Author: mariah

Constructing Clean: Top Strategies to Minimize Waste on Building Sites

Alabama construction debris

Construction site waste

The development of urbanization in Alabama around Huntsville in particular and the policies for the maintenance or development of transport infrastructures have resulted in a sustained production of construction site waste.

This waste constitutes the largest material flow in Alabama: 4 million tons per year. This waste comes mainly from excavation materials (around two thirds) or from the deconstruction of existing buildings. The transport of this waste generates significant nuisances, particularly when crossing towns.

A significant portion of this waste is permanently stored in landfills, which also generate nuisances and impacts on the environment. The increase in the need for materials seems continuous and requires, for reasons of impact on the environment and the finiteness of natural resources, a strong commitment to a path of reuse and recycling of materials.

This axis will limit the impact of the extraction of natural raw materials needed for the production of construction materials and should in the future reduce the volume of materials that end their life cycle in landfill, and improve climate prospects.

What is construction waste

Construction, demolition and earthworks waste is mainly made up of mineral matter: gravel, concrete, bituminous coating (asphalt), brick, earth, ceramics, etc. The majority of these can, if they are not polluted, be reused either directly on the construction site (backfill) or via a waste treatment facility whose process allows these materials to be reused or recycled.

In addition to this proportion of mineral matter, there is also organic or metallic construction waste, which can often be recovered by “material” recycling or thermally (incineration): plastics, wood, scrap metal, cardboard, cables, etc.

Managing construction waste

Current environmental legislation requires maximum waste recovery, provided that it is economically sustainable.

Taking waste management into account upstream of construction projects makes it possible to limit their production and provide sensible solutions that have less impact on the environment. This approach also makes it possible to achieve significant savings on construction costs.

In order to regulate these waste flows, the state law provides that the project owner must indicate in his application for a building permit to the authority that issues it, generally the municipality, the type, quality and quantity of waste that will be produced as well as the planned disposal channels.

This provision is mandatory if the volume of waste generated by the project is likely to exceed 200 m3 or if construction waste containing pollutants that are dangerous to the environment or health is to be expected.

Waste sorting and recycling techniques are improving, they can be carried out on site or in treatment centers. Mineral construction waste is mostly recyclable. It is recovered as recycling gravel (used in road foundations for example) or as aggregates integrated into new bound materials (concrete, asphalt). Effective management of construction waste benefits the environment…

Reuse of construction elements

The demolition of buildings and transformations in Alabama generate more than 10 million cubic meters of waste per year which, after possible sorting, can be largely recycled.

The number of sorting centers makes it possible to increase the quantity of materials that can be recovered. However, the reuse of construction elements, i.e. their reuse without transformation or modification of their nature, is still underdeveloped. Alabama intends to accelerate this practice in construction, because it allows for savings in gray energy and reduces pressure on resources.

The materials management plan allows for planning, during deconstruction or transformation, a second life for many elements, rather than throwing them away. Reuse allows for:

  • Reduce the energy required for production
  • Limit the waste of resources

Recycling of construction waste

Today, more than 60 waste management companies process construction waste in the state of Alabama. The components are separated, sorted and processed; the mineral materials are used to manufacture recycled gravel and aggregates.

These recycled materials are generally less expensive than new ones and are a good replacement for them. This recycling also makes the exploitation of natural gravel resources, which are not infinite, more sustainable and saves valuable volumes in the various types of landfills. Around 20% of the mineral construction materials used are recycled materials. The state directives on construction waste specify the rules to be respected.

Final storage of non-recoverable construction waste and traceability

The state’s final storage sites (landfills or backfill extraction sites) are required to keep a register of material arrivals. A quality certificate for excavation materials for recovery or landfilling is provided as an example for submitting companies.

The State Council has set the new taxes on the final storage of waste and filling materials. The rates for the storage of non- and slightly polluted waste are increased and are now aligned with the rates generally practiced in the nation. The revenue will be used to finance aid to municipalities such as Huntsville for the remediation of old municipal landfills and firing mounds, as well as the financing of the remediation of orphan polluted sites and polluted sites for which the State is responsible.

The objective is also to promote the circular economy in Alabama and the limitation of waste by discouraging final storage in landfills.

