Last reviewed: 02/27/2012

Construction waste management guidelines

I. BENEFITS OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT

Recycling and reuse of materials have long been associated with wise construction practices. Experienced contractors are now reaping the economic advantages of Construction Waste Management. Communities are also seeing the side benefits as listed below.

A. Trim Costs.
Recycling, reusing, and salvaging construction waste can save money. Many of the contractors that have embraced Construction Waste Management have made changes to their operations and practices to take advantage of reduced waste disposal costs and revenues derived from recycle, reuse and salvage materials. Utilizing reuse and salvage methods on site reduce the need for new materials, reduces materials that end up in the landfill, creates a cleaner and safer project site, and improves community relations.

B. Establish a Market Advantage.
A company’s experience in waste prevention and recycling is a valuable marketing tool for bidding on projects in response to customer interest in Construction Waste Management. Efforts to prevent waste, to recycle, and to use recycled-content materials on a project can help the project team earn points towards qualifying for LEED and other local and national programs.

C. Create Environmental Benefits.
Environmental benefits also result from recycling and waste prevention programs. In the long run, preventing waste reduces dependence on natural resources such as trees, oil, and minerals plus creates less pollution by reducing manufacturing and transportation related emissions. Reduction of the energy and water required to produce building supplies from virgin materials contributes to reduced greenhouse gasses related to the manufacturing and transportation of those materials.

D. Help the Economy.
Recycling and reuse of construction waste can also help the economy through the creation of jobs related to salvaging and recycling of construction waste. New products create jobs through the manufacture of recycled content materials.

E. Assist Charitable Organization
Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity can use surplus building materials.  Pick-up of materials at the project site can sometimes be arranged.

II. PREVENT WASTE IN THE FIRST PLACE

The following considerations can minimize waste impacts on any size project. From the broad influences of design to the specific methods used on the job-site, all play a roll in the prevention of waste.

A. Design to Prevent Waste.

  • Design with standard sizes for building materials.
  • Specify materials and assemblies that can be easily disassembled at the end of their useful life.
  • Design precast concrete members for concrete (Tilt-up) construction.
  • Choose durable non-toxic interior finishes or materials.
  • Design spaces to be flexible for changing uses.
  • Consider reusing materials (on-site) or installing salvaged materials from off-site sources.

B. Plan for Waste Prevention.

  • Target specific waste producing practices for waste prevention.
  • Include waste prevention measures in a Waste Management Plan. See Waste Management Plan and Reporting Form.
  • Communicate your waste management plan at meetings, post it on-line, and promote the result.

C. Use Construction Methods that Prevent Waste.

  • For wood construction, use advanced framing techniques (e.g. 24" on-center, and insulated headers), trusses for roof or floor framing, finger-jointed studs and trim, and engineered wood products.
  • Consider using wood frame wall panels prefabricated off-site.

D. Practice Job-Site Waste Prevention Methods.

  • Set up central cutting areas for wood and other materials.
  • Reuse concrete forms or choose reusable metal or fiberglass forms.
  • Clearly mark areas key to waste prevention, such as the material storage, central cutting, and recycling stations.
  • Practice material storage and handling procedures to prevent loss or damage.

E. Purchase to Prevent Waste.

  • Purchase salvaged, recycled, or recycled-content materials and equipment.
  • Check to ensure the correct amount of each material is delivered to site.
  • Maintain an up-to-date material ordering and delivery schedule to minimize the amount of time that materials are on-site and reduce the chance of damage.
  • Replace toxic materials with less toxic or non-toxic products to reduce hazardous packaging.
  • Choose products with minimal or no packaging.
  • Ask suppliers to deliver supplies using sturdy, returnable pallets and containers. Have suppliers pick up pallets and empty containers.
  • Require suppliers to take back or buy-back substandard, rejected, or unused items.

III. SALVAGE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE

There are many methods used to reduce waste and increase profits through salvage, reuse, and the recycling of construction waste. In the industry, salvage and reuse are terms that are often used interchangeably. For the purpose of this Guide, the term “reuse” denotes the materials that remain on the construction site to be used in their original form or converted to another use. Salvage, typically in its original form, are items that are removed from the site.

A. Survey the Site Before Demolition or Deconstruction.

  • Identify salvage and reuse items.
  • Identify recyclable materials.
  • Identify hazardous materials for special handling.

B. Develop a Construction Waste Management Plan.

  • List items being reused on-site.
  • List items for salvage, both resale and donation.
  • Plan for protecting, dismantling, handling, storing, and transporting items.
  • Schedule for the removal of salvage and recycle materials.
  • Consider using deconstruction.

C. Identify Reusable or Salvageable Items.

  • Identify material that can be removed and separated without undue damage.
  • Identify material of unique or antique feature that would make it worth saving.
  • Identify material with high resale value such as old true divided windows.
  • Identify material new enough to be reused easily.
  • Discuss reuse ideas and the project timeline with the owner and the designer.
  • Discuss reuse ideas with building departments if there are structural applications.

D. Select Salvage Removal Alternatives.

  • Train your own or hire a deconstruction crew.
  • Contact a salvage company to come on-site to remove valuable materials.
  • Contact Habitat for Humanity or other Charity to arrange pick-up of salvaged items.
  • Take materials to a salvage center in the area.
  • List the items in a materials exchange or advertise in the newspaper.
  • Conduct a “yard sale” at edge of the job-site to sell salvaged items.
  • Allow workers to remove salvageable items for their own use.
  • Ask subcontractors to reuse or recycle their materials.

E. Plan for Recyclable Materials

  • Investigate