ForConstructionPros.com

Michael R. Taylaor, CAE

• Sonoma County in California is requiring that incoming landfill loads of construction and demolition (C&D) waste be inspected and possibly turned away unless it has been pre-sorted for recyclables. Those who do not comply must pay a 25% surcharge to drop off the waste and let the county handle the re-sorting.
• The governor of Ohio has proposed an increase in C&D landfill tipping fees from $2 to $4.75 per ton. This fee is in addition to the fee charged by the landfill operator, which averages $28 per ton in the state.
• Chicago contractors are now required to recycle 25% of all C&D debris generated in the city, with the number jumping to 50% by 2008. The city of Chicago defines C&D debris as: "Non-hazardous, non-contaminated solid waste resulting from construction, renovation and demolition projects."

Find Products and Services Fast
A new feature of the National Demolition Association’s web site ( www.demolitionassociation.com) now allows visitors to quickly locate products and services related to the demolition industry at the click of a mouse.

The home page now includes a button called “Find a Product”, which gives instant information on a range of equipment and parts suppliers, services and buyers of demolition debris, architectural ornamentation and other materials generated during the demolition process. The links include additional information on the provider’s services, a link to the company web site and contact information. The web site also allows associate members of the NDA to let prospective customers know more about their products and services.

With incentives like these, it's no wonder C&D recycling is a rapidly growing industry in the U.S. and Canada. A number of factors are stimulating its growth, including:

• the rising costs of landfilling waste as indicated,
• stringent new government regulations,
• tax credits awarded to those who divert materials from landfills,
• the availability of effective mobile crushing, screening and recycling equipment,
• and a steadily growing concern for the environment.

Other factors include a growth in government projects that are generating C&D debris, and the high level of new construction occurring in both countries. From the perspective of those involved primarily in the demolition process, much of the new construction is preceded by the demolition of older structures, which of course generates demolition debris. And finally, the excellent aftermarket value of many recycled materials, such as steel and lumber, is another big motivation for sorting and processing recyclables.