The Push To Increase C&D Recycling

by Equipment Today Staff
Created: September 1, 2004

Demolition contractors such as Brandenburg Industrial separate out metal components from C&D debris for resale.

About 70% of the more than 135 million tons of building-related construction and demolition (C&D) debris generated annually comes from demolition projects. A sizeable portion of this debris — estimated at 40% — is already being recycled by demolition contractors. However, the National Demolition Association (NDA) would like to see a substantial growth in that percentage. It is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take the critical step of developing a National C&D Recycling Policy.

Removing barriers to recycling

Currently, C&D waste is handled differently from state to state. Several of the larger states have posed a number of barriers that make it impractical and economically unattractive to participate in C&D recycling efforts. These include:

excessive fees for permits to operate a C&D recycling facility;

over-regulation of procedures used at C&D recycling facilities;

opportunities in state purchasing procedures for the reuse of C&D recycled material;

This content continues onto the next page...