Think Before You Skip It (and Talk to Your Tradesperson!)

Are you planning a home clear-out, tackling a DIY project, or embarking on a renovation? If a skip is in your immediate future, there's a new campaign you need to know about: "Think Before You Skip It."

Launched by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and MyWaste, this initiative aims to encourage homeowners like you to maximise reuse and recycling and minimise the amount of waste sent for disposal when using skips.

Why the Focus on Skips?

Did you know that construction and demolition waste is the largest waste stream in Ireland, accounting for a massive 8 million tonnes annually?

While much of this comes from the construction sector, our own domestic habits play a significant role. New research reveals that a third of us undertake a home clear-out every year, and a fifth of us have used a skip in the past year.

The problem? Valuable materials that could be reused or recycled, such as cardboard boxes and general household waste, often end up mixed with construction debris in skips. This not only wastes resources but also hinders Ireland's progress towards a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible.

Working with Your Trade Professional: A Key Part of the Solution

If your home project involves hiring professionals, working closely with your tradesperson is a crucial step in the "Think Before You Skip It" initiative.

Often, tradespeople will manage the skip and the disposal of waste generated during the project. This presents a valuable opportunity to collaborate on responsible waste management.

At OnlineTradesmen, we connect you with qualified and reputable tradespeople across Ireland. When discussing your project with potential hires, be sure to include waste management in your conversations. Ask them about their approach to waste disposal and whether they actively separate recyclable materials.

Here's why collaborating with your tradesperson is so important:

Expert Knowledge: Tradespeople are experienced in handling various types of construction and demolition waste and may have insights into what can be readily recycled or even reused on other projects.

Efficient Sorting: They can often efficiently sort waste at the source, ensuring that recyclable materials are kept separate from general waste.

Access to Recycling Facilities: Reputable tradespeople will typically have established processes for disposing of different waste streams at appropriate recycling facilities.

Reducing Skip Costs: By actively separating recyclable materials, you might even reduce the overall volume of waste going into the skip, potentially leading to lower disposal costs.

Don't hesitate to discuss your commitment to recycling and responsible waste disposal with any tradesperson. A collaborative approach ensures that valuable resources are diverted from landfill.

What Does This Mean for You?

The campaign encourages you to consider alternatives for items before they go into the skip. This could involve:

Reusing: Can that old furniture be repurposed? Could those tiles be used in a different area? Research shows a strong willingness among Irish homeowners (75%) to reuse or sell renovation materials like internal and external doors, fireplaces, and kitchen cabinets. Discuss potential reuse options with your tradesperson – they might have creative solutions or even need some of the materials for other parts of the project!

Recycling: Are you throwing recyclable materials like cardboard, paper, or plastic into the skip? These should be separated and disposed of through your regular recycling collection or at local recycling centres. Ensure your tradesperson is also separating these materials from construction debris.

Selling or Donating: Could unwanted items be sold online or donated to charity shops? Coordinate with your tradesperson to ensure these items are safely set aside before the main waste disposal begins.

Waste Habits: Key Findings 

The research also revealed that a lack of information (33%) is a significant obstacle preventing homeowners from translating their good intentions into action.

The "Think Before You Skip It" campaign aims to bridge this gap by providing resources and raising awareness about responsible waste management. Engaging with your tradesperson is a great way to gain practical information and support in this area.

Interestingly, the cost of waste disposal (35%) is also a major barrier to doing a clear-out. By focusing on reuse and recycling, and by working with your tradesperson to optimise waste separation, you might be able to reduce the overall volume of waste going into the skip, potentially saving on disposal costs.

Key Findings About Homeowner Waste Habits:

• Frequency: 32% of respondents undertake home clear-outs annually.
• Project Involvement: Almost half (48%) have completed a home renovation recently, and 60% have completed a DIY project.
• Focus Areas: Kitchens (44%), bathrooms (41%), and general living spaces (40%) are the most common areas for clear-outs.
• Skip Usage: 22% have used a skip in the past year, primarily for general clear-outs (54%) and home renovation/DIY projects (48%).
• Top Reusable Items: Internal and external doors (44%), fireplaces and kitchen cabinets (41% each).

Working Together for a Greener Ireland

By taking a few extra moments to consider the fate of our unwanted items and by collaborating with the professionals we hire, we can collectively reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and work towards a cleaner, greener Ireland.

So, the next time you're considering hiring a skip – and especially when you're working with a tradesperson – take a moment to download the Think Before You Skip It guide, and talk to your trade professional about recycling and reuse. Your combined efforts can make a big difference!

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