Concrete Recycling 101: Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Recycling Your Concrete

Cities are built on concrete. Every time a new building goes up, concrete is poured. And every time an old building is knocked down, that concrete comes with it. That used concrete has to go somewhere, and unfortunately, some of it ends up being trashed. But there’s some good news: the Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA) estimated in 2010 that 140 million tons of concrete were recycled each year in the U.S. But what happens during the recycling process, and how can that recycled concrete be used?

What Happens During the Concrete Recycling Process? 

Many concrete recycling facilities offer easy ways for contractors to recycle. Most facilities allow customers to bring it by themselves, have it sent to the facility, or have it dropped into a recycling container for pick-up. Once it reaches the recycling facility, it’s sorted into grades based on its characteristics, and any steel that’s still mixed in will be separated during this time. Once sorted, the recycling company crushes it, screens it based on size, and then sorts it again based on what uses it might have. This new material is called either recycled concrete aggregate or crushed concrete aggregate, depending on the size of the particles and the materials of which it is composed.

What Benefits Come With Recycling Concrete?

Just like the recycling of paper and plastics, recycling concrete diverts it away from landfills. Companies who use recycled concrete in their projects help to preserve the earth’s natural stockpiles of gravel and limestone, which in turn helps save energy, time, and money on removing and transporting those natural stockpiles. Additionally, builders who recycle concrete from the initial demolition (when demolition is necessary) and then use recycled concrete in the new construction process may be eligible for LEED certification.

How Is Recycled Concrete Used?

There are a number of practical uses for recycled concrete, ranging from new construction projects to DIY-type projects by homeowners. Small pieces of broken-down concrete are a fantastic alternative to gravel as drainage material in wet areas. Recycled concrete also works very well for creating retaining walls in sloped areas, helping to contain erosion. The broken pieces of concrete can be used to create new paths and outdoor walkways, and creative DIY types have even used larger pieces to create raised garden beds to make gardening easier on the elderly and people with disabilities or limited mobility. They do this by stacking the concrete in layers with the smooth edges facing outward until the desired height is reached. They then create the garden beds on top of the stacked concrete. There are dozens of other practical uses for recycled concrete in everything from state DOT projects to rip-rap rocks for shoreline preservation on local lakes.

To learn more about concrete recycling services and how we can help you meet your recycling goals, contact Yannuzzi Group at 908.218.0880.

Project Spotlight: East and Davies Halls at Blair Academy

Yannuzzi Group proudly contributed demolition services to East and Davies Halls at Blair Academy, a private, co-ed boarding high school in Blairstown, NJ. This job presented unique challenges to Yannuzzi Group, as demolition needed to be completed in a short period of time while minimizing disruption to students, faculty, and staff on campus.

A Rich History 

East and Davies Halls have long been a part of Blair Academy’s history, which dates back to the school’s founding as an all-boys school in 1848. It wasn’t until nearly 40 years later, though, that East Hall was built; it served as a gymnasium until 1911, when it was converted into a dormitory. Davies Hall was also transformed into a dorm that year, although it was originally built to house a swimming pool. But eventually, the last of East and Davies Halls' occupants graduated, ending more than a century of tradition.

The Yannuzzi Group Demolition

All good things must come to an end, and Yannuzzi Group performed demolition on the two historic buildings after performing asbestos abatement on both halls. Yannuzzi Group had to do things a bit differently than with most jobs; school was still in session, and students and faculty were milling about, curious as to what would become of the site where these beloved dorms stood. Demolition was to be completed quickly, with special care taken to keep all workers, students, and staff safe. The entire site was fenced off, and because demolition dust needed to be avoided, Yannuzzi Group used dust-free demolition practices to be sure dirt, dust, and debris didn’t spread or disrupt students and staff.

Blair Academy also wanted to offer alumni and staff each a souvenir of their days at East and Davies in the form of a brick from the original structures. Yannuzzi Group takes great care to recycle building materials to have a positive impact on the environment. Those recycling practices had to be modified to separate the thousands of bricks from the remaining material to preserve a piece of history for those who had lived it.

The Dawn of a New Era

Demolition and cleanup were completed after a month, and crews set to work laying the foundation of Blair Academy’s future. The Center for Innovation and Collaboration has replaced the old dorms, and it serves as the home for the technology and fine arts departments. The exterior architecture offers a throwback to the old buildings, but the inside is filled with meeting spaces, a café, and classrooms filled with state-of-the-art technology.

The future for Blair Academy looks bright, and Yannuzzi Group is proud to have been part of the journey. To learn more about this project or our demolition services, call us at 908-218-0880.

What Does It Mean to Be HAZWOPER Trained?

The acronym HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. It refers to a set of guidelines established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA first announced HAZWOPER regulations in 1990, and they have been revised several times since. HAZWOPER regulations require people working in certain industries dealing with hazardous waste to undergo training to properly protect their own health and the health of others.

