Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines construction and demolition (C&D) debris as waste generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and bridges. According to the EPA, reducing and recycling C&D debris conserves landfill space, reduces the environmental impact of producing new materials, and creates jobs. It can even reduce total building construction costs through avoided purchase/disposal expenses.
Sustainability Officers seeking to develop a C&D debris recycling program can refer to “Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling for Environmental Protection and Economic Development,” a practice guide prepared by the University of Louisville that contains useful information, including:
- Steps for assessing a locality’s handing of C&D debris from point of origin to disposal
- Various ways local governments can promote C&D debris recycling
- Resources that support C&D debris recycling programs
- Case studies of communities that have created jobs and promoted economic development through implementation of a C&D debris recycling program
The collection, reprocessing, marketing, and use of materials that were diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream.
