Category: Projects

GBCA Members | Sustainability in the Sydney Building and Construction Industry

Posted on by Taylor
PumperDump is proud to be acknowledged becoming a member of the Green Building Council of Australia. Our membership demonstrates our commitment to “the sustainable transformation of the built environment”. PumperDump’s core vision aligns with the GBCA in being able to proudly and ethically recycle 100% of all concrete waste and washout water resulting from construction activity, providing a sustainable and zero emissions future for our construction clients as well as for our industry. pumperdump-5M3 truck This is an association with Australia’s sustainability leaders who are committed to:
  • Supporting the creation of buildings and other infrastructure that are environmentally responsible and result in sustainable, efficient, profitable and healthy places for communities to live and work in.
  • Fostering a strong bind amongst peers and associates in the building, design, construction, and sustainable operations industries;
  • Encouraging the development and promotion of sustainable communities and environmentally responsible building practices;
  • Leading market transformation in sustainability and campaigning for the wider recognition of environmentally responsible buildings and practices;
  • Supporting and encouraging educational and research programs aimed at raising the knowledge and skill base of green building practitioners;
  • Actively aligning with relevant publicly funded research to the practice/market requirements for innovation and development in green building implementation;
  • Participating in public debate on environmental issues within the building industry;
  • Supporting the campaigning and soliciting of funds to be applied towards the GBCA’s objectives;
  • Acting with integrity, due care, and in a manner that upholds the reputation of the works and objectives of the GBCA and Green Star rating tools, its officers and employees.
We are pleased to be joining some of the industry’s most influential players on the Green Building Council of Australia register. Below are some of PumperDump’s clients who too are accredited members of the GBCA. Read below some of the exciting developments these companies are currently involved in around Sydney. ADCO Constructions With a national presence across Australia for nearly 50 years, ADCO Construction is one of the oldest and most established construction companies in Australia. A company committed to delivering quality to their clients, ADCO Constructions has managed to build a legacy amongst the industry – with over 3500 projects, valued in excess of $14 billion. Amongst their roaring success, ADCO is also a proud member of the Green Building Council of Australia and remain committed to the success and increased adoption of sustainable construction practices. Some of ADCO Construction’s recent Sydney projects include being the building partner for the next Property Industry Foundation (PIF) House in Sydney, which will give five homeless youth a safe and secure place to live. Hutchinson Builders Established in 1912, Hutchinson Builders is one of Australia’s largest privately-owned building and construction companies. Hutchinson Builders have transformed into a dynamic and diverse construction company, delivering sophisticated projects across a comprehensive portfolio. With 300+ projects built annually, “Hutchies” was able to generate a $2.87 billion turnover in 2020 alone. As members of the Green Building Council of Australia, they are leading the way in developing sustainable approaches and building services systems which address the key environmental criteria associated within the construction industry. With one in every 12 Green Star Rated building in Australia been built by Hutchinson Builders, they have delivered more than $2 billion Green Star Rated buildings. Hutchinson Builders have recently undertaken the first phase of truss installation for the Castle Residence project, working alongside United Development Sydney, bringing together high-end apartments with five-star luxury hotel services and amenities. Richard Crookes Constructions A private, family owned construction company that has been delivering projects as promised; safely and to the highest quality throughout NSW and ACT since 1976. Richard Crookes Constructions remains committed to continually improving the integration of sustainability into their working environment and business processes. RCC aims to portray a proactive role in contributing towards achieving sustainability where they have an influence in the delivery of construction. Whilst being members of the Green Building Council of Australia, Richard Crookes Constructions remains committed to following key objectives with regards to; Sustainable construction, reduced operational resources and sustainable reuse at end of service life. Current projects included the redevelopment of the Wyong Hospital in Hamlyn Terrace, NSW. PumperDump looks forward to pushing the sustainability agenda for all our projects for the benefit of our clients and the community. Want to know more, then get in touch #PumperDumpSolution #Construction #ConstructionIndustry #ConcreteRecycling #ContructionWaste #ConcreteSolutions #ConcreteManagement #ConcretePump #ConcreteWashout #ConcreteWasteManagement #C&DWaste #CircularEconomy #GreenBuilding #Pollution #NSW #NSWGovernment #Sustainability #Sydney #SydneyConstruction
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Introducing PumperDump’s New 5m3 Patent Pending Blowback Bin

Posted on by Taylor
Transforming industry experience, a wealth of knowledge and continuous system innovation for concrete pumping and concrete waste collection, PumperDump has been a player in the concrete pumping industry for years.