Good news for the climate in the United States

US carbon pollution
The measures of the environmental component of the plan to fight inflation are the most ambitious ever voted on by American elected officials.

Good news is rare enough on the fight against global warming for us to fully appreciate the content of the law that the United States Congress has definitively adopted and President Joe Biden has ratified after the decisive green light from the Senate. The measures adopted in a vast plan to combat inflation, the main concern of American citizens in the middle of summer, are in fact the most ambitious in favor of clean energy ever voted on by elected officials in the United States.

They allow Washington to reconnect, after a very long parenthesis, with the voluntarism illustrated by the major laws in favor of the environment adopted in 1970 (Clean Air Act) and in 1972 (Clean Water Act).

The text plans in particular to allocate nearly 370 billion dollars to a massive effort to transition to electric cars, to less polluting agriculture and to the strategic fight against methane emissions linked to the production of hydrocarbons, notably shale gases and oils. He will put the United States back on track after a lost mandate, that of Donald Trump, during which the former president withdrew his country from the Paris climate agreement.

An unambiguous advocate of an extractivism which is today endangering the planet, the businessman was not satisfied with this coup. He had conscientiously used his prerogatives to dismantle a large part of federal regulations in favor of the environment, such as reducing the usage of landfills. The Republican Party applauded, despite the devastation already caused by climate change in the country. The ruling handed down in June by the Supreme Court, which ties the hands of the Environmental Protection Agency in matters of regulating greenhouse gas emissions, reminded us that there is nothing to wait in this matter from the conservative camp, which dominates the highest judicial body in the United States like never before.

Improving waste management in the USA

To enhance waste management in the USA, a multifaceted approach should be adopted, combining public awareness, legislative measures, and technological advancements. Implementing comprehensive recycling programs with clear guidelines and accessible facilities will encourage citizens to participate actively in reducing waste.

It is a must to incentivize businesses to adopt sustainable practices and reduce packaging waste. Strengthening waste-to-energy initiatives and investing in innovative technologies for waste sorting and processing can also improve efficiency will help go in the right direction.

US policymakers must collaborate more with local communities to tailor waste management strategies to specific regional needs, promoting a more decentralized and adaptable system. By fostering a culture of responsibility and embracing cutting-edge solutions, the USA can make substantial strides towards a more sustainable and effective waste management and junk disposal system (click here for more info).

Better understand climate change

Certainly, the plan adopted by the shortest majority in the Senate is much more modest than the initial ambitions displayed by Joe Biden. To obtain the essential vote of a Democratic senate favorable to fossil fuels, it also contains measures in their favor. The Democratic camp had no alternative to hope to keep the commitment made by the American president to reduce his country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50% to 52% by 2030, compared to 2005.

To go even further, as required by accelerated environmental degradation, this plan, which is based on tax incentives rather than constraints, must fulfill an additional, unspecified mission. That of contributing to the true cultural revolution that the United States greatly needs. Founded on the myth of inexhaustible resources, they must now question lifestyles that have become unsustainable. This revolution is delicate, because it affects what has become part of American identity, but it is no less essential.

The success achieved by the Democratic camp, which is added to others obtained in recent weeks, could place the latter in a better position for the mid-term elections in November. The latter would be synonymous with a return to inaction on climate issues in the event of a Republican wave.

Savannah Waste Management and Landfills

Georgia landfill

Savannah Dumpster Rental Services

Dumpster rentals are used by Savannah residents to bring their junk to the landfills. This is good waste management practice, as it helps recycling and sustainabiliy. Junk disposal is part of home and business maintenance, and it can occur after a clean out, a removation or a remodeling.

By landfills need to be managed by the government of Georgia, it is important to isolate the landfill from the natural subsoil, it is necessary to isolate the aerial part of the buried waste mass in a sustainable way.

A distinction must necessarily be made here between waste coverage, at the end of each day of operation, and final coverage after closure. So that the first is made of a simple layer of soil aimed mainly at preventing the scattering of waste by the wind or animals and at limiting odors, the second aims to confine and/or channel harmful elements to ensure their management .

