Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling

C&D Recycling Toolkit for Contractors

Chapter 501, Statutes of 2002 (Kuehl, SB 1374) required the CIWMB to develop tools that general contractors could use to increase diversion of C&D debris as well as to develop a model C&D ordinance for local jurisdictions. Other tools are available for local governments and processors.

C&D waste diversion can save builders money. Some materials have scrap value or may be cheaper to recycle than to dispose because of their weight. An effective waste management plan is key to cost-effective C&D recycling. If your jurisdiction has a C&D ordinance, be sure to make yourself familiar with its provisions because you may be held to a specified level of recycling. There are a number of useful tools and guides available to help builders and contractors plan for C&D reuse and recycling.

In order to achieve your C&D waste diversion goals and to potentially save you money, the following tools have been compiled.

Know Your Waste Stream

Contractors should know what materials will be generated during the project. Several fact sheets have been developed for many of the common materials generated. These fact sheets provide some some general background and information on markets for recycling.

Specifications

Use specifications to spell out the project's recycling goals, assign responsibility, set penalties and delineate other issues.

• C&D Waste Management Specifications
• CMRA Master Specifications, Plans and Reports
• Green Building Specifications

Planning

Plan ahead to determine where you are going to collect your material and where you are going to take it for recycling.

• Job Site Recycling--Information for setting up your job site for recycling C&D.
• Recycling plans are available to accompany the CMRA master specifications for both construction and demolition projects.
• C&D Debris Recyclers Database--Search for C&D recyclers in your area.
• Local Recycling Coordinators--Search jurisdictions by County and then select the "Contact" tab on the jurisdiction's profile page to view the local recycling coordinator. The coordinator often has the most up-to-date information about recycling options in your project's area.

Additional Resources

• Alameda County Waste Management Authority
• King County Construction Recycling Guide
• Santa Monica Green Building Design and Construction Guidelines
• Sample Corporate Policies or Best Management Practices for C&D Materials Recycling (Word, 30 KB) developed by CMRA
• Green Building Construction Documents
• Green Building Guidelines
• Recycled-Content Product Directory-Use this database tool to find building products that contain recycled-content materials.

Last updated: November 01, 2007