Direct and Indirect Costs
A lot of project estimates are based on direct costs.  Studies show that for every dollar that is spent on a direct cost there is another dollar spent on an indirect cost such as downtime on a building and relocation fees to move occupants. Most times when something is removed from a building something has to be put back, as with asbestos or lead based paint. With the generation of this type of waste the indirect costs can sometimes be hidden or unknown.  This is where the term “Cradle to Grave” or Womb to Tomb” liability comes into play. You can end up owning this material forever, whether it is in your building or in a landfill.  When the material is generated and transported to one of the ever-decreasing landfills with your name on it, at any point in time the dump owner for whatever reason could decide to move or close down, sending you and/or the original generator of the waste a bill.