Crushing old concrete and using it as an aggregate or a base material. Separating reinforcement steel with magnets for sale as scrap metal. Removing and recycling all metal before demolition, including aluminum siding, steel pipes, copper pipes, and cast iron bath tubs. Investigating new processes such as heating asbestos and other materials in a high temperature tunnel oven and creating glass like material for use in asphalt mixes or as fill. Asbestos-containing wastes present unique hazards.
Asbestos is one of the most hazardous materials encountered during demolition activities.
Some asbestos materials can break into fibers which float in the air. These minute fibers are not visible to the unaided eye. They pass through the filters of normal vacuum cleaners and reenter the air. When fibers present in the air are inhaled, they represent a health risk. Recognizing asbestos-containing materials during demolition can be difficult and may require the services of a contractor trained and experienced in asbestos removal projects.