Deconstructing construction waste: why collaboration is the solution to overflowing landfills

Reducing our impact on our natural environment is an issue that every industry across the globe is dealing with. The construction industry in particular uses a broad range of materials with cost and timeliness being a big factor in how these are dealt with at the end-of-life.

According to a report by QFlow, the construction industry generates 62% of the UK’s waste and 32% of all waste sent to landfill. Diversion from landfill is sitting at 87%—but with 13% of all construction waste going direct to landfill, this is far below the 99% target, says Daniel Senior, Director at Autex Acoustics® United Kingdom.

For many, visits to the landfill are rare, even for those managing waste regularly. Typically, trash is placed in a skip and collected by a truck; once it leaves the site, it’s forgotten. Since we don’t see our waste as it accumulates in the landfill, it’s easy to ignore that it doesn’t simply vanish but contributes to growing piles eventually covered with dirt, with new holes dug to accommodate more waste. Landfills harm the environment by destroying habitats and releasing pollutants into the air, soil, and groundwater.

Reducing and diverting waste from landfills can decrease the need for new landfill sites, reducing land pollution, unsafe habitats for native wildlife, carbon emissions, and the production of single-use or hazardous materials.

Effective waste management on site is crucial, but architects can make a significant impact by specifying products designed to minimise waste.

“Architects typically oversee construction waste management during the building phase,” Senior explains. “However, their primary method of waste reduction lies in selecting sustainable suppliers and materials with circular properties right from the project’s inception.”

To support architects, manufacturers must develop and provide sustainable materials.

“At Autex Acoustics, we design products with circularity in mind, such as panels that can be easily disassembled, recycled, or repurposed at the end of their lifecycle, contributing to a more sustainable construction industry,” Senior says.

“From a manufacturing point of view, Autex Acoustics implements efficient manufacturing processes to minimise waste generation during production which significantly reduce the overall waste output. By utilising recycled materials in the production of acoustic panels, Autex reduces the need for new resources and helps divert waste from landfills. And lastly, Autex Acoustics tries to use minimal and recyclable packaging materials for shipping products to help reduce waste throughout the supply chain.”

Solving the construction waste problem requires more than the efforts of a single supplier, manufacturer, or architect. Significant change demands industry-wide collaboration.

“Autex Acoustics advocates for the adoption of circular design principles, which focus on maximising the lifespan of materials and products, including acoustic panels. Encourage stakeholders to design spaces with modular components that can be easily disassembled, reused, or recycled at the end of their life cycle. We also work closely with suppliers and manufacturers to source materials that are sustainably produced and have minimal environmental impact and collaborate with suppliers who prioritise waste reduction and offer take-back programmes for end-of-life products. And lastly, Autex Acoustics invest in research and development efforts to explore innovative technologies and materials that further reduce waste in the construction industry.”