Use resources efficiently in construction and building trades

Bricklayers' waste has particular problems, for example:

• water that's been in contact with cement powder or workable concrete can be highly alkaline and may need to be dealt with as hazardous waste
• concrete contains chromium, which is polluting to watercourses and groundwater
• washout water from trucks and mixers must never be allowed to enter storm water drains

For more information, see dealing with hazardous waste and preventing water pollution.

As a bricklayer, you can save money and reduce your environmental impact in a number of ways, including:

• knowing how to handle hazardous waste and checking whether the site you're working on is registered for hazardous waste
• reducing the amount of wasted materials - eg avoid throwing away mortar, cut bricks or insulation
• knowing the different waste types you produce and separating them when you can
• sending back pallets - don't waste space in a skip
• storing and reusing washout water, allowing the silt to settle and disposing of it responsibly
• knowing the products you use and reading any product labels
• using fletton commons as these use less energy to make than other bricks
• using blocks with a high percentage of recycled aggregate, eg thermalite
• packing skips well - a skip can contain up to 70 per cent air because of gaps between waste materials
• filling the perps (ends to bricks) to make walls more thermally efficient
• minimising the amount of water you use

You must help to ensure that your waste is properly dealt with - see duty of care for business waste.