Tubs, sinks, and toilets are heavy, bulky, and composed of mixed materials that cannot simply be placed in regular household trash. Understanding the materials involved and proper disposal methods is crucial for efficient clean-up and environmental responsibility.

The Challenge of Material Composition

Bathroom fixtures are designed for durability, which makes them cumbersome to dispose of. The disposal method depends heavily on what the fixture is made of:

1. Cast Iron Tubs

Cast iron tubs are extremely heavy and durable, often requiring multiple people or specialized equipment to move. They were common in older homes and are typically coated with a thick layer of porcelain enamel.

• Disposal: Cast iron is a valuable metal for recycling. After the porcelain is removed, which can be a challenging, dust-intensive process, the metal can be taken to a scrap metal recycler. The weight of the tub often makes it worth a small amount of money, offsetting the cost of labor.

2. Fiberglass and Acrylic Tubs

These are the most common modern tub materials. They are lighter than cast iron but are difficult to recycle because they are often composed of resin, glass fibers, and chemical binders in the case of fiberglass or simply complex plastics in the case of acrylic.

• Disposal: Most recycling centers do not accept these materials, so they must typically be broken down and disposed of as construction and demolition waste at a specialized landfill. The tub may need to be cut into smaller pieces to facilitate removal from the bathroom and transport.

3. Porcelain Sinks and Toilets

Sinks and toilets are generally made of vitreous china, a type of ceramic. They are heavy, brittle, and non-recyclable in standard glass or plastic municipal programs.

• Disposal: The best option is typically C&D waste disposal. Some contractors may break the ceramic into smaller pieces and mix it with other bathroom demolition debris. Due to the high water content and manufacturing process, ceramic waste cannot be treated as traditional glass for recycling.

Logistical Solutions for Removal

The weight and size of these fixtures often create the biggest barrier for homeowners attempting a DIY bathroom remodel cleanup.

1. Self-Hauling – The DIY Route

This requires significant effort and resources:

• Labor: Arranging strong, reliable help to carry the heavy items out of the home, often requiring navigating tight hallways and stairs.
• Transportation: Renting a suitable truck or trailer capable of bearing the weight of a cast-iron tub or the bulk of an acrylic one.
• Disposal Site: Locating a specific facility, like a landfill or scrapyard, that accepts the materials and paying the necessary dumping fees.

2. Utilizing Professional Hauling

For homeowners prioritizing time and safety, professional disposal is the most efficient route. Because these fixtures share logistical challenges with large household appliances, seeking specialized help for appliances removal and large fixture hauling is often the simplest solution.

• Full Service Removal: A professional junk removal service will assess the material, provide the necessary labor and tools to safely remove the fixture from the property, and transport it to the correct sorting and disposal facility, often managing the recycling separation themselves.
• Integrated Waste Stream: These services handle all mixed construction waste, ensuring the plaster, tile, wood, and fixtures are all managed in a single operation. This saves time and ensures responsible disposal compliance.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

When disposing of old bathroom items, safety is paramount.

• Protecting Surfaces: During removal, fixtures like cast iron tubs can easily chip tile or dent floors if dropped or dragged. Proper padding and technique are essential.
• Lead Concerns: In homes built before the 1970s, old porcelain glazes might contain trace amounts of lead. While the risk of exposure from the fixture itself is low, take standard precautions when breaking up the material to avoid inhaling dust.
• Water Damage: Ensure all plumbing connections are completely severed and drained before attempting removal to avoid unexpected water spills and potential subfloor damage.

Choosing the right disposal method for your old tub and sink is the final step in closing out your bathroom demolition phase, leading the way for your exciting new installation.

Photo By: Jim Deen/Kitchen Kraft

As 2020 brings in the new decade, it’s time to move away from what’s bad and embrace what’s new and good. Whether you’re finally ready to go for bolder, darker colours, or have finally convinced yourself to bid adieu to that horribly leaky faucet, there’s endless design inspiration to kick-start your bathroom remodel in 2020. From compact storage space to advanced smart technologies, these are 7 bathroom remodelling trends you should look out for in 2020.

Shaped Tiles

Rectangular subway tiles have had their moment and is now moving over for funkier shapes like hexagons and scallops. Be sure to opt for a shaped tile pattern that’s guaranteed to make an impact and catch the eyes of guests, even if you aren’t willing to commit to a big, bold colour.

Industrial Styled Vanities

We understand that this style may not be for everyone, however, it’s very current and there’s expected to be an increase in popularity for this type of design. With a wide range of metal finish possibilities, wooden accents, and funky tile patterns, it only makes sense that the industrial vanity is on its way up in 2020. The sleek and modern look fits in perfectly with this edgy, yet classy remodelling trend.

Photo By: Blue Label Construction

Compact Storage

People are sick of crammed storage spaces. The bathroom is a sanctuary and it’s about time to expect a simpler aesthetic by minimising item storage and the space required. Compacted storage areas such as cabinets and shelves will be presented in a simplified manner that promotes minimalist habits. Said to relieve stress and keep you organised, the use of hidden cabinets, modern wall shelving and vanity under space storage will help you get rid of clutter for a more open and stress-free vibe.

