A construction site clean up business is a relatively new type of business enterprise. Recycling of materials has become more common in homes and workplaces alike, and it makes sense that this policy be put in place on construction sites as well.
How it Works
As the construction project goes on, waste materials are taken to a specific part of the site. These waste materials may include such items as:
- Wood
- Drywall
- Metal Products
- Cardboard
A plastic fence or other means of marking the containment area is set up. At regular intervals, a two-person crew from the construction clean-up company goes to the site and removes the items placed in the containment area. The crew visits the site at regularly-scheduled intervals.
The visits are set up at times in the construction process when certain types of work are completed: the crew may arrive after framing, drywall work, or finish carpentry has been done. In this way, similar types of materials are removed from the site at one time.
By having all materials to be recycled placed in one location, the construction crew doesn't have to spend much time or energy sorting items into separate bins - the construction site clean up business staff look after that for them.
Disposing of Recycled Materials
After the recyclable items are picked up, some of them may be taken to an outlet that pays for metals, cardboard, or other materials. This is another source of income for the company, along with the fee charged to the contractor for the site visits.
The site clean up business may also be charged for disposing of wood or drywall, but they will likely be charged a lower rate for disposal than an individual disposing of similar items.
Advantages to Using a Construction Site Clean Up Business
There are a number of advantages for a contractor to hire this type of business, including:
- Cost (Services are paid for as needed; no extra personnel added to the payroll)
- Flat Fee (Fees are based on the square footage of the project; no cost overruns)
- Convenience (Items can be recycled and the contractor does not have to take time away from the project to deal with this issue)
Starting Your Own Business
- In some regions, a permit to collect waste materials may be required. Check with your local and/or state environmental department to find out if one is required. The cost for a permit will be calculated based on a set figure for each truck being used for this purpose.
- A clean-up business owner may choose to invest in large recycling containers, but a more economical choice would be to buy plastic fencing for items to be disposed of.
- A good way to find out what your potential customers want or need from a clean-up business is to ask them! Once you determine what the contractors in your area want and need, you can set up your company to fulfill that need. Meeting with local contractors will also help you to get handle on how often you will need to schedule a pick up day for building projects.
- You will also need to do some research to familiarize yourself with the recycling outlets in your area, including hours of business, fees, and what types of materials they will accept.
- Once you have done your homework, it's time to start advertising your services and attracting customers. Consider joining the building association in your area as a way to meet and make contacts with local builders.
- Since environmental concerns have become more important in recent years, starting or using the services of a construction site clean up business makes sense. The business owner is providing a valuable service to builders and the contractor doesn't have to take time away from the project to attend to recycling issues. Both parties win.
