5.1.3.2.1.2.2. Utilization of recycled materials

A large number of building materials are reusable and recyclable (Kralj & MariČ, 2008), such as, Wood and untreated timber, and Earthen Materials (reusable/recyclable/biodegradable); Metals, mainly Steel, Aluminium, Iron, Copper, Masonry and Bricks, and Glass and ceramic (reusable/recyclable); Asphalt and Concrete (may be crushed and recycled); and Gypsum/Drywall (recyclable, sometimes biodegradable). Some innovative, modern recycled building materials are; Plant-Based Polyurethane Foam Boards, possessing good heat transfer resistance, quality sound insulation, and mould and insect resistance; Hempcrete, a sustainable, carbon negative alternative to concrete bound with hemp fibres; Ecobrick, a plastic bottle filled with small plastic waste; Rammed Earth, made of compacted, excavated earth from the construction site, mixed with concrete; Chip[s] board, is a fibre-reinforced bioplastic made from potato waste.

This chunk outlines various materials that can be recycled in construction. It starts with traditional recyclable materials like wood, metal, and concrete. These materials can be reused in new construction or processed for new uses. It also mentions innovative materials like Plant-Based Polyurethane, Hempcrete, and Ecobrick, each of which is designed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Think of recycling building materials as recycling plastic bottles. Just as old bottles can be transformed into new products, old building materials like wood and concrete can be repurposed or recycled into new construction materials. For example, an old wooden beam from a demolished house could be sanded and reused for a new porch.

Recycling materials can contribute greatly towards reducing impact and can be achieved by; • Identifying materials in existing buildings that can be salvaged and reused in new construction projects may include, structural elements, fixtures, flooring, doors, and windows. • Establishing on-site recycling programs to process and reuse construction and demolition waste, and setting up in dedicated areas for sorting and separating different materials such as concrete, metal, wood, and plastics. • Implementing comprehensive waste management plans for construction sites, with clear guidelines for sorting, separating, and recycling different types of waste generated during the construction process. • Participating in material exchange networks or online platforms where builders, contractors, and suppliers can connect to exchange surplus materials. • Collaborating with local recycling centers, waste management facilities, and other stakeholders to establish efficient recycling systems for construction materials.

This section emphasizes the environmental benefits of recycling construction materials. It suggests practical methods like salvaging reusable materials from old buildings, creating physical spaces for recycling waste on construction sites, and collaborating with local recycling facilities. By implementing these practices, construction projects can minimize waste and their environmental footprint.

Imagine a community yard sale where families sell or trade their unused items, such as furniture, toys, or garden tools. Likewise, in construction, utilizing existing materials from old buildings or creating systems for exchanging surplus materials can help communities not only reduce waste but also save money and resources.

Incorporating design principles of ‘Design for Disassembly’ makes it easier to disassemble and separate materials during the end-of-life phase, by using modular construction techniques and joinery systems, for easy dismantling without damaging the materials, is a potential approach to carefully deconstruct buildings to preserve reusable materials.

'Design for Disassembly' involves planning buildings with the future removal of materials in mind. By using modular design and special joining systems, construction can be made reversible. This means that when the building reaches the end of its life, it can be taken apart easily without breaking materials, allowing them to be reused in new projects.

Think about how some furniture is designed so that it can be easily assembled and disassembled, like Ikea furniture. When you're done with it or moving, you can take it apart, and the pieces can be reused or recycled. In the same way, if a building is designed to be taken apart easily, the materials can be salvaged and given new life in other buildings.

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