St LOUIS, MISSOURI
 
Waste Recycling Equipment, Products, Services, Information and Related Resources

CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION MATERIALS RECYCLING

During the construction, renovation, and demolition of homes, commercial buildings, bridges, highways and other public works projects, large quantities of waste material are created.  C&D materials may include wood, concrete, glass, shingles, wallboard, metal, and paint.  Depending on the type of demolition, materials like tree stumps and rocks may also be generated.

Recycling and reducing the amount of C&D materials conserve natural resources, reduce landfill waste, lower expenses for new building projects, create jobs, and limit water and air pollution.  Over 100 million tons of C&D waste can be generated within a year.

MATERIALS

Concrete, asphalt, metal, and wood are the most commonly recycled materials from construction and demolition.  Though many C&D companies choose the low cost of landfill disposal, there are many uses for the recycled or reused material from C&D sites.

Asphalt & Concrete: These wastes can be crushed and then used as a road-base gravel or as an aggregate in new asphalt or concrete.

Wood:  Wood waste can potentially be reused or chipped and used in mulch, compost, or animal bedding.  Chipped wood could also be used as a bulking agent or be burnt and used as fuel.

Metal: Metal is the most valued C&D material and highest recycling rate.  Steel is especially valued and can be recycled for use in appliances, bridges, vehicles, desks, and other common items.

Shingles:  Asphalt shingles, which make up the majority of residential roofs, can be recycled into a hot mix for paving or into new roofing materials.

DECONSTRUCTION

Recycling C&D waste is only part of practicing responsible construction and demolition management.  Deconstruction is an alternative method to demolition, involving a more selective process for dismantling and removing materials from a building.

Even when complete deconstruction is not feasible, selective removal of recyclable materials from the building prior to demolition would decrease the amount of waste produced.  Plumbing and electrical fixtures, wood flooring, doors, windows, and various metals could be removed and used for new construction.

The amount of time involved in deconstruction is often the biggest deterrent.  C&D companies should consider the market value of potential recyclable materials when considering deconstruction

ENSURING RESPONSIBLE C&D WASTE MANAGEMENT

Builders can practice responsible waste management proactively, in addition to recycling any produced C&D waste.

When choosing a builder, inquire about their waste management practices.  Current builders can also consult other existing builders about successful C&D waste practices.

Use durable, quality materials to ensure the long-life of a structure.

When building, talk with your architect about long-term goals for the structure, in order to create an adaptable, long-lasting design.

Be willing to purchase salvaged or recycled materials for various building or renovation projects.

During a project, make space for the storage of recyclable or reusable materials.

When remodeling, consider reusing old cabinets or other intact structures in a different part of the house for additional storage or organization.

Donate useable items such as carpet, fixtures, doors, locks, and knobs to a multi-residential unit or apartment complex. Landlords can often use these for general repairs.

Consider taking waste to a commingled center recycling. Instead of separating and organizing materials onsite, workers simply gather the material in one place and transport it to be separated elsewhere.