Rubble bags are exactly what they sound like: bags for carrying loads of rubble from construction, demolition, or renovation work. These heavy-duty sacks can handle up to 50kg or more of building materials, whether for disposal or safekeeping.
Using rubble bags allows workers to collect waste in bulk instead of making multiple trips from one work area to another, e.g., the dump site. But it’s not just about filling and hauling them away. Follow these best practices for safe handling to avoid spills or damage!
Work With Rubble Bags Built for the Job
Rubble bags, also known as FIBCs, are made from durable materials like polypropylene—strong enough for heavy loads. However, not all are designed to carry the same weight.
Some have a capacity of 30kg/litre, ideal for brick fragments, wood scraps, and concrete debris during smaller construction or DIY projects. Meanwhile, tonne bags, such as this 1-tonne Gilray sack, can support as much as 1,000kg. They can handle larger volumes of building materials chunks, including large boulders and so on.
Make sure to consider the optimal weight load for your work requirements, as well as how many you need. Tip: You can score great deals on sacks sold in packs of 10, like this scaffold fitting bag.
Don’t Use Rubble Bags for Hazardous Materials
Substances like chemicals, batteries, asbestos, or contaminated plasterboard must be disposed of separately and handled by qualified personnel or commercial waste experts. Moreover, polypropylene is not suitable for handling such materials because it doesn’t offer the required protection against leaks or contamination.
These bags shouldn’t also be thrown away in skip bins or rubber chutes along with rubbish unless they’re worn out and need replacing. We recommend using rubble bags only for non-hazardous disposable waste or materials that need temporary storage, including:
- Scraps from building materials, such as metal sheeting, trimmings, pieces of plumbing pipes, wiring remnants, and more.
- Unused or offcuts of insulation material or scaffold boards, as long as they’re not hazardous.
- Pieces of drywall, tiles, and flooring removed during renovation projects.
- Scaffold accessories and fittings that have served their purpose.
Reuse, Reuse, Reuse
Rubble bags and tonne bags can be reused multiple times, thanks to the durable material that can withstand this demand without breaking down easily. They’re also cost-effective, reducing construction waste. Reuse them as long as they are in good condition, but make sure they are well-maintained and not overloaded to serve this purpose.
Tips: Stick to the manufacturer’s weight limits to avoid overloading. Check the bags for any signs of tears, holes, or worn spots, especially around the loops and seams. This guarantees they’re safe and strong during lifting and transportation.
Blue Cycle Recycling Scheme
SP Group offers a hassle-free recycling program for construction businesses. If you purchase our recyclable tonne bags, you can add this service to your order. Once ready for disposal, they’ll be collected by our assigned personnel. You’ll receive certification when they arrive at the recycling facility and are recycled into new plastic products.
By implementing these practices for using rubble bags, workers can be more efficient, contractors can save money, and the worksite can remain neat and safe.
If you need quality site containment products and Safegard scaffold protection, including FR debris netting and monarflex alternative sheeting, contact us at +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a scaffold supplier based in the UK and Ireland.