When we start our renovation how do we go about recycling windows, concrete, tiles, carpet, earth, etc.?

Worth checking this out to avoid problems...

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs/63480.aspx

Stupid system though, that allows a customer to stick the same waste in the boot of their car and take it to the Household Waste site!

If I use my van to take DOMESTIC waste to the council dump I need a permit.

Figure out how you might reuse it on site if at all possible - we've done a fair bit of that - bricks, roof slates, tongue and groove, internal doors have been put back. Then for stuff that you can't or don't want to make use of plan, plan, plan....

I did freecycle a fireplace, a door, and quite a few other bits and pieces. Our old floor boards went to an allotment plot and I know other neighbour allotmenteers had a good rummage through the skip (at their own risk!). I also failed to freecycle vast quantities of stuff that ought to have gone to a good home (bath, basin, WC, another door, radiators, a window). In fact, it's one of my big regrets that we didn't manage the waste stream as well as we could have done given more time, less pressures for space, more knowledge. I've had three skips I think - and that's on an 'ecorenovation' where we reasonably mindful of the waste. Having said that, some of the stuff in skips is recycled/reused - the trouble is that things get broken in skips and then are not reusable. Did try to encourage my (green) builder to use a local wood salvage operation but the financials didn't work out, or maybe the skip is still the comfort zone.

1930s house: is the internal plaster cementitious? Could we recycle ourselves? Would it be any good added to hardcore for instance?

Also, do you know of any books/websites/organisations out there with advice about construction waste management?

And one more: adding 10% to orders seems to be a rule of thumb for most materials. Could we reduce this? Do you know where I can find any advice for optimising this percentage for different materials? Could speak to a QS I guess.

Posted By: tonyAdding 10% will work out most of the time but it is best to count how many you need and get it right plus a few, not 10%

Okay ta. What about a pre-mixed concrete pour? Last thing you want is not quite enough right?

Posted By: tonybetter to work out what you need yourself, I always found that 'husbandry' among tradesmen pretty appalling when time is factored in as a cost waste increases, cant be bothered to reuse the other half of a brick, off cuts, recycle mortar etc.

Adding 10% will work out most of the time but it is best to count how many you need and get it right plus a few, not 10%

totaly agree

Posted By: joe90With poured concrete I always try to have something else on site that could use excess concrete if there is any over,

Excellent advice. Will remember that. Thanks.

I Freecycle or give stuff away.

I also put stuff on the drive with a large sign saying "Free - please help your self". It's supprising what goes!

Offer stuff on here, someone may take it off your hands.

I have heard that rather than saying "Free", if you write £5 or £20 etc. it disappears even quicker! Not that they're the sort of people I'd choose to give my stuff to, but good when you just want stuff to go and perhaps the taker is less likely to go on to dump stuff that has a "value".

Old carpet is a popular weed supressant on a veg plot (prior to planting!). And old windows if glazed can make rather good cold frames.

Posted By: jamesingramUse the guys with the 'mix on site' lorries

Cost penalty vs readimix?

Gd info, thanks

djh , that's correct . (some charge same per m3 then add delivery, some dont)
Though lots of varibles as ever , how often yo use them , distance to site , how much you need , larger orders and the 'mix as you g'o will drop the m3 price as will readymix.

Benefit of 'mix as you go' is it comes out a barrow at a time ( most truck come with 2 of there own good sized barrows) so you can get the exact amount you need. Most charge to the 0.1 of a m3 and are happy to give you time to run it to the footing or slab etc. Unlike the readymix cone lorries that just want to dump the lot unless you slip them a 'drink'.

Posted By: fostertomSo figure out the avoided cost of a concrete pump

Are there lists of these type of costs anywhere? Cranes are another example.