they are called, have become sort of a new trend, yet is actually what homo sapiens have done before technology. Regardless of whether we are building by hand or by machine, it is our duty to make sure that we do so safely. Not just for ourselves, but for our fellow man and definitely the planet.