What Do HAZWOPER Regulations Cover? 

Specifically, HAZWOPER applies to employers and their employees who are exposed or could be exposed to hazardous substances while working on one of the following operations:

• Clean-up operations required by a government body (which can be federal, state, or local) at a site containing uncontrolled hazardous waste
• Clean-up operations covered by the corrective action provisions of the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA)
• Clean-up operations not legally required at sites that are nonetheless recognized by a government body as containing hazardous waste
• Operations at sites that treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste under federal regulation or in agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency
• Emergency response operations to clean up or prevent the release of hazardous substances, no matter what the location

Anybody working in one of these situations needs to undergo 24-40 hours of training and keep up with regular refresher course requirements.

What Does HAZWOPER Training Cover?

As outlined above, there are three essential types of situations where people might need HAZWOPER training, each with different requirements. For those dealing with clean-up operations, HAZWOPER training gives them the on-the-ground knowledge needed to safely enter a chemical contamination site and perform clean-up and remediation duties where the amounts and concentrations may not be known. People who work at hazardous waste disposal, treatment, or storage facilities may not be dealing with "uncontrolled" hazardous waste, but they are dealing with daily deliveries of a variety of waste types and have to learn how to handle each type. Finally, emergency responders have to have specialized training that specifically teaches them how to respond to situations that demand rapid containment and correction.

Founded in 1927, Yannuzzi Group is now in its third generation of family ownership serving New Jersey and projects throughout the United States by providing construction and infrastructure services, demolition, environmental remediation, and more. We are committed to safety on every job that we are a part of, and ensure that all our employees have the required training and certification to meet the demands of any job. Call us today at 908.218.0880 to learn more.

The Benefits of Building Deconstruction vs. Traditional Demolition

Whether a building is outdated or the land is simply needed for a different use, demolition is a common necessity for making improvements. But not all demolition was created the same. Instead of traditional demolition, here are some reasons that building deconstruction is often the better choice.

Demolition vs. Deconstruction 

While demolition and deconstruction ultimately have the same end, there are many differences in the processes themselves. In demolition, a crew will simply remove any hazardous materials like asbestos from a building before demolishing it. Alternately, there are two different types of deconstruction: selective deconstruction and whole-building deconstruction. Selective deconstruction, also known as "soft stripping" or "skimming," means going in before demolition and removing high-quality materials like interior doors, designed glass windows, or hardwood flooring. Whole-building deconstruction takes this process the next step and salvages the structure of a building, including lumber and even bricks.

Salvaging and Reusing Building Materials

With traditional demolition, many materials are lost regardless of the state they're in. When it comes to building deconstruction, up to 90 percent of materials can be reused, repurposed, or recycled, according to research from Blu Homes. These materials can include windows, lumber, bricks, appliances, and flooring. Although the process may be less timely, it can greatly reduce waste and cost for future projects.

Environmental Benefits

In addition to being able to salvage materials, the deconstruction process offers a number of energy and environmental benefits that demolition does not. It means a significant reduction in materials and debris sent to landfills. In fact, 534 million tons of construction and demolition materials were sent to landfills in 2014, according to the EPA. Considering that up to 90 percent of that could be recycled, deconstruction methods can help divert a significant amount from landfills.

Tax Benefits

Because the process of deconstruction can salvage so many materials, many find tax benefits through donating any unused items salvaged with selective deconstruction. After a qualified appraiser physically inspects the property and determines the market value of any donated materials, the donor can often reduce their taxable income and therefore their tax liability. This deduction can be carried forward for a period of up to five years under the Non-cash Charitable Contribution program by the IRS.

At Yannuzzi Group, we place a commitment to safety above anything else. Our recycling facility offers competitive prices for materials, with pick-up and delivery available. For more information about demolition, deconstruction, and our other offerings, give us a call at 908.218.0880 today!

Use These Recycling Container Sizing Guidelines for Commercial Renovation Projects

A recycling container is a renovation cost that might be overlooked in a company's budget. However, a place to store debris during the project for easy removal later is an essential item to keep any project running smoothly. Determining the right size for a specific project can help save money and time when renting this type of container.

Standard Container Sizes

Most dumpster companies offer containers in several standard sizes, including 10, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yards. Although the volume is standard, two containers of the same volume can have different dimensions. In general, a standard-size stove has the volume of a single cubic yard. This comparison can be used to visualize how much debris will fit in each dumpster.

Choosing the Right Size

A container measuring 10 cubic yards is suitable for cleaning out an office or two, removing a deck or a single layer of shingles from the building, or renovating a small room. Upgrade to 20 cubic yards for larger clean-up jobs, such as removing all the carpet or flooring from a business or removing a layer of roof shingles. The 30-cubic-yard container is appropriate for major projects, such as building an addition on a current location, building a new franchise location, demolishing an unused storage space, or replacing the siding and windows of an office. Those who have substantial properties can use the 40-cubic-yard container for jobs like window and siding replacement. This size is also appropriate for commercial roof replacement, commercial building clean-outs, or any other project that produces large amounts of recyclable debris.

Additional Considerations and Yannuzzi Group Advantages

It makes financial sense to choose a container that's slightly larger than the estimated need. If a larger size is needed in the middle of the project, the business owner will accrue additional cost and wasted time. Yannuzzi Group offers a container measuring 15 cubic yards as a cost-saving option for those who need to upgrade from 10 cubic yards but find 20 too large.

In the Kinnelon, NJ area, call the Yannuzzi Group at (908) 218-0880 for convenient rentals of recycling containers. We provide containers in a range of sizes suitable for concrete, block, brick, fill dirt, asphalt, and rock. Easy drop-off and pick-up services make recycling debris a seamless part of any project. We pride ourselves on offering sustainable construction solutions, including site work and infrastructure building as well as demolition services.

Four Ways to Maintain a Safe & Compliant Worksite

A construction staff may produce some of the most competitive, impressive and revolutionary results, but without safety, there's nothing to take pride in. Here's how to ensure safety on small remodels, federal projects, and everything in between!

Hire Selectively

Although many people may apply for jobs in construction annually, it doesn't mean that they are all qualified for the work. Looking for workers who have physical strength may seem like the most important part, but it's also vital to have workers with strong attention to detail, patience, and the requisite skills. Even if this means workers must be paid a bit more, it will pay off with fewer on-the-job accidents.

Train Thoroughly

Even for those with all of the right qualifications, training is absolutely vital. In fact, training may be the most critical way to ensure a safe worksite, as safety comes from knowledge. Even for workers with experience in specific fields, ensure they are trained with all of the most up-to-date information and anything that will be specifically necessary for their job site.

Keep It Clean and Functional

It may be easier to leave things a mess in between construction efforts, but it's a recipe for disaster. By keeping things organized and clean, workers can be familiar with their surroundings, reducing chances for accidents. It's also vital to ensure that all work equipment is properly functioning and maintained, which means putting the time in for any necessary repairs and maintenance.

Recognize and Reward Safety Standards

Workers who are rewarded are often more likely to continue performing optimally. Many work sites will reward high production targets, but that may encourage rushing and cutting corners. Instead, recognize and reward those who emphasize safety. Safety emphasis also requires work sites to be more generous with time, as working on a short deadline can indirectly encourage workers to rush through jobs that should be taken slowly and carefully. Although things may take more time, a reduction in on-site accidents is a fair trade-off.

At Yannuzzi Group, we value our worksite safety and efficiency above anything else, whether we're working on a residential demolition or storm drain system. To get started on your project, give us a call at (908) 218-0880 today!

The History of Asbestos in Manufacturing and Construction

Nowadays, asbestos is a word associated with cancer, health concerns, and lawsuits. Although asbestos now fills landfills, merely a century ago it was considered an affordable and effective technological advancement. How did the public's view of asbestos change so much over the years?

The Beginnings of Asbestos

Many would believe asbestos is a marvel of the modern age. In reality, it has been around for hundreds of thousands of years. Archaeologists have even discovered asbestos use in the stone age, roughly 750,000 years ago! Experts believe that humans were using asbestos fibers for wicks in lamps and candles as early as 4000 BC. This material was used to embalm bodies of Egyptian pharaohs in 2000-3000 B.C., make clay pots in Finland in 2500 BC, and wrap bodies before funeral processions in Greece in 456 BC.

Asbestos in the Modern World

When the world began to industrialize rapidly, asbestos was at the forefront of modernization. It flourished in the 1800s at the start of the Industrial Revolution and was used as an insulator for steam engines, electrical generators, and turbines. However, as its use increased, so too did the negative health effects experienced by those using it. Unfortunately, these negative effects would not be understood for some time.

Asbestos Hazards Revealed

In 1897, an Austrian doctor first attributed pulmonary issues in a patient to inhalation of asbestos dust. It wasn't until 1906 that the first documented death of an asbestos worker from pulmonary failure was recorded by Dr. Montague Murray at London’s Charing Cross Hospital. However, this did not stop asbestos use from being a part of American modernization and federal projects. In fact, roads built between the 1930s and the 1950s in the U.S. contained asbestos-laced asphalt!

Public Awareness

It wasn't until the late 1970s that the public became aware of the health risks associated with asbestos. Not until 2003 were partial bands placed on asbestos use in 17 countries, including Austria, Poland, Chile, Denmark, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia. Despite several bills in Congress seeking to create a mesothelioma registry, there is currently no asbestos ban in the United States, and asbestos is still a legal commodity.

Since asbestos is still in many products and buildings in the United States, asbestos abatement is a necessary part of ensuring public health. To get started, call Yannuzzi Group at (908) 218-0880 today!