Benefits Of Using Recycled Products For New Buildings
When we recycle products, we take great care when removing products from demolition sites, so we can convert them into reusable building items. In doing so, there is less environmental impact through less junk and waste being sent to landfill. Valuable resources such as glass, metals, wood, and other building materials are recycled and used in other forms. Find out more about the
benefits of using recycled building materials.
Second-Hand Building Materials
We are an environmentally conscious company, and our team takes every step to ensure that we recycle as many of these materials as possible. Most of the structures we demolish are old, and the timber that we salvage is in very good condition and strong too.
With us, environmental protection is high on the priority list; all materials that we remove from the site are effectively recycled- they may be handled at our very own recycling depot or we may send the things to an EPA-approved recycling yard-where everything will be redistributed or sorted.
When it comes to second-hand building materials, you will find a large variety with us. For more information, call or email our friendly staff today.
Why Use Recycled Building Materials?
Recycling building materials is not just about minimising environmental waste, its also about providing:
- Affordable solutions for building
- Materials that no longer are made new
- Materials to achieve a look and feel that you are after with your building project
Many people are now making extra efforts to choose building and amenity options that will be more sustainable.
Complete Demolition provides second-hand building materials that can be used in your building projects. These materials are all acquired from our
demolition, or storm-damaged building projects and most are in very good condition.
Combining Demolition & Recycling
Complete Demolition is one of the largest demolition services in NSW. While we cover all aspects of demolition in residential, commercial and industrial spaces, we take care to ensure that a large number of things are categorised as
recycled materials in the Central Coast.
We hold an unrestricted demolitions licence and cover all aspects of demolition in residential and commercial projects.
- A small backyard that has to be cleaned
- A large construction site that requires soil remediation services
- A shopping centre complex that has to be demolished
- A storm damaged structure that needs demolition
Recycled Building Materials FAQ
What is the most recycled building material?
The most recycled building material is steel – in fact, around 500 million tonnes of steel are recycled each year and almost 40% of all steel production is made from recycled scrap. About 13% of all steel reclaimed from buildings is reused in new structures and 86% is recycled, with only 1% lost to landfill. Steel has a lower carbon footprint than concrete and whilst it needs significant amounts of energy for transportation, it’s recyclable qualities make it a sound choice for responsible construction.
What building materials are reusable?
Careful handling can mean many materials can be reused after demolition. The main reusables are:
- Wood and timber
- Steel
- Copper pipes
- Copper wire
- Bricks
- Glass
- Gypsum
- Plasterboard
- Porcelain fittings
- Metal fixtures and fittings e.g., window catches and door handles
Simple things like using separate skips and having a clear focus on reusables at the point of demolition mean a lot of construction waste can be recovered.
Can you build with recycled materials?
Yes. Many building materials can be reused. Bricks, steel and wood are some of the most common. They can be reused in the construction process and as part of the fabric of the new building itself. Recycled materials are also used to create recycled plastic insulation, sold in Australia under the GreenStuf Home Insulation brand.
What materials in a house can be recycled?
Many materials in a house can be recycled, including:
- Bricks
- Concrete
- Untreated timber
- Terracotta tiles
- Plasterboard such as Gyproc
- Metal
- Steel
- Wires
- Copper
- Porcelain e.g., sinks and toilets
- Glass
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Garden waste
- Carpet
- Floor tiles
It’s important to keep recyclable materials as clean as possible, so they do not become contaminated during the recycling process. Some materials such as treated or painted wood can't become part of the recycling chain. Use a demolition company that has clear processes in place to make sure as much material as possible is properly salvaged for reuse or recycling.
Is it cheaper to build a house with recycled materials?
Choosing recycled materials can dramatically reduce the cost of your construction. Reclaimed bricks, for example, don’t incur the manufacturing costs that new bricks do, so the end cost is cheaper. As with many things, the costs will vary from project to project.
Recycled materials cost a lot less in terms of environmental damage, and long-term savings for the planet are a huge consideration for anyone building a new home or commercial space.
