"Innovations" Model Studies

Construction and Demolition Recycling Plans and Policies: A Model for Local Government Recycling and Waste Reduction

A major opportunity exists for meeting the State’s waste diversion goals by recycling construction and demolition (C&D) debris. Mixed C&D recycling facilities in the state are routinely recovering 60 to 90 percent of all the materials brought to them. Literally hundreds of reuse, recycling, and composting businesses are available to process source-separated materials from C&D throughout the state. 

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Community C&D Recycling Plans
• Tools & Strategies for C&D Plans
• C&D Recycling Plan Process
• Case Study: Hawthorne C&D Waste Minimization Plan
• C&D Plan Recommendations
• For More Information

Summary of this publication. | Download this publication.

Overview

A major opportunity exists for meeting the State’s waste diversion goals by recycling construction and demolition (C&D) debris. Mixed C&D recycling facilities in the state are routinely recovering 60 to 90 percent of all the materials brought to them. Literally hundreds of reuse, recycling, and composting businesses are available to process source-separated materials from C&D throughout the state. 

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) recognizes the importance of C&D recycling in meeting the State’s 50 percent waste diversion goal. In November 1997, the CalRecycle adopted C&D recycling as one of four major initiatives in its strategic plan to achieve the requirements of the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939, Sher, Chapter 1095, Statutes of 1989 as amended [IWMA]). 

C&D materials originate in the construction and demolition of buildings, roads, homes, tenant improvements, landscaping, hardscaping (nonorganic materials used in landscaping design), and site clearing activities. This waste stream includes, among other items: concrete, asphalt, soils, gypsum, wood, ferrous and nonferrous metals, brick, corrugated cardboard, soils, trees, shrubs, and many miscellaneous and composite materials. 

Approximately 11.6 percent of solid waste disposed in California is C&D debris. This amounts to more than 4 million tons of waste disposed every year.

Credits and Disclaimer

Gary Liss & Associates prepared this study pursuant to contract IWM-C8028 ($198,633, included other services) with the University of California at Santa Cruz for a series of 24 studies and summaries. 

CalRecycle would like to acknowledge the following individuals who helped prepare this document:

• Stephen Bantillo, City of San Jose
• Joan Edwards, J. Edwards & Associates
• Kelly Ingalls, KMI Associates
• Stephen MacIntosh, County of Santa Barbara
• Karin Swarbrick, Community Environmental Council
• Wendy Sommer, Alameda County Waste Management Authority & Recycling Board
• Relly Briones and Steve Austrheim-Smith, CalRecycle

The statements and conclusions in this summary are those of the contractor and not necessarily those of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), its employees, or the State of California. In addition, the data in this report was provided by local sources but not independently verified. The State and its contractors make no warranty, express or implied, and assume no liability for the information contained in this text. Any mention of commercial products, companies, or processes shall not be construed as an endorsement of such products or processes.

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Last updated: December 24, 2009