Thus, the final cover serves not only to isolate the waste from the population and the environment, but also as protection against erosion, as an “umbrella” to reduce the infiltration of water that can increase the amount of leachate, of a “cap” allowing the biogas to be channeled and finally of a base layer in order to prepare the rehabilitation of the surface occupied by the landfill.

The realization of the cover will be in more ways similar to the development of the base of the landfill but presenting an inverted succession of the different layers of materials. Thus, above the waste, one will find in order a geotextile, a gas draining layer, a protective separation layer (for example, geotextile or geogrid), an impermeable sealing barrier (HDPE membrane and clay barrier) or semi-permeable (layer of inert materials of given permeability), a biological barrier, a draining layer of atmospheric water and finally a layer of arable land allowing the seeding of grasses and small shrubs.

The total thickness of the cover will reach from 1 to 1.5 m. The permeability characteristics of the waterproofing barrier will be chosen according to the desired level of atmospheric water infiltration in order to maintain or gradually reduce biological activity. Not included among the landfill base features, the biological barrier serves to protect the lower layers against the progression of plant roots, insects and rodents.

Savannah Waste Management

To avoid the use of insecticides and for better waste collection, sources of contamination of watercourses and groundwater, a layer of construction debris of 30 to 90 cm will often be used. The laying of the cover must respect a domed profile which, taking into account the phenomena of settlement of the waste, will print slopes of 6% after total stabilization, with locally slopes of 3% authorized.

Particular attention will be paid to the integrity and durability of the membrane and the barrier, which could be called into question in three ways: chemical, environmental and mechanical. Chemical attack is least likely to occur if the materials are properly chosen. It results from reactions between vapors and gases and the constituents of the membrane or barrier.

The environmental challenge is due to drought, humidity and root penetration. The mechanical attack results from overloads, high compaction, incorrect humidity at the time of compaction, drilling by gravelly materials and tensions up to failure linked to differential settlements in the lower layers. Here again, laboratory analyzes will determine the most appropriate materials, soils or mixtures of soils. The gas drainage layer serves to evacuate the gases produced at the level of the waste.

It generally includes a layer of highly permeable granular material (permeability > 10–2 m/s) at least 30 cm thick placed as close as possible to the waste. The most significant settlements occurring in the first 5 years after the end of operation, it is preferable to wait for the end of the major differential settlements before carrying out the final cover.

In the meantime, a cover made of relatively clayey materials must allow a certain migration of gases and favor the runoff of surface water rather than their infiltration into the massif. We should also emphasize the attention to be paid to the sustainability of degassing wellheads.

The top ends of the wells can be placed below or above the landfill cover soil depending on the future use of the space. They are usually placed in a concrete chamber with a movable steel or concrete cover. Again, as the landfill will experience significant settlement, the end of the shaft should be installed taking into account the landfill situation.

For landfill reason and better Georgia junk disposal, it is also recommended to make the junction between well and extraction system by flexible and sliding joints. It is also important to predict changes in the network during settlement to management dumpster rental trucks.

Waste Collection in Portland

With the application of the federal law of J2016, the objectives to be achieved are henceforth to prevent, reduce the production of waste and promote its treatment without increasing pollution.

According to a study carried out by EPA, Maine should have 832,500 inhabitants by 2030. In the state, the total waste to be treated would be between 365,000 and 460,000 tonnes by 2025.

Upgrading but the means put in place to respond to this policy is ambitious and there are very varied throughout the area.

However, these objectives are first of all accompanied by an analysis of the conditions in localities that depend on many factors such as the composition of the population socially and geographically, the type of habitat, the product outlets recycled, the composition and quantity of garbage deposited by residents in the
time alloted.

Also, the collection of household waste varies depending on the county (door-to-door mixed collection, selective door-to-door collection, collection by voluntary contribution in container…).

Waste treatment in Maine

What do we do with this waste? How are their collection and their processing ? What are the elimination routes?