With the roaring success of the 2m3 (2 Cubic Meter) blowback bin which launched more than 10 years ago, it was not difficult to notice the gap in the market for something a little bigger. After months of planning and trialling, we are proud to introduce the new 5m3 (5 Cubic Meter) blowback bin to the streets of Sydney. 

Our latest innovation would not be possible without the collaboration of some important players in the industry.

We would like to thank Bincorp for the manufacturing of the bin, De Martin & Gasparini for assisting during the construction and for trialling the bin, and WATPAC for permitting this bin to be trialled on their site. We would also like to give thanks to Azzurri Concrete for their input during the construction.


This video shows the second blowback in the same bin without being emptied. PumperDump believes a modest improvement as such could save concrete pumping companies, builders and concrete suppliers money over the duration of a project.

How you ask?

While the delivery line is short and the bin is set in place, you will be able to get a couple of blowbacks into the same bin before it needs to be emptied. Depending on who is paying for the current blowback truck, this could reduce the blowback bill considerably. The bin is also ready at your disposal if there are any problems to occur during the pour – so no waiting for a blowback truck to arrive when time is crucial.

For builders, concreters or concrete suppliers who care about sustainability, there is far less truck movement, reducing the carbon usage associated with a blowout as well completely eliminating the use of plastic, strongly keeping to our policy of no plastic in any of the equipment or waste stream.

Lastly, for the concrete suppliers. There is no need to immediately cart concrete to your yard – reducing fuel consumption, turnaround time for the next load is much quicker, as well as reduced tipping or carting fees for the removal of waste concrete brought back to your yard.

So, depending on who you are in the industry there is a saving for you!

As this is a new system, we have a very limited number of 5m3 (5 Cubic Meter) bins. Nonetheless, we are more than happy to talk to any party interested in using a 5m3 on their current or new projects.
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The Pumper Dump Solution

Posted on by Richard

If you have arrived here after reading, and hopefully enjoying the previous posts, I would like to say thank you.

The story began many, many years ago, while walking in concrete slurry and mud, I thought there had to be a safer, cleaner way to deal with the concrete washout waste after washing a concrete pump.

So, I took to paper and came up with my concept.

Just like the concreters have moved on from pushing wheelbarrows, PumperDump has grown to offer more than just a bin service.

When using PumperDump we assist you to:

  • Avoid using plastic for washout trays
  • Avoid the use of your onsite plant equipment
  • Save your manual labour time and cost to clean up messes
  • Eliminate extra tip fees
  • Better manage any water runoff and possible pollution infringements
  • Give recyclers an uncontaminated product to recycle
  • Reduce unnecessary carbon emissions
  • Introduce sustainable practices while dealing with concrete waste
  • Improve onsite safety
  • One price no hidden costs

Just like the sustainability Venn diagram shows, sustainability covers many areas and we have grown and innovated through constant dialog with builders, assisting them to solve their problems, and in doing that, we have also been able to assist them with their sustainability goals.


It looks simple and is simple, but what this bin can offer is a lot more.

This following chart compares the process and time builders take to deal with the washout tray onsite compared to using PumperDump. It shows the extra plant machinery handling and truck movements taken when done the traditional way.


PumperDump’s Concrete Waste Separation Unit, (CWSU) as we call it, has a 1m3 volume, with an inner tray to capture the concrete and an outer tray to store the wash water to be processed and recycled. PumperDump trays have a larger volume than the standard tray and yes, they can also be overfilled, but the outer tray gives room for the water and a better indication of when the limit will be reached.

