Richmond Joinery are specialists in the installation of replacement doors and windows for the public sector and are one of our contractors used for window replacements.  Fully indemnified and members of the Federation of Master Builders, we work closely with them to ensure minimal waste on and off site.  Here's how they are contributing.

Existing Windows
Three lots of waste are created when the existing windows are removed.

1) Existing pvc-u casings:  The windows are deglazed on site and the frames are taken just a short distance to plastics recycler Dekura in Telford who extract the rubber and metal from the casings.  The pvc-u is then sorted, graded, cleaned and processed into a number of products including chip granulate, micronised powder and compounded pellets.

2) Glass is taken back to Richmond's premises where they have a dedicated storage facility within their yard. When the container is full the glass, is collected by their supplier Viridor, one of the UK's leading recycling renewable energy and waste management companies.  The glass is then processed and the resultant cullet is sold for the manufacture of flat glass, fibreglass for insulation and for making new bottles and jars. Emerging applications include the use of glass in aggregates and block making for the construction industry, water filtration and abrasives.

3) General waste:  This includes any resultant plaster or render generated from the window replacement works. This material is taken to another local supplier Pink Skips in Telford where it is crushed and made into hardcore.

New Windows
No packaging is used for the replacement windows as these are collected directly from the manufacturer.  Mastic sealants with minimal packaging are also used as opposed to traditional plastic tubes.  The sealant comes wrapped in foil paper and is inserted into a re-useable cartridge which avoids producing multiple waste plastic tubes, once the sealant is used the waste foil can again be recycled.

Wherever possible new materials are used very efficiently, however any excess waste, such as render or mortar is taken to Pink Skips and again recycled into hardcore.
 
The implementation of these processes ensures both minimal waste on site and efficient use of materials.