Various prerogatives fall to the municipality of Portland:

  • regular collection of household waste from door to door;
  • direct collection or assistance with removal through planned collection points for this purpose pure waste: “monsters” or bulky, annoying (rubble, rubble), dangerous;
  • collection of “economic” waste (from public and private services);
  • collection and treatment of collective municipal waste: green waste, sludge purification of wastewater treatment plants;
  • removal of waste abandoned in the wild by anonymous (car wrecks, bulky waste, etc.). Nevertheless, the effects perverse negligent behavior of the inhabitants annihilate these efforts;
  • final treatment more elaborate than simple landfill and a differentiated recovery through selective collections as part of the waste management program and an imperative operational calendar (gradual closure of front discharges
  • encouragement for recycling and recovery of materials contained in garbage;
  • project financing: the implementation of selective collection, with the home sorting process, the realization of the wastewater treatment plant inter-municipal wastewater company, the creation of a Valorisation Center Waste Energy (CVED), essential as part of the state plan, today and over several years very important human and financial.

For example, a fifth waste reception center called the Portland city waste reception center was opened in 2014; total cost of the operation: $270,000, 60% financed by city funds, 10% for ADEME.

Also, twelve waste reception centers are planned for 2025. The problem the main thing is to find land, an appropriate place to know nearby
inhabitants and on a passing axis. The problem is general to entire state of Maine and not only localized to Portland.

Residents must participate by being more aware of pollution and more helping with limiting it and avoiding creating unnecessary waste. They can find a lot of guides online about how to better understand waste management best practices, recycling and sustainable ways of live.

If they are in the situation where they have accumulated a lot of junk at home in Portland or elsewhere in Maine, then it is easy to discard such waste. Just rent a dumpster and they will haul all the junk away for you. Just type dumpster rental near me in google and they can find service providers close to them.

South Carolina Real Estate


The confederate flag will no longer fly in South Carolina. Symbol of racism for many people, this flag was removed almost three weeks after the massacre in a church frequented by blacks. This was a new day for South Carolina, a day that we must all be proud of, a day that brings us all together as we continue to recover from the Charleston massacre. After the Senate, the State House of Representatives voted by a very large majority of 94 votes to 20 in favor of the withdrawal. Two thirds of the votes were needed to ratify the measure.

The decision, already adopted by the Senate of South Carolina by 37 votes against 3, had to be transmitted to the governor of the state, Nikki Haley, who is favorable. Elected Republican Jenny Horne delivered an emotionally charged speech calling for the removal of this “symbol of hate”. We cannot believe we will not have the heart in this assembly to do something meaningful, and to remove this symbol of hate on Friday. The flag belongs to the museum.

Once removed, the flag has been displayed in a museum, precisely to present the history of the historic south of the United States. President Barack Obama, whose massacre had provoked anger, had himself said in the wake of the killing that the flag belongs to the museum. The flag should quickly no longer fly in front of the local parliament, but there are still unresolved problems on the issue of racism and inequality in South Carolina. Many local parliamentarians also welcomed the outcome of the vote.

It took a long time to come, but we always felt that this day would come according to some members of the House of Representatives and African-American. Among the victims were pastor and local senator Clementa Pinckney, to whom his colleagues paid tribute in welcoming his widow. His desk had been covered with a black sheet during the two days of debate. The few opponents to the removal of the flag had attempted a barrage of honor in the Senate by evoking, before the vote, the history of the South.

Housing Market in South Carolina

It’s official, and it’s been like this for years: Charleston, South Carolina has been voted the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. It must be said that the small town by the sea accumulates many advantages: varied architecture, impressive colonial heritage, Antebellum houses, churches, historic plantations, beaches, etc. Charleston combines the good life, the authentic charm with the variety of shops and typical restaurants. The city with a dark past is now shining in South Carolina.

It is paradoxically Charleston’s eventful past that gives it even more appeal and charm today. Indeed, it was thanks to the very severe property laws passed after the Civil War that protected the beautiful mansions of several floors and the historic residences from destruction. Thus, along its cobbled streets, the city of Charleston has an astonishing variety of architectural styles and materials for building houses that give a unique result. Sometimes colonial mansions that we see in Louisiana, sometimes pastel houses like in Key West, they are also in Antebellum style (pre-war for those who have forgotten their Latin) with their pretty white balustrades and their brick walls.

The most remarkable street is Meeting Street because it concentrates historic houses like the Calhoun Mansion, the largest in the whole city. Besides, you can take a guided tour to better understand its history. Originally built for a wealthy businessman who was later ruined, the house was later bought by an art lawyer (also very wealthy). The exterior is immaculate and plush, and once inside, you can see many colors.