We give builders back their skip bin volume for real rubbish, keeping any overweight charges to a minimum and help them mitigate the risk of fines with no more water running out of transported skips.

We don’t tie up onsite plant leaving them to be better utilised for onsite operations.

PumperDump’s no plastic policy delivers the recycler an uncontaminated concrete waste. Instead of plastic, we use our specially formulated water-based concrete release agent on all our bins.

We offer certificates on the concrete and water collected and recycled and the volume of plastic diverted from landfill.

Even when construction has commenced, some builders and concreters are reluctant to use PumperDump, believing it’s an extra cost without seeing the many hidden costs already associated with the cleaning and disposal of concrete waste.

My story goes, from walking through concrete slurry and mud after washing a concrete pump, to starting and growing PumperDump, to now offering a range of services that will help you to a safer more sustainable concrete pumping 21th century.

Want to know more, then get in touch

#PumperDumpSolution #Construction #ConstructionIndustry #ConcreteRecycling #ContructionWaste #ConcreteSolutions #ConcreteManagement #ConcretePump #ConcreteWashout #ConcreteWasteManagement #C&DWaste #CircularEconomy #GreenBuilding #Pollution #NSW #NSWGovernment #Sustainability #Sydney #SydneyConstruction

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Agreeing on a Problem that Needs to be Solved

Posted on by Richard

In summary, the problem associated to the residential builder, is the same as the builder who uses the washout bags, washout trays and piles the concrete in a heap. They all have a degree of hidden costs associated with the handling of the concrete washout waste.

These range in degree of costs in the areas:

  • Use of plastic
  • Use of onsite plant
  • Time for manual labour to clean up messes
  • Extra tip fees
  • Uncontained water runoff and possible pollution infringements
  • Giving the recycler a plastic contaminated product to recycle
  • Unnecessary carbon emitted
  • Unsustainable practices while dealing with concrete waste
  • Onsite safety

I ask you, is this because the builders view the concrete industry like it was in the 1930’s, or because they believe there is no other option on how to deal with this waste, or is it because builders just don’t notice all the hidden costs associated with this process?

Building the Sydney Harbour Bridge

I have on many occasions taken people through our cost comparison chart and they have agreed with the cost savings in using PumperDump, then continue to go back to the same old ways. Change is hard, I know because I also need to do it, but change is what drives improvement.

Even though the word “Sustainability” hasn’t been shouted until recently, the practices have always been there when improving site safety, the environment and the bottom line. Sustainability is now expanding the core areas and the responsibility along the chain is becoming more accountable.

The belief that the waste in the bin is someone else’s problem, is now coming back to the creator of the waste. Builders need to and are becoming more aware of their responsibility on running a building site.

Concrete pumping has never been scrutinised under a microscope, but if viewed through a sustainable lens, builders can reap large benefits over large projects when these practices are implemented.



If you are facing the same problems as theses other builders and are willing to look for a solution and a better way, give me the time to show you what we can offer.

My next post,  what you have told us you need, to solve this problem.

#PumperDump #Construction #ConstructionIndustry #ConcreteRecycling #ContructionWaste #ConcreteSolutions #ConcreteManagement #ConcretePump #ConcreteWashout #ConcreteWasteManagement #C&DWaste #CircularEconomy #GreenBuilding #Pollution #NSW #NSWGovernment #Sustainability #Sydney #SydneyConstruction

Want to know more, then get in touch

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What’s the Problem with On Site Concrete Washout Trays

Posted on by Richard

The concrete washout tray is the most common concrete washout containment method used on sites. Most trays hold around .8 of a cubic metre.

Sites need to have plant equipment like a crane or manitou to move the tray around empty, and full, and to tip it into the onsite skip once used. Room for storage needs to be found and on some tight sites this could be a challenge.


Trays can be rented or more commonly supplied by the concreter so the builder can look after the waste. All washout trays need to be lined with plastic to prevent the concrete from sticking.

