United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA 231-F-97-006 August 1997 Policy, Planning and Evaluation (2127) Construction Waste Management A Guide for I Municipalities ------- Construction Waste Management At least 20% of the waste stream riding the busy roads to landfills comes from construction and demolition (C&D) job sites. But did you know that some 3 tons of material—about 60% to 80% of the material that piles up on each new home site—is recyclable? If your community is looking to boost recycling rates or meet state-set goals, C&D materials may offer yet another recycling opportunity. The National Association of Home Builders Research Center (NAHB) has recently published a Builder's Field Guide to support recycling programs. To be successful with these programs, builders need access to easy, affordable alternatives to landfill use. And that's where state and local agencies can step in as critical partners. To help you get started, this brochure presents what you need to know about construction waste recycling. It also offers several important tips for encouraging the development of new businesses to provide recycling and clean-up services. Getting Down to Basics What and How Much is Recyclable? Each new home built in the U.S. generates 3 to 5 pounds per square foot of scrap. Remodeling jobs generate even more waste, anywhere from 6 pounds to redo a kitchen to 26 pounds for a remodeled bathroom. Look closely and you'll find that much of this "waste" wood, drywall, cardboard, metal and vinyl is recyclable. Where Does It Go? Builders typically choose one of two ways to get rid of job site waste: municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills or private C&D landfills. Rising MSW landfill fees and bans on items such as cardboard in some states have increased the use of less expensive C&D sites. How Much Does It Cost? Waste haulers generally charge builders a single fee for pick-up and disposal. Three factors drive this price: 1) the cost of the large bins that hold waste on construction sites; 2) distance from construction site to landfill; and 3) landfill tipping fees. ------- C/3 Builders' interest in recycling is likely to rise or fall on two issues: cost and the availability of landfill alternatives. As for cost, experience suggests that builders are more likely to support recycling if: landfill tipping fees are higher than $30 per ton, and Construction sites can provide a significant opportunity for state and local waste management agencies to expand recycling efforts. The following tips offer a loose but thorough guide to providing the right support for construction waste recycling programs: CD 00 £ CO CD local landfill capacity is limited or uncertain. In addition, effective recycling requires a ready supply of alternative disposal services to meet builders' needs. But few markets exist for recycled wood and drywall, the two most common construction waste materials. Metal scrap, on the other hand, is generated in such small quantities that recycling is economical only if the metal is collected as part of a broader recycling effort. In contrast, cardboard is found in large quantities on most construction sites and has a well-developed collection and market infrastructure. ------- • Study the NAHB's Builder's Field Guide. It's a good primer on the techniques, issues, and economics of construction waste disposal. • Determine how local tipping fees and landfill capacity will affect C&D recycling efforts. • Identify recycling/reuse outlets in your area. • Ask local C&D haulers whether they collect, sort, and recycle construction materials. This early assessment can help you gauge the potential market for construction waste recycling and identify services that must be developed for recycling and reuse of C&D wastes. Find out how much and what types of waste are generated by area builders. Consult local building departments or state/local home building associations and use the NAHB's Builder's Field Guide to help you estimate. This assessment can help determine which recycling opportunities to pursue and prioritize your efforts. Create a construction waste recycling committee. Bring all parties to the table, including your local home builders association, to develop a recycling plan for your area. Offer recycling workshops/forums. Build a partnership with area builders by providing training and troubleshooting and by serving as an information resource. ------- Determine whether your community has an existing collection system for construction waste materials. If no system exists, you'll need to create one that can move C&D recyclables from job sites to recycling facilities, and if need be, separate the various materials. Consider offering tax and zoning incentives for firms that support C&D waste recycling, such as construction site "clean-up" services. With the right encouragement from the local government, existing waste haulers may choose to expand their services and route recyclables to sorting and collection facilities. Identify market development grant/loan opportunities. Help new recycling service businesses get started by identifying sources for small business grants and low-interest loans. Explore new uses for recycled wood and drywall. Investigate agricultural applications for recycled material. Chipped, untreated, unpainted wood scraps may be used for mulch and compost, and, in some cases, pulverized drywall can serve as a soil amendment or compost ingredient. ------- For More Holp In addition to your local home builders association, contact: NAHB Research Center, Inc. Call the Homebase Hotline for information on construction materials management and a copy of the Builder's Field Guide. 800-898-2842 American Forest and Paper Association The AF & PA sells the National Wood Recycling directory for $5 per copy. 202-463-2467 American Plastics Council The APC offers a number of free publications, including the Recycled Plastic Products Source Book, Stretch Wrap Recycling: A How To Guide, and the Vinyl Siding Recycling Handbook. 800-243-5790 Gypsum Association The GA can provide information on gypsum processing equipment, current research on uses of waste drywall, and member plants that accept drywall. 202-289-5440 Steel Recycling Institute The SRI has regional offices with local and/or regional contacts for recycling ferrous materials. 800-876-7274 EPA and the Smart Growth Network For additional information on smart building practices, contact Robin Snyder at 202-260-8331 or see the SGN website at: http://smartgrowth.org ------- |