Did you know that on average, a bathroom remodel produces 0.63 tons, or 1,260 pounds of construction and demolition (C&D) waste? This is based on national waste composition study averages. So when you want to update your bathroom, make sure your remodel is as green as possible to reduce the waste produced. However, this is not all, you need to manage the waste you cannot avoid generating. Bathroom remodel waste can include:
- Old toilets, sinks
- Fixtures & fittings
- Vanities
- Cabinets
- Concrete
- Gypsum in case of drywalls
- Metal
- Glass
- Plastics
- Doors, windows etc
However, all bathroom remodel or any other remodel waste is not the same. Debris will always contain some hazardous waste and while some are easily recognized, you may be surprised what is not. Hazardous waste from your remodel may include:
- Aerosol spray cans
- Light bulbs and lamps with mercury
- Switches and relays with mercury
- Oil-based paints
- Solvents sludge
- Paint thinner
- Treated wood & sanding dust
- Contaminated towels and rugs
How to remove waste
Waste often ends up to be more than you planned for; spilling off into the yard, sidewalks and everywhere else. But you can comfortably, cost-effectively dispose debris. One way to do it is to recycle or even donate usable material. Sometimes what you can’t wait to get rid off may be just what someone else is looking for.
The following can be recycled or salvaged from bathroom remodel:
- Concrete
- Scrap and rabble from masonry
- Metal
- Plastics
- Insulation
- Clean wood
- Un-tempered glass
- Assemblies for the doors and windows
- Fixtures and fittings
- Appliances etc
For what cannot be donated or reused after your bathroom remodel, you will need to dump it. You may be a hands-on person who enjoys taking care of things yourself but get a professional because things can get messy, difficult, and sometimes dangerous. Professional waste disposal services offer dumpster rentals among other services to rid you of debris. However, disclose the waste in terms of amount, size, and what it’s made of.
Much of the waste from a bathroom remodel can be donated, reused or even sold. Believe it or not, 22%-44% of our landfill comes from construction debris. A standard bathroom remodel can warrant up to a 40 Cubic Yard Dumpster.
Check availability of Dumpsters in your area.
I’m planning on renovating my bathroom to put in some nice marble fixtures. I didn’t even think about the fact that I will have to throw a lot of stuff away after this! It would definitely be a good idea for me to rent a nice dumpster to be able to have it taken away easily! That seems like the best way to make this convenient for us.