In Alabama, you can sort and dispose of the waste from your home renovations in designated skips. Concrete blocks, gravel, wood, metal, bricks… Knowing how to properly sort, remove, and process construction waste is essential for protecting the environment and complying with regulations.
When you undertake renovation or remodeling work in your home, waste management quickly becomes crucial. Let’s review the different steps to follow to properly manage this waste and contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach.
What are the different types of waste on a construction site
Before delving into waste management, it’s important to understand the various types of waste you might encounter on a construction site: rubble, concrete blocks, plastic packaging, bricks, insulation, metals, chemical waste, etc.
From building materials to potentially hazardous waste, each type of waste requires specific handling. By identifying these categories, you will be better prepared to sort and manage waste properly.
During home renovations: how to sort waste
Effective waste sorting from the moment it is generated greatly facilitates its subsequent management. During renovations, setting up a proper sorting system can make all the difference. To reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and contribute to a more sustainable circular economy, be sure to distinguish between:
- Inert waste: This includes non-biodegradable waste such as glass, tiles, rubble, bricks, etc
- Non-inert, non-hazardous waste: This is what is known as ordinary industrial waste, such as wood, metals, plastic, cardboard, plaster, carpet, etc
- Hazardous waste such as paint residues, contaminated building materials, varnish, tar, asbestos, lead, fiber cement, solvents, etc. These must be packaged separately and labeled
This initial sorting will greatly facilitate subsequent waste management.
How to dispose of the waste
Once such construction waste is sorted, it’s time to dispose of it safely and efficiently. Estimate the total amount of waste: this will help you determine the most appropriate disposal method.
Several options are available, such as:
- Using rubble bags, practical for small quantities of waste and light debris. The price of a 1 m³ rubble bag is approximately $10 for a 2000 kg load
- Skips: for larger projects generating a significant amount of waste, consider renting a skip (between $100 and $500 for a 24-hour rental). Check with your local council regarding available sizes and local regulations concerning skip placement
- From rubble chutes: If you’re working at height, such as when renovating a roof or attic, rubble chutes are a safe and efficient way to remove waste directly from the worksite to a ground-level container. This minimizes the risk of falls and makes waste removal easier. Expect to pay between $60 and $80 per day to rent a chute
Each method has its advantages and limitations, and the choice will depend on the quantity and type of waste you have to deal with.
Good to know regarding waste
It is illegal to dump waste on Alabama public roads. This can result in a fine of up to $1,500.
Where to dispose of it
Public waste disposal centers, recycling centers, and selective collection points are common destinations for different types of waste. Familiarizing yourself with the appropriate locations in your area will help you dispose of waste responsibly.
If some of your waste is recyclable, find out about the recycling services in your area. You may be able to have your recyclables collected directly from your home. You can also hire a waste disposal company to transport the rubble.
If you have sorted your waste into different categories (wood, metals, construction waste, etc.), take it to appropriate recycling centers. Non-recyclable waste can be taken to an authorized landfill.
What to do with asbestos waste
Home renovations can sometimes reveal the presence of potentially hazardous waste such as asbestos-containing materials, which are dangerous to your health.
Asbestos waste requires special handling and must be disposed of in accordance with current regulations. Hiring qualified professionals (asbestos removal companies) to manage and dispose of asbestos waste is essential to protect your health and the environment.
By disposing of your waste responsibly, you help maintain a clean environment and reduce the environmental impact of your renovations. Take the time to plan your waste disposal from the outset of your projects to ensure proper management of these unwanted materials.










