Reuse and Recycling Opportunities and Demolition
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Recycling
Local recycling markets may exist for non-hazardous demolition materials and land-clearing debris. For example, wood, metals, concrete, asphalt, brick and block are highly recoverable in many locations. Some non-hazardous materials can be reused on-site, in accordance with state and local requirements.
A demolition recycling specification that includes a goal or target for recycling sets an expectation that materials should be diverted from disposal.
- Organizations working to reduce the disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) materials.
- Construction and Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA).
- Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA) Master Specifications - A generic solid waste management and recycling specification for demolition that can be modified to meet the needs of a specific project (from California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery).
Markets
Identifying local markets for reuse and recycling of demolition materials is a valuable exercise when considering incorporating recycling and deconstruction into demolition projects. Also, a better understanding of materials available regionally and locally may help businesses create better long-term plans and goals for utilizing this material. Local governments and the communities they serve can also benefit from this information when there is a growing interest in enacting policies that prioritize material reuse and recycling over landfilling. With the help of research performed by non-profits, EPA has explored the availability of materials markets in the Midwest.
- Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Web Academy Webinar: Construction and Demolition Materials Markets - Identifying Opportunities Regionally and Locally.
- Demystifying Waste Midwestern Building Material Markets (pdf)(1 MB).
Site Reuse and Sustainable Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 5 compiled current practices on vacant lot greening as a resource on issues of stormwater management, construction specifications, job training, property maintenance and funding. This research provides a snapshot of greening practices conducted in 11 cities via a diverse set of organizations including non-profits, municipal offices, land banks and sewer authorities.