Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Diversion Programs: Overview
A construction and demolition (C&D) diversion program generally requires building and demolition contractors to reuse and recycle a pre-determined percentage of their waste rather than disposing of it in landfills. By issuing a construction and demolition (C&D) ordinance, jurisdictions gain the authority to enforce waste diversion requirements. The following are common measures typically included in a C&D Diversion Ordinance:
- Issuance of project permits tied to ordinance requirements
- Requirement of a waste management plan to be completed prior to the start of construction or demolition
- Proof of compliance with weight tickets and diversion facility receipts
- A deposit that is proportional to project size (by sq ft or weight) to be returned upon proof of compliance
- Field inspections of on-site practices
RATIONALE
Construction and demolition materials comprise an estimated 25-30% of US solid waste annually, but the current recycling rate for construction and demolition waste is 20-30 percent. Project-based studies by the USGBC indicate that a diversion rate of more than 70 percent is a reasonable goal.
EFFORT REQUIRED
Most of the effort required will be centered around enforcing any new regulations and educating contractors on how to comply. Enforcement is made easier by incorporating the diversion requirements into existing permitting procedures, but industry buy-in is crucial for achieving desired results and creating stable material markets.
BENEFIT
- Reduces environmental impacts from the extraction, transportation and distribution of raw materials
- Extends the life expectancy of regional landfills
- Reduces overall energy costs
- Creates new jobs associated with the recycling industry
- Saves contractors money by reusing and recycling materials that would normally be thrown away
RISKS
- Setting a diversion rate that is too aggressive leaving industry unable to cost-effectively comply
- Not having processing infrastructure in place to handle the added materials
- Not having adequate markets to buy processed materials
ACTION AGENT(S)
- Environmental Management Department
- Waste Management Departments
- Recycling Department
- Public Works Department
- Building Department
- Planning Department
COST
Program costs will vary depending on fee structure, enforcement demands and staff requirements. Many programs include an application fee to cover the administrative costs of reviewing waste management plans. Some example deposit models include:
- $50 deposit per estimated ton of waste (no less than $5000)
- $0.35 deposit per square-foot of building
A survey conducted by the NJDEP in April 2004 showed that recycling asphalt debris, concrete rubble, used bricks and blocks, felled trees and stumps and wood scrap costs significantly less than disposing of these materials as solid waste.
Average Cost to Recycle:
- Asphalt debris* $5.70 per ton
- Concrete rubble* $4.85 per ton
- Used bricks and blocks* $5.49 per ton
- Trees and stumps $37.69 per ton
- Wood scrap $46.43 per ton
Average Cost of Disposal:
- Over $75.00 per ton and can be as high as $98.00 per ton
* Several recycling centers did not charge any fee for the receipt of these recyclable waste materials (Survey results based upon 63 respondents).
Waste disposal sites for solid waste from human activities.The disposal of waste other than through incineration or the use of landfills. Examples include reuse and recycling.The collection, reprocessing, marketing, and use of materials that were diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream.The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
