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Pollution and Waste
All construction processes produce waste. This has in the past
gone to landfill, but landfill space is running out fast in Hertfordshire
and we need to do all we can to minimise waste production. Further
advice, especially on the reduction of household waste, is available
from the Waste Aware campaign. Their contact number can be found
in the Points of
Contact section.
Bear in mind that just as you may be able to use reclaimed materials
- someone else's "waste" - so others may have a use
for yours.
- Ensure your contractor is a licensed waste carrier
- If you are replacing your kitchen, remember household waste
sites will accept old electrical appliances. This is
particularly important for fridges and freezers which may have contained
CFCs
and need special disposal.
- If, when you are demolishing an old structure, you find materials
which you suspect may contain asbestos, seek advice from
your district council before you proceed.
- Compost what you can - about 30% of the average dustbin is
organic material from the kitchen or garden and all of
this vegetable matter could be composted to produce a soil conditioner.
- Traditional oil-based paints and wood preservatives have a
high solvent content which adds to the causes of climate
change. Water based alternatives are readily available and have the
added
advantages of being quick drying and user-friendly.
- Chemical pesticides, fertilisers and fungicides can harm the
environment, so use natural products instead. This is
particularly important if you live near a river or stream. Check
the labels
on all products before buying and ask at the garden centre
for help if you are in any doubt.
- Always apply pesticides strictly in accordance with the label
and only dispose of unwanted chemicals at a toxic waste site.
- Bonfires cause air pollution and annoy your neighbours, so
dispose of waste material in other ways.
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