California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)

Local Government Assistance Library

Construction and Demolition (C&D) Diversion Informational Guide

Program News...
  • Effective January 1, 2011, the State's 2010 Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) requires newly constructed buildings to develop a waste management plan and divert 50% of the construction materials generated at the project.  For more information on Sections 4.408 and 5.408 of CALGreen, check out the FAQ page.

Introduction

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste can be a significant portion of a jurisdiction’s waste stream, and diverting it from landfills can help jurisdictions achieve and maintain their diversion goals established by AB 939. Senate Bill 1374 (Kuehl, Chapter 501, Statutes of 2002) directed the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), now the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to provide information to jurisdictions and general contractors on methods and activities to divert C&D materials. This bill also directed the CIWMB to develop and adopt a model C&D diversion ordinance for voluntary use by local jurisdictions. CIWMB adopted a model at its March 16, 2004 meeting (agenda item 13).

Many jurisdictions have found that adopting and implementing a C&D diversion ordinance is an effective method for diverting this material from disposal facilities. Both CalRecycle’s model C&D diversion ordinance (MS Word, 183 KB) and existing C&D ordinances that have been adopted by local jurisdictions are useful tools for those interested to establish a C&D guideline. Because each jurisdiction is different, CalRecycle’s model was developed to provide maximum flexibility to prospective users. The model is a composite of the most frequently used components in ordinances currently being implemented around the State.

Jurisdictions that choose to adopt CalRecycle’s model ordinance as their own are encouraged to adapt the model to meet their own local needs and conditions, while being mindful of existing C&D ordinances in their surrounding area. Coordinating with surrounding jurisdictions when adopting a C&D diversion ordinance may help to avoid conflicting requirements between ordinances, and help to achieve a more "level playing field" for contractors that work in these areas. For example, a jurisdiction can include its own definitions, cost and/or square footage thresholds, and deposit amounts that best reflect its C&D waste stream.

One requirement that applies to every city and county in California is the 2010 Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). Effective January 1, 2011, newly constructed buildings will be required to develop a waste management plan and divert at least 50% of the construction materials generated during the project (CALGreen Sections 4.408 and 5.408). Local jurisdictions with an existing C&D diversion ordinance can choose to amend its ordinance or inform stakeholders in some manner about CALGreen, e.g., when they apply for their building permit. Each city and county in the State is encouraged to report how CALGreen is implemented in its jurisdiction through the AB 939 Electronic Annual Report that’s submitted to CalRecycle. For more information on CALGreen, please visit the FAQ page.

The following information will help you develop a C&D diversion ordinance. For ways to encourage the diversion of C&D waste from landfills other than to adopt a C&D diversion ordinance, please visit our C&D diversion methods page.

SB 1374