How to Recycle the ‘Unrecyclable’
From home renovations to large scale commercial refits, at AJ Grab Hire we’ve come into contact with every kind of waste you can imagine.
With many years under our belt with supporting both small projects and large firms, we know that managing waste removal can be overwhelming – especially when there is waste you don’t actually know what to do with.
While at AJ Grab Hire we can remove green waste, timber, rubble, muck and rubbish, there are some waste items that we’re not allowed to touch, and need special handling due to the sensitivity of the substance or materials.
We’ve listed below the items we can’t remove, and provided guidance and advice on what to do if you do need these materials removed from your site.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was heavily used in the construction industry during the 1990s.
Before anyone knew the dangers and risks associated with asbestos it was used as insulation in buildings, sprayed onto walls, and even used in flooring and roofing products.
Asbestos is now banned in the UK, but some buildings constructed before the year 2000 may still have asbestos.
Those working in the construction industry will be all too aware of the major risks linked to asbestos, and the word often strikes fear into many construction workers who have seen first hand the damage it can do.
Asbestos once inhaled can embed itself in the human lungs and cause a variety of health problems. Unfortunately, Asbestos related diseases are usually fatal, and still today in the UK more than 5,000 people die from Asbestos related health problems.
If you discover Asbestos in a building or property that you are working on, it is classed as hazardous material.
You should not touch the Asbestos or try to remove it yourself, and instead contact your local authorities to let them know that Asbestos has been discovered. Your local authority will then provide you with details to a specialist who will come and remove it.
Asbestos cannot be put into a skip or recycled.
Any poor handling of asbestos puts people at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
There is currently no cure for asbestos related diseases, therefore there are fines and strict regulations around the handling of the material.
Tyres
It may be rare that you come into contact with tyres on your project, but these products can throw a spanner in the works if you do not know how to remove it consciously. After all, you don’t just want to throw it in with all the other waste.
Tyres can be recycled, and are now made into many other products including road materials, and even rubber crumb on artificial sports pitches.
You can either take tyres to your local mechanic centre where they collect tyres, or if you have a large number of them, you can hire a tyre recycling specialist to come and collect them.
Gas Canisters
Large gas canisters may appear in derelict buildings where they were once used as fuel.
Should you discover any gas canisters in a building or property that you are renovating you will be pleased to know that these can easily be recycled and should not be placed into landfill.
If you know the supplier of the gas canister, they will accept them back, and often collect them so that they can be reused.
However if you are not aware of the supplier or brand of gas canister, it is best advised to contact your local authority who will be able to provide you with information on their recycling. Most local authorities accept them at Household recycling centres, but it is best to check your own local authority as the rules change by county.
Toxic Chemicals
Hazardous and toxic chemicals cause major issues on construction sites, as once detected they can put delays in the development plan.
Toxic of hazardous waste is identified as a material that will cause significant harm to human health or the environment.
Toxic chemicals for example must be sorted and stored differently to general waste, as there is a heightened focus on safety and security.
When any hazardous or toxic waste is found on a site you must notify your local authority, and hire specialists in the removal of toxic waste, as there are specific permits and methods which must be followed.
A certified waste remover should provide you with the full details of where your toxic waste will be disposed of. This is certainly one instance where you must have an accredited waste remover as the consequences of rogue waste removal in toxic waste are severe, threatening both life and the environment.
On the removal of hazardous waste from any premises you will be given a consignment note which must be completed to accompany the toxic waste.
A consignment note acts as a paper or electronic receipt for movements of hazardous waste. They are colour-coded and divided into three parts.
- Producer’s/holder’s/consignor’s copy (white).
- Carrier’s copy (yellow).
- Consignee’s copy (pink).
As you can see, aside from some products, almost anything you find onsite can be recycled.
While at AJ Grab Hire we do not handle toxic or hazardous waste, we can help with all your other waste requirements that aren’t quite as dangerous.
Contact our team today to get a quote. Call 01763 233493
AJ Grab Hire
Head Office:
Langdale Farm
Cambridge Road
Melbourn
Hertfordshire
SG8 6EY
