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Construction Waste


Construction Waste Contents:

CSI NUMBERS
DEFINITION
CONSIDERATIONS
COMMERCIAL STATUS
IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
GUIDELINES

RESOURCES

CSI Numbers:

DEFINITION:

 Construction waste recycling is the separation and recycling of recoverable waste materials generated during construction and remodeling. Packaging, new material scraps and old materials and debris all constitute potentially recoverable materials. In renovation, appliances, masonry materials, doors and windows are recyclable.

8,000 lbs of waste are typically thrown into the landfill during the construction of a 2,000 square foot home.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Most construction waste goes into landfills, increasing the burden on landfill loading and operation. Waste from sources such as solvents or chemically treated wood can result in soil and water pollution.

Some materials can be recycled directly into the same product for re-use. Others can be reconstituted into other usable products. Unfortunately, recycling that requires reprocessing is not usually economically feasible unless a facility using recycled resources is located near the material source. Many construction waste materials that are still usable can be donated to non-profit organizations. This keeps the material out of the landfill and supports a good cause.

The most important step for recycling of construction waste is on-site separation. Initially, this will take some extra effort and training of construction personnel. Once separation habits are established, on-site separation can be done at little or no additional cost.

The initial step in a construction waste reduction strategy is good planning. Design should be based on standard sizes and materials should be ordered accurately. Additionally, using high quality materials such as engineered products reduces rejects. This approach can reduce the amount of material needing to be recycled and bolster profitability and economy for the builder and customer.

Commercial
Status		 Implementation
Issues
technology suppliers cost financing public regulatory
Construction Waste Recycling
Legend
green Satisfactory
yellow Satisfactory in most conditions
red Satisfactory in Limited Conditions
black Unsatisfactory or Difficult

COMMERCIAL STATUS

TECHNOLOGY:

Technology is quickly developing for recycling of materials into reconstituted building materials. (See sections on reconstituted materials.) However, few new technologies are available locally. Recycling of many waste materials that can be reused requires only some additional effort and coordination with a salvage company or non-profit organization.

SUPPLIERS:

There are salvage companies and non-profit organizations in the Austin area that can recycle some of the construction waste generated on site.

COST:

There is some additional cost involved in recycling construction material waste until an established procedure is developed. Cost savings can be realized with donations to non-profit organizations that specialize in construction waste recycling resulting in tax deductions. Cost savings are also realized through the efficient design and use of materials minimizing waste. However, transportation costs and the lack of local companies using recycled resources make recycling of many materials that are not directly reusable too expensive to be feasible at the present time.

IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

FINANCING:

Available.

No financing issues.

PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE:

The public's wide belief in recycling gives the builder who recycles a positive image with the client.

REGULATORY:

Building codes prevent the use of used materials (i.e. reused studs) as structural members. Non-structural materials such as trim or siding are not regulated.

GUIDELINES

  • 1.0 What to Recycle

    • Before recycling construction waste, identify who will accept it. This is important in designating type of waste to separate, and in making arrangements for drop-off or delivery of materials. In Austin, materials that can be recycled include:

  • 2.0 Materials Separation

    • Containers for material recycling must be set up on site and clearly labeled. Construction personnel must be trained in material sorting policy, and bins must be monitored periodically to prevent waste mixing as a result of crews or passersby throwing trash into the bins.

    Some materials will require bins or storage that protect from rain. Other bins may be locked to prevent tampering.

  • 3.0 Recycling and Waste Minimization Guidelines

    • (The following information is adapted from the Environmental Building News, Nov/Dec 1992. See Resources.)

    RESOURCES

    PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

    COMPONENTS / MATERIALS / SYSTEMS

    GENERAL ASSISTANCE:

    Internet Resources:

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