So, over a large project, the amount of plastic used will add up to a considerable volume.

The plastic will contaminate the concrete to be recycled, just like the concrete wrapped in plastic from the washout bags.

For builders looking at a sustainable method of handling the concrete washout waste, this may not be the preferred method.

Washout trays just like concrete washout bags have no alternate method to contain the water overflow when full, and so often spill over the sides to the surrounding area. Like the washout bags, it can create a slip hazard when the slurry dries.

I have had builders tell me that after a couple of trays have been tipped into the skip, the water runs out of the skip onto the road when transported and are concerned about the possibility of fines from the council.

Again, with this onsite tray some builders talk about the extra or “hidden” costs that go with the handling of the trays with their equipment and the cost of the waste when the turnover of the bins is increased because of the weight in the skips.


Some of the problems we have seen:

Storage Issues:

Spills:

Plastic Contamination:

Has anybody seen my washout tray?



Want to know more, then get in touch

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Challenges and Risks of Working with Concrete

Posted on by Richard

Hello again, as mentioned in our introductory post, over the years we have had feedback from different builders in the industry about their problems.   As a growing company with a specialised service, we have used the feedback to help guide our growth to better serve the construction industry and assist in solving the problems and associated costs in that specific sector and making the full process sustainable. 

Here are some of the things we have learned

  • The cost of waste. The most generally talked about problem, is the increase in cost of waste over the years. Builders on larger sites have the option of getting different skip bins to separate waste streams and increase recycling and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. The builders on confined spaces, besides having a logistical problem, need to reduce the amount of waste produced on their site. 
  • Some builders tell us that some skip bin companies are having an issue with wet concrete being tipped into their skips. This wet concrete when dried is getting stuck to the inside of the skip and causing a problem when they attempt to tip. Besides getting stuck in the bin, the concrete also binds to the general waste making the separation of waste for recycling difficult, resulting in sending more concrete to land fill.  
  • After a concrete pump has been washed and the washout water hasn’t been contained properly, council fines are a major concern. There is also the labour and time to clean up the mess and the cost can add up.  
  • Hidden costs can make a budget blow out, so more builders are calculating their hidden costs associated with crane or manitou time relating to the movements in delivering and emptying the concrete washout tray, and also the waste cost when tipping the concrete into the onsite skip. There is also the time in finding storage space for the washout tray to live.   
  • Sustainability is slowly becoming more important in the construction industry. Some of you may be nodding in agreement, some may be thinking not the greenies again! Sustainability encompasses, social, environmental, and economic factors. Those ahead of the curve may be looking for new systems to assist them to advance in that area. 
  • Plastic waste is becoming a bigger concern to some in the construction industry as a lot is used when pumping concrete. The contamination of plastic in concrete for recyclers is becoming a bigger problem as recycling of a clean product can make money for some and save money for others. Companies concerned in sustainable practices may be interested in reducing the use of plastic in this area. 

As we go through the different methods used by different builders, I’ll leave it up to you to make your own mind up. Maybe you have done the same or maybe you have found a different method that has helped you make some savings. Feel free to comment as we are here to help each other out. 


Residential Building Waste 
Let’s start with this residential builder. They have decided to contain their washout waste by lining the street with plastic. The common feedback from different builders when shown this shot, is about the hard labour needed to break up and remove the concrete. There is also the time to go to the tip and back, with tips fees, and that time could be better spent out on their boat, fishing! Jokes aside, each of us will have a thought on the cost of time and labour and how each of those can be spent productively.  

  





EPA Fines and Personal Risk 

There is the possible risk of a fine with this waste left on the road, not only as a driver’s hazard, but when the water is released, even though it would be clear, is still very high in pH and would run into the stormwater. 
 
No crane or manitou, just plastic, some shovels, a wheelbarrow and a pile of concrete and couple of young blokes, hopefully no bad backs, and off we go. Not sure what they will be doing with the water? 

Next post, the problem with plastic washout bags.  




Want to know more, then get in touch

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