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Demolition

The demolition industry is in a unique position to benefit financially through waste minimisation. By the nature of the job, those working in demolition and bin cartage decide where to dispose of waste material.  The majority of the materials recovered during demolition are recyclable and have good markets. Whole and broken bricks, timber, concrete and steel are valuable commodities and can easily be reused or recycled.

Using demolition techniques that avoid damaging materials and allow for easy separation of reusable and recyclable materials create opportunities to salvage and sell. There is a network of available markets and outlets for salvaged material that are less expensive than landfill and may offer opportunities to generate additional revenue.

Tools and Links for Minimising Waste

This interactive database gives up-to-date information on alternative end markets to landfill.

This handbook, produced in conjunction with the Demolition Contractors Association of Victoria, gives practical tips on salvaging to sell and lists alternative end markets to landfill.

This plan, from the Waste Wise Construction & Demolition Kit, helps identify possible recyclable materials and alternative outlets for salvaged materials.

For More Information

Contact Sustainability Victoria by email or telephone our InfoLine 1800 35 32 33 (freecall Victoria only).


Top | Last updated 20/08/2008

Success Stories

By identifying alternative end markets and separating materials during salvage, the team at Lightning Property Services diverted from landfill 72% of waste material from four office strip-outs, achieving a cost saving of over $4,000. Read more about theDownload Case_Study_Lightning_Property_Services.pdfLightning Property Services (123KB) success story.

When contractors Able Demolitions and project manager Sinclair Knight Merz demolished the Red Cliffs Power Station in Mildura, they managed to divert an impressive 95% of waste material from landfill. The team also managed to achieve a cost saving of $17,418. Read more of theDownload Case_Study_Red_Cliffs_Powerstation_(2000).pdfRed Cliffs Powerstation (2000) (241KB) success story.

Demolishers are in the business of resource recovery! The more they salvage, the better their profits. Client needs and the quality of materials are two key issues influencing diversion rates and profits. Read more about the Download Demolition.pdfDemolition (152KB) success story.