A lack of space is one of the most common reasons that waste-sorting falls into the “too hard” basket. But we’re here to help you find innovative solutions to manage your waste when space is limited so you can maintain an organised and efficient site and keep your waste disposal costs down.
The basics
When space is a finite resource, effective management of materials on-site can be difficult. Issues can include:
- Lack of adequate storage space
- Lack of adequate room for the effective handling of materials
- Damage occurring due to poor material management
- Lack of adequate room to account for materials
- Materials becoming buried on-site
On-site waste management solutions
Modular waste storage systems can be customised to fit the available space on site, improving waste segregation and storage efficiency. Compactors, crushers, and shredders can reduce the volume of waste and make it easier to store and transport.
Off-site waste processing
Partnering with waste management services that offer off-site sorting and processing can help manage waste more efficiently. Many builders put all their waste material onto a trailer and sort through the waste back at the depot, or other off-site facility.
Materials management
Just-in-time management of building materials can create significant reductions in costs for builders, especially where the space required for the materials is greater than the space available on site.
By managing the flow of materials onto a site to align with the times these materials are being used, you can reduce double-handling and storage space requirements for materials that aren’t needed until later in the build.
Putting it into practice
Naylor Love has put waste-sorting into practice on several of its small Auckland building sites.
To do so, they used 1m3 bags with frames and clear signage for material types.
There wasn’t room for all waste types in one area, so tradies took the bags to their work areas, e.g. a plumber takes the relevant bag to the bathroom area when completing the first fix to collect all the PVC pipes.
Our best advice for waste management on a confined site is to engage a waste provider to take away small loads in bags.
Other aspects you should consider:
- Using compact, manoeuvrable bins or bags suitable for tight spaces, with clear labelling to avoid contamination
- Plan the placement of containers to allow for easy access and movement of debris within the limited space, considering forklift or manual handling requirements
- Use compactors to reduce the volume of waste materials before removal, optimising space usage
- Where feasible, install waste chutes to facilitate efficient waste disposal from elevated areas to designated collection points
- Implement a frequent waste collection schedule to prevent overfilling and potential safety hazards
Safety considerations
- Lifting and handling: Ensure proper lifting techniques are used when handling waste materials in confined spaces, especially when dealing with heavy debris
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Workers should wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, and high-visibility clothing
- Ventilation: Address potential dust and fume issues by providing adequate ventilation in confined areas
- Training and awareness: Provide comprehensive training on proper waste sorting procedures, safety protocols, and the importance of waste minimisation
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