Construction rubbish, construction waste, C&D waste. Whatever this type of waste is referred to as, it’s a significant problem in both Melbourne and the rest of the country. This term refers to the debris and waste materials generated during construction, renovation, and demolition projects. And we see plenty of it during our Melbourne construction rubbish removal services.
At Melbourne City Rubbish, we provide savvy and reliable construction rubbish removal solutions for projects of all sizes. We work with a range of clients across the CBD and surrounding areas, ensuring that construction waste is removed promptly and in a sustainable manner. In this article, we’ll take a look at how this national problem can be addressed.
Click here for a free quote for building rubbish removal in Melbourne!
Construction rubbish is an environmental threat
Australian cities are growing continuously, with new residential and commercial projects popping up everywhere. We need housing and commercial space, but these new structures come with a problem – building and construction rubbish. This type of waste can become an environmental hazard, which can lead to air, water, and soil pollution, harm wildlife, and take up valuable landfill space. In the 2020-21 period alone, it was reported that we generated an estimated 75.8 Mt of waste, 25.2 Mt of which is building and demolition waste. That’s around 33.25% of the total, which means it is a growing problem that, sooner or later, needs to be addressed. The first step towards that goal is to understand the problem itself.Where does construction waste come from in Australia?
According to the National Waste Report 2022 (Page 19), Australia has experienced a 73% increase in C&D waste generation in the last 15 years (2004-2021). 2022 recorded a whopping quarter of a million tonnes of construction rubbish. When comparing this growth year on year, it’s clear that the issue is only getting worse. According to another report released in 2020, out of 75.8 Mt of waste generated in 2018-19, we sent 27% to landfills for disposal, with the construction industry contributing around 16.8%. The sheer volume of waste alone is staggering, but the fact that such a huge portion is ending up in Victorian landfills (and other states’ landfills) is even more concerning. This rapid growth in building and construction waste produced highlights the urgent need for effective waste management strategies to address this environmental challenge. Through legislation and regulation, the state and territory governments have been working to curb the impacts of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. In Victoria, for example, the State Government has invested more than $515 million to deliver the biggest reform and transformation of the waste and recycling system in the region, in recent years. The results have been very promising so far, with a record amount of 11.05 Mt diverted from landfills and 91% of the waste processed locally.Understanding construction industry waste
When we talk about construction rubbish, we’re not just talking about the odd pile of bricks. Construction industry waste covers everything leftover from building, renovating, or demolishing. Think concrete slabs, wooden beams, steel reinforcements, drywall scraps, and even old carpets, among all kinds of other waste. Construction garbage generally falls into two categories: hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Hazardous waste consists of many materials that can harm people and the environment, e.g., asbestos, lead-based paints, and many more. One mind-boggling fact about hazardous waste is that we produce three times more hazardous waste than plastic waste! That’s a pretty shocking statistic. While some of this waste is not recyclable (think hazardous), many other types of waste are, and it is our duty and responsibility to recycle and dispose of this waste properly. At Melbourne City Rubbish, we always strive to find sustainable outcomes for the construction rubbish that we remove from sites around the city.Why proper construction waste removal in Melbourne matters
It’s easy to think of construction garbage as just debris and junk that needs clearing out, but how it’s handled has real-world consequences. Environmentally, improper waste disposal can leach dangerous chemicals into the soil and waterways, harming ecosystems and even our water supplies. Other reasons why construction trash removal matters are listed below.Reducing landfill pressure
Landfills are filling up fast in Melbourne, and all over the country. Unfortunately, construction debris contributes significantly to the problem. By removing and processing construction rubbish responsibly, we can reduce the strain on these overburdened sites and ensure that only waste that cannot be recycled or repurposed is placed in landfills.Economic savings
Proper waste removal can actually save money in the long run. Recycling materials like metal or concrete reduces the need for new raw materials, which helps cut costs for businesses and consumers alike. This is a great example of a big win for the construction industry, if everyone can get on board with better recycling practices.Legal compliance
The Victorian state government, along with local governments throughout Melbourne, are cracking down on improper waste disposal with stricter regulations and hefty fines, as they should be. Each state has its own set of rules, but the general idea is to hold businesses and individuals accountable for their waste. For example, in Victoria, waste infringement for more than 1000 litres can cost a business a whopping $5,928. So, to avoid getting hit with this big fine, it’s important to follow the rules and dispose of construction waste correctly. Some would argue that these fines aren’t large enough!Reputation and sustainability goals
For businesses, managing proper construction rubbish removal isn’t just about compliance; it’s also a chance to show commitment to sustainability. Green practices resonate with clients, stakeholders, and the broader community, boosting your brand’s reputation.What can Melbourne construction and demo companies do?
Addressing construction rubbish requires action from all corners, including the government, builders, demolition companies, and even individuals in the building industry. Here’s how each group can play their part:| Construction Companies | Individuals (Homeowners and Renovators) |
| Plan smarter by ordering materials precisely to avoid overstock. | When hiring a contractor for a renovation or construction project, inquire about their waste handling practices. |
| Embrace sustainable building methods like reclaimed materials. | Incorporate salvaged or recycled materials in your project. |
| Partner with waste management companies that specialise in construction debris recycling. | Repurpose where possible, like old tiles, bricks, and wood, which can often be repurposed for DIY projects like garden pathways or furniture. |
| Create separate bins for recyclable materials (e.g., metal, wood, plastics) and train workers to sort as they go. | Donate usable materials, like timber, tiles, or paint, to local charities or organisations. |
| Provide workers with training on waste management best practices. |
