Less for landfill more for the land
Jean Wimmerlin
Traditionally when we think of waste from construction or demolition projects, you may imagine that most of it goes into landfills - if you use a dumpster for your project, the chances are they probably will. With Yellowsack's easy to use dumpster bags 81% of your waste will be recycled.
And while many of your recyclables are repurposed in new construction projects, a large portion of your waste, from old wood to garden waste, goes back into the earth itself to help farmers, animals, gardeners, and you. When recycled properly, using our flexible dumpster bags to source separate your waste, we'll ensure delivery to a respected recycling plant, like our friends at Zanker. And from there, these are some of the ways that your waste helps the land:
Wood’s many uses
The most common type of construction and demolition wood is dimensional lumber, followed by plywood, treated wood, and manufactured wood such as composite panels.
Wood is broken down into four different grades:
Grade A - classified as 'clean wood', includes Hardwood packaging, scrap pallets, packing cases, solid softwood, offcuts, and cable drums.
Grade B - building waste wood, demolition waste wood and domestic furniture made from solid wood.
Grade C - flat pack furniture, fencing, chipboard, MDF, plywood and fibre-board.
Grade D - hazardous or treated wood is one to watch out for; this cannot be recycled because it can threaten human health and the environment.
Many of the woods mentioned above can be used for different types of recycling, but today we will focus on wood that is used for gardens and agricultural purposes.
Alex Jones
So how does your recycled wood help the land?
Visual Stories
The two main products generated from Grade A and B dimensional lumber or organic garden waste are mulch and compost for use on the earth.
Woodchip mulch conserves soil moisture and helps to moderate soil temperature. Dropping temperatures can affect plants and soil; the mulch helps preserve the heat and protect the plants. Heat loss prevention with a mulch aids the early growth of seedlings and assists with the transportation of some crops. It also encourages faster growth of plants, so that means more food, faster!
Fruitful benefits of recycling
And mulch also helps suppress weed growth. This product is often used around shrubs and underneath trees and in orchards to help trees bear fruit. Mulches used in domestic gardens offer many benefits, from conservation of moisture to control of weeds and, therefore, economical plant feeding. According to CD Recycling, "mulch from construction and demolition projects can last longer than that made from virgin wood."
Composting helps crops
Compost is commonly prepared from organic garden waste or food waste. So, if you are clearing your garden, you can use your Yellowsack dumpster bags to source separate organic waste that recycle plants like Zanker will repurpose as compost. Compost is specifically crucial in organic farming practices where synthetic fertilizers are not authorized; compost will improve soil structure and put many nutrients back into the ground. Benefits of composting include: better aggregation and water storage and a noticeable difference in crop yield after several years of use.
A comfortable bed
Recycled wood chip is also used for animal bedding; according to Woodyfuel, "As it turns out, according to some research, woodchip can be used as an economical alternative to straw bedding for beef cattle. What's more, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the manure handling process while using an absorbent layer of bedding that will keep your animals comfortable and clean."
Keeping play safe
Woodchip not only protects plants and soil, but it also has another significant use in the name of play. This type of woodchip (EWF) is specifically designed for use as impact-attenuating playground surfacing. One less tree to landfill means one less scraped knee!
Iga Palacz
“When you source separate with Yellowsack, there is no need for any of your gypsum to end up in a landfill. Once we’ve collected your gypsum waste, it can be repurposed for many uses.”
Gypsum's positive effects
CD recycling reports that "Despite its successful use in many locations, most drywall in North America is still disposed in landfills. Challenges to widespread recycling include collection and separation, low landfill disposal fees, and the need for more education of potential end-users of the recycled material." If gypsum is left in a landfill and gets wet, some of the sulfates in the material dissolve into the water, which can cause dangerous levels in our water sources and, which can subsequently end up the food chain.
When you source separately with Yellowsack, there is no need for any of your gypsum to end up in a landfill. Once we have collected your gypsum waste, it can be repurposed for many uses. According to CropLife, here are the five key benefits of gypsum in agriculture:
Source of calcium and sulfur for plant nutrition
As agricultural land is overworked to keep up with supply, the plants are becoming deficient in sulfur. Gypsum is an excellent source of this mineral that helps to promote crop growth. Gypsum is also high in calcium, which helps plants absorb nutrients.
Improves acid soils and treats aluminum toxicity
Gypsum can reduce aluminum toxicity which can help neutralize acidity in soils. It can improve the earth more than lime and helps with deeper rooting and better growth for crops.
Improves soil structure
Good soil requires careful aggregation and clay dispersion. Collapse of soil structure can affect crust formation on the ground. Gypsum has been used for many years to prevent these issues. Centuries of farming practices have depleted the soil's nutrients and structure; gypsum helps restore microbes that contribute to good soil chemistry and promote better crops.
Improves water infiltration
Gypsum assists soil drainage allowing water to move into the soil easily, promoting excellent crop growth.
Helps reduce runoff and erosion
Gypsum helps keep our water quality high by ensuring that phosphorus does not leave the fields and end up in our water supply.
“So, if you are considering a construction or renovation project, give us a call; we’ll deliver your bag directly to your door.”
Just by making the simple choice to use Yellowsack's dumpster bags and separating your materials, your waste can positively impact the lives of farmers, gardeners, and children! Not only by promoting plant and crop growth but by keeping our water clean, our animals safe and comfortable, and putting more food on the table. So, if you are considering a construction or renovation project, give us a call; we'll deliver your bag directly to your door. After all, each bag drop helps a healthier crop, and that's the kind of landfill we do like.