A little further, the Nathaniel Russell House imposes with its neoclassical style. the 3-storey red brick building has been a historic monument since 1973. The owner at the time, Mr. Russell, had it built to house his small family … and his 18 slaves.

There is a small French Quarter in Charleston, nestled in the heart of the Old City. Created in the 17th century by the Huguenots who left France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, the district is easily.

Another interesting city in South Carolina worth visting is Columbia, which is the capital city of the State. This city is particularly clean as the local government emphasizes waste management and recycling best practices. Columbia roll-off dumpsters are used to clean out any property or business that needs to remove large quantity of junk and garbage. Local landfills are maintained optimally by separating the different type of materials and reusing what can be.

Signs That You Have A Bad Real Estate Agent


It is unfortunate that some real estate sellers and buyers get saddled with an agent who lacks skills, comes off busy and arrogant. There are also agents who would coerce you to purchase a property for the sole reason of receiving their commission.

Ultimately, buyers and sellers rely on real estate agents to ensure that they get the best value there is. However, some clients end up losing more money or overspending on properties due to neglectful agents.

To avoid problematic agents like these, here are some of the signs of a bad real estate agent.

The agent is unresponsive.

While you should not expect your real estate agent to be on call 24/7, you should get some response from your texts and voicemails in a timely fashion. Keep in mind that you are possibly not the only client of your agent. So you can expect a call back between 9 AM to 5 PM the next day. If you do not hear back from them, you can send a text message reminding your agent about your inquiry.

The agent doesn’t listen.

You can immediately tell when an agent has excellent listening skills when they allow you to speak your mind and prevent themselves from interrupting while you speak. But when the agent starts to cut you off while you are trying to make a point, you need to reassess your agent’s character and if he or she is genuinely looking out for your investments.

The agent pushes you to sell or purchase a property.

Kale Realty brokers make sure that they stay updated with the latest trends in the real estate market. When you plan to invest, you also need to acquire as much knowledge as you can. That way, you and your agent can get on the same page when deciding whether or not it is the best time to buy or sell. Avoid any agent that does not take the time to update or refresh themselves with new information.

The agent is inexperienced.

Ask for the resume of your agent or the listings they have handles. Check reviews and testimonials about them and assess whether the reviews are enough for you to hire them. Finding a full-time agent is essential because compared to part-timers, they can allow more time to find the properties their clients want.

The agent is unprofessional.

An agent can appear unprofessional for a number of reasons. The agent should only show you properties that are ready to use and not something in the middle of a kitchen renovation or landscaping redesign. You are not supposed to see a lot of junk and waste materials in fron of the door when you visit the place. If you see people filling up a rented roll-off container, then it was maybe too early to visit that location.

Disorganized, showing up late, missing appointments and providing the wrong information are characteristics of an unprofessional real estate agent. If you find that you are working more closely with the agent’s assistant, it’s time to ditch him or her. It is the responsibility of the agent to lay out the expectations of their clients clearly.

If your agent possesses these characteristics above, it is time to replace them with someone else. Real estate is a serious investment, and when you do not have the right professional assisting you with the process, then all the money you used and about to spend will all go down the drain.

How Social Media Affects Today’s Teens


One of the greatest gifts technology had given to man is the creation of the Internet. Using the Web breaks boundaries and creates connections and improves information distribution. Despite these benefits over time the Internet seems to create a disconnection among our youth today. Especially since social media platforms have started to rise to prominence.

We can all admit that social media has definitely made our lives as parents, and our children’s lives a lot easier as well. But we also have to confess how it can negatively affected some of the kids psyche nowadays.

Psychologists today tackle many issues surrounding teens and their use of social media. As much as parents want to shield their kids today from the daunting risks that revolve around the Internet, nothing can or will stop them from accessing the Web.

The topic of the effects of social media on teens is broad. In fact, there is a staggering amount of studies and surveys published about it. If you are reading this article, chances are you are starting to wonder how the Internet is influencing your kids today. Below are the most concerning factors affecting your teenager right now.

They Are Addicted To It

Let’s face it, even us adults tend to stick our noses on our phones to check our Facebook accounts from time to time. I myself admit that I check it almost every 2 hours. One study revealed two thirds of Americans log in to Facebook on a daily basis, and 40% of them login multiple times a day.

