Most areas in our home consist of concrete. So, when you renovate your home or make some teeny-tiny changes, some rubbles of old concrete lie here and there. This ruins the aesthetic of your home. Hence, they need proper disposal. It’s easy to think that these concrete chunks can be tossed into the trash, but that’s not what you should do. This action is against the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulation.
Disposing of concrete chunks (big or small) can be challenging. However, there are many ways to dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way.
This blog has discussed five effective and efficient ways to dispose of concrete chunks!
Why Is Proper Disposal Of Concrete Important?
Here’s why it’s important to dispose of concrete properly -
Environmental Damage
Concrete is a by-product of construction and demolition. It is heavy and non-biodegradable, so it should be managed properly. If it is not managed and disposed of properly, it can accumulate in landfills and cause environmental damage.
Safety Risk
Improper disposal of concrete can lead to health and safety hazards. Concrete waste contains steel rebar or chemicals that can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Hence, proper disposal ensures the environment is free from contamination.
Saves Money
Proper disposal of concrete can save you money in the long run. Landfills may charge you a few dollars to let you dispose of the waste. However, if you recycle the waste, you can put it to several home renovation or improvement uses. Properly processed concrete isn’t really waste - it can be used in construction, concrete mixes, landscaping material, etc.
5 Ways You Can Dispose Of Concrete Fragments
Here are five ways to dispose of concrete fragments -
Reuse Them!
This should be the first point of discussion. See how you can use the fragments and the blocks. There are several uses of leftover concrete, such as -
-
Creating garden boundaries or walls
-
Constructing retaining walls
-
Create a seating area
-
Building a pathway
A sledgehammer breaks down the concrete to a usable size that suits the project. Once you have all the pieces ready, arrange them to build functional and aesthetic structures.
Donate Or Sell The Concrete
You can sell, donate, and even trade block concrete to the local community. Concrete is costly, so local businesses and non-profits are always searching for unused concrete. You can reach out to them and post ads on Craiglist.
You can also put the concrete in the front yard with a “FREE” sign. Your neighbors could use them as fire pits and for other DIY projects. This is the best way to get unwanted concrete off your hands.
Rent A Dumpster Or A Hauler
It is advisable to rent a dumpster if there’s a lot of concrete to get rid of. However, before you call in a dumpster, there are certain factors to be considered, such as:
-
The amount of waste you have.
-
Permit to rent a dumpster.
-
Get haulers that are committed to eco-friendly practices.
Get an inert dumpster that can easily carry these concrete chunks. These dumpsters are equipped to handle heavy materials and can be picked up and disposed of effectively. They cut off the heavy work, so it is worth a shot.
Take Concrete To The Landfills
You can easily take concrete to the landfills if you have time and a pick-up truck. You can drive to the nearest transfer station or landfill to get rid of concrete chunks. Some landfills may charge you, while some offer free dump days a few times a year.
Before you drive off, ensure the local facility is open to the public and accepts concrete. Some landfills prohibit concrete disposal. It is the most environmentally responsible way to dispose of concrete that is no longer in use.
Hire A Junk Removal Company
Junk removal companies in the US schedule pick-ups to remove debris. This service is not free, but it will save you time and energy for other work.
They do all the heavy lifting and determine which equipment is required and what disposal methods are best. The junk removal company uses heavy-duty tools to break the larger pieces into smaller, manageable ones.
How Much Does Concrete Removal Cost?
The price for concrete removal and disposal varies depending on several factors, such as -
-
Per cubic yard - The price per cubic yard depends on the concrete removal company. The standard price is around $50 to $95 per cubic yard.
-
Dumpster rental - For larger projects, you may need a large dumpster, which increases the cost of the concrete disposal process.
-
Location - Concrete disposal price depends on the region in which you live. Cities with higher living costs may have higher disposal rates.
-
Equipment used - The equipment used also affects the cost. Small equipment won’t cost you much. However, using heavy machinery may cost you more.
Conclusion
Before finalizing a concrete removal company - always talk to them about the price. Some companies schedule a free consultation to assess the situation and quote you a reasonable price. Get in touch with your nearest concrete removal companies - they’ll help you out with your concerns.
