Edited by Loren Faulkner

Although green design and construction has been much talked about the past few years, one part of green building is not mentioned as often: green methods used during the demolition phase of a construction project. Many U.S. cities require - or strongly encourage - contractors to minimize the amount of construction and demolition material being sent to the landfill.

In response to state regulations, many communities are using ordinances requiring construction firms to submit recycling plans for their construction projects and to report the amount of materials disposed of and recycled.

In San Diego, for example, the city council recently approved an ordinance designed to improve recycling use. The ordinance makes it mandatory for each qualifying site to divert at least 50 percent of its waste to a recycling center.

By providing contractors with recycling programs and access to facilities, recycling and waste removal companies around the nation have made it easier for contractors to dispose of their waste responsibly. When recycling facilities increase, so will the mandatory recycling rates. Companies offering recycling and waste collection services usually are aware of the state regulations and can help contractors and property owners meet their "green demo" goals.