Go Pink

Blush is one of the most popular wall colour choices for modern bathroom walls. Different shades of blush have been predominant for a notable period of time but rose gold is slowly and surely coming to the fore. Expect faucets, drawer pulls and even bathtubs to go a lush colour of pink.

Brass & Gold

Shades of brass and gold are great for sinks, toilets and everything else in your bathroom. Forget about dated designs and choose warm toned gold plumbing fixtures that add depth, dimension and luxury to your bathroom space. Be sure to look out for brass and gold toned bathrooms with warmer accents, rather than traditional shiny polished chrome fixtures. Finish options such as satin, matte and spun gold offer a subtle difference that exudes comfort and elegance, while keeping fingerprints and water spots hidden. Another reason for this timely comeback is that it simply looks great in so many different style settings, so you can’t go wrong with it.

Photo By: JCD Custom Home Design

Black Instead of Grey

2018 and 2019 may have seen grey making waves in bathroom remodelling projects. 2020 on the other hand, will see bolder, darker styles become more popular. Black and darker tones with matte finishes will be most popular for light fixtures, vanities, mirror and other fixtures.

Advanced Smart Technologies

Smart toilets were a huge talking point in the last year. Smart technologies like seat warmers, automatic lid openers, adjustable wire dryers and built-in deodorisers made a huge splash in bathrooms everywhere. In 2020, you can expect to see innovations to spread to the rest of the bathroom. Smart showers, mini fridges and automatic sinks are going to bring convenience to new levels this year. Another new trend that’s set to become more common in households, is the built-in bluetooth speaker system. Now you can jam or wind down to your favourite songs in the comfort of your shower or bathtub with ease.

Voice activated features for lighting and temperature, smart mirrors that talk to you, as well as installed TVs are just a few other examples of fun trends you can expect to see in remodelled bathrooms for this year. Modern bathrooms are transforming into personalised spaces with innovative technologies that make relaxing more convenient than ever before. There’s no better time for bathroom renovations in Adelaide than the beginning of a new decade. What’s more is that there’s an endless list of fantastic possibilities and ideas that you could incorporate into your bathroom in 2020. From chic and modern, to industrial and vintage, whatever your personal style may be – 2020 is your year for your bathroom renovation.

Photo: Decor Pad

A bathroom renovation is one of the most common home improvement projects undertaken each year. The bathroom is, after all, one of the most visited rooms in the entire home. Remodelling a bathroom will not only provide a high return on investment for the homeowner, it can also help to make the space seem more inviting. However, there are still some homeowners who do not know whether or not it is time to invest in a remodel.

If you think the time may be right for bathroom remodelling, it may be a good idea to consult with a contractor. The contractor will be able to give great ideas, like putting a vanity in or even installing a new solid corian worktops. Knowing the tell-tale signs it is time for a remodel can also be quite helpful.

Photo: Decor Pad

Outdated Look

If your bathroom looks as though it is stuck in a different era, then it is high time to consider a remodel. Replacing your old and dingy bathtub, or even recovering it with a new acrylic liner is a bathroom decorating idea that never fails. Other elements to consider replacing include laying new tile and adding a vanity. Doing this may also help to improve the home’s resale value. The last thing you want to do is have a bathroom that looks like it came from the 80s. Spending money on updating the look of your home will pay off in the long run.

Photo: YUGTEATR

Safety Improvements are Needed

The majority of household accidents occur in the bathroom. Slipping and falling is an all too common occurrence for seniors and others who have limited mobility. However, there are a number of bathroom products that can help accommodate residents who have safety concerns. A walk in bathtub with slip resistant floors or a walk in shower is well-worth the initial investment. The older you get, the more you will have to think about putting safeguards in place to prevent accidents. With the right additions, you will be able to stay in the home you love for many years to come.

Cramped Space

If the bathroom you have seems a bit cramped, it may be hard to choose the right type of decor for your bathroom. If you need to open the area up, a great bathroom space saving solution is to install a tub to shower conversion. This can add quite a bit of elbow room to an otherwise cramped space. Rather than feeling like you are trapped when entering your home’s bathroom, you need to find a way to create additional space. Even if your contractor has to knock out a wall or two, it will be worth it. Consulting with a remodelling professional is a great way to find out how to create more space in your bathroom on a budget.

Photo: Design Mom

A Damaged Tub and Fixtures

There is no question the bathtub is the focal point of the bathroom. If there is visible damage, such as peeling and cracking, it needs to be addressed. However, it is completely possible to bring an old tub to life again with a custom made covering. Most liner installation services take a contractor less than a day to complete, which means the damage can be fixed quickly. The fixtures in your bathroom are also something you will need to inspect. Having outdated toilets is not only an eyesore, it can create a lot of problems with water waste as well. The more you are able to find out about the updated fixtures on the market, the easier it will be for you to make the right changes in this space. You can visit this page to find a toilet that fits your needs and matches your home decor. With all of the different blogs and online magazines out there devoted to home improvements, finding useful information will be easy.

If you are ready for a bathroom remodel, be sure to contact a professional. Doing this will ensure the project is completed successfully and that costly mistakes are avoided.