There is a long list of reasons why we log on Facebook, but it is often used as a distraction or a relief of boredom. We associate the “likes” we get as a positive reinforcement on the comments we post. This is what makes it so addictive – Classical Conditioning, as psychologists call it.

They Tend To Be Insecure

As parents, even if we give all the love and support we can to boost their self-esteem, social media is always there for them, to put it into teen’s slang, “hate on them”.

The stories on social sites are often idealized versions of what actually is happening in reality. Users tend to compare themselves with what is said, see how it relates to their own situation or experience, and may end up thinking less of themselves because they don’t have the “ideal” life they want.

They Are Physically Inactive

Teens today prefer to stay at home and surf the Internet rather than engage in physical activities like sports and exercise. This is one of the reasons why there is such a huge population of obese teens these days.

In fact, even adult obesity is on the rise too as older people are not exempt from this situation. Encourage them to go out and practice a sport or two that they enjoy. Getting them active promotes both a healthy heart and mind.

They Become Restless

Social media platforms, as mentioned above, are addictive. When our children do not get to access their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts, it becomes a huge issue to them and they become restless, to the point that they can’t let this issue go. Don’t believe me? Try turning off your Wi-Fi for a few minutes and see how they react.

They Are Getting Cyberbullied

Our kids tend to hide from us what’s going on in their lives, and when they become the subject of cyberbullying, it becomes harder for them to admit what exactly is happening. Cyberbullying is a huge problem today to the point that many organizations were formed to stop this crime.

Enough is Enough, a society fighting against cyber bullying conducted a survey and found that 95% of the teens using social media have witnessed cyberbullying. And 33% of them have been victims of it.

There are also many positive effects in using social media. It can be used to promote businesses, endorse an advocacy, or spread awareness on certain important causes. However, the negative effects of it can also be daunting, especially when our teenagers today have all the freedom to access the Web and constantly visit social media sites.

The Internet is not going anyway, and it is surely here to stay. The only thing we can do as responsible parents is to stay on top of things, monitor their Internet use and teach them the discipline to focus on the good and stay away from the bad sides of it. Educating them on the proper use of social media will lessen the negative effects they can have on their psyche.

HTML and XML


HTML and XML are not really comparable. When considering the means of publication on the web, we are inevitably tempted to make a comparison between HTML and XML.

Contrary to what has already been written elsewhere, XML is not the successor of HTML. XML is not the future of HTML. XML is not a replacement for HTML. XML and HTML are two distinct languages!

There is only one similarity between the two: the SGML language. The only common point between HTML and XML is that they are both from the same mother or Standardized Generalised Markup Language (SGML). SGML is the language of choice in the workplace for all that concerns electronic document management.

They are thus both of markup languages. They also have common characteristics that are inherited from SGML such as carrying on the Web data in text mode (plain text), compatible with any software platform. In summary XML and HTML are both are derived from SGML with whom they share common characteristics, such as working with tags, being platform independent and being in text mode.

Regarding differences, there are many between HTML and XML. HTML and XML are different in very many points, some of which relate to the essence of language. XML describes, structures and exchange data while HTML only displays data. XML is extensible and allows users to create their own tags based on the processed data.

Whereas HTML tags are predefined and therefore fixed. Here are the main features of XML. XML describe, structures, stores and exchange data. XML is a language generator (a metalanguage).Besides PCs, XML is intended as an appropriate tool for mobile, tablets, etc. For XML, W3C has restarted with a blank page and set up a new highly structured language.

XML is a strict language whose writing must be rigorous. Next are HTML features. HTML displays data through a browser. HTML is a static normalized language for publication on the Web. HTML is designed primarily for PC type computers. HTML with version 4.0 has reached the end of its evolution and became a hybrid and finally unstructured language.

HTML became very permissive because of newer browsers Finally let’s talk about HTML, XML and XHTML. XHTML is itself the successor to HTML. But it is also one of the children generated by XML. In short, to do some cleaning in the excesses of HTML over the various versions, the W3C has developed the XHTML that is in fact a reformulation of HTML 4.0 agreeing with the syntax and rules of XML.