How to Clean up a Demolition Site

No matter what kind of construction work you’re taking on, it’s expected that a large amount of mess will be left behind, and nowhere is this more true than on a demolition site. Demolition is a necessary evil that allows old and outdated structures to be removed to make way for new developments; however, it does generate an excessive amount of waste.

So, how do you clean up a demolition site? The team here at Hill Demolition is here to offer some top tips to help you through the process.

Preparation

Working on a demolition site can be challenging and dangerous, so proper preparation is key. To ensure safety for all workers and site visitors, it’s vital to remove any hazardous materials, like asbestos, before the demolition begins, and you should always consult an asbestos removal specialist.

Once demolition has been completed, it’s essential to properly contain your site; this prevents both debris escaping and passersby from inadvertently trespassing. Before the clean-up begins, it’s vital to ensure your site is safe to access, which means any hazards like exposed wires, sharp objects and unstable structures must be removed. 

Wear proper gear

A demolition site contains a number of hazards, so you should always be properly equipped with the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment); this includes safety shoes, masks and respirators, gloves and goggles. Check out our previous article for more tips on how to stay safe on a demolition site.

Sort debris

To help make sense of the debris left behind by demolition, it’s best to sort it into different material types: concrete, bricks, wood, metal and more. This also allows you to identify what’s recyclable and what’s not; by recycling certain materials, you can make your project more sustainable and potentially give new life to debris that would otherwise have been sent to landfill. 

Then, any waste materials must be properly disposed of in compliance with all regulations. For this, you might need the help of waste management experts, like Hill Demolition. We can help ensure that the environmental impact of your demolition is minimised and all of your waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

Dust control

One of the most frustrating parts of cleaning up any demolition site is the sheer amount of dust left behind. One way to combat this is to spray the area with a light coat of water; this helps keep dust to a minimum during demolition and prevents particles from spreading in the wind. You could also use an industrial vacuum cleaner to pick up any remaining dust using its powerful suction.

What to look for in a demolition contractor

Whether you’re in the process of planning a demolition or you’d like some guidance with how to clean up a demolition site, the support of a reliable demolition company is essential. If you’re searching for a trusted demolition contractor, you should look out for the following things:

• Experience:

Generally, the more experienced a company is, the better equipped they are to handle complex demolition projects – look for demolition companies with a proven track record for success across the decades. Here at Hill Demolition, we’ve been in business since 1968 and have established a leading reputation throughout the years.

• Reviews:

There’s no one better placed to tell you about the quality of service offered by a company than its previous customers; check out past reviews for a first-hand account of the standards you can expect.

• Full-service approach:

To ensure a stress-free demolition, you want a company that takes a full-service approach and can support you through every phase of the project, from planning to clean-up and waste disposal.

• Environmentally friendly practices:

We should all be doing our bit for the planet, so it’s important to check out how sustainable your chosen demolition contractor is. Here at Hill Demolition, we will always aim to recycle where possible – we even have a concrete crushing service available – and will dispose of all waste in an environmentally friendly way.

• Accreditations:

Accreditations give you the peace of mind that your chosen demolition company stands up to the very highest industry standards. Here at Hill Demolition, we’re accredited by a number of leading bodies, such as the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), Constructionline, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), European Demolition Association (EDA) and more.

For a construction expert that will leave your demolition site in an outstanding condition, get in touch with the team at Hill Demolition today. Our friendly experts provide a range of demolition and waste management services to domestic and commercial customers across London, Hertfordshire, Essex and beyond, and we’re one of the most trusted companies across the region.

Contact us to find out more or to obtain a free quote.