Waste and compost · Build the waste infrastructure · waste-13

Run the building site to minimise and sort waste

During construction, keep materials sorted and protected so offcuts can be reused and hazardous materials are handled correctly.

How

Set up separate piles or skips for clean timber, metal, masonry, cardboard and residual waste.
Reuse timber offcuts for short framing pieces or chip clean, untreated wood as mulch.
Use crushed brick, concrete and masonry as fill, sub-base or driveway bedding where your engineer approves.
Use leftover paint for sheds and primer coats and leftover insulation as sound insulation in internal walls.
Return unused packaging to suppliers and donate surplus doors, fixtures and hardware.
Before reusing old materials, check for asbestos, lead paint and PCBs, which are regulated (US example: federal rules apply; other countries have their own).

Safety: Do not cut, sand or burn reclaimed materials until you know they are free of asbestos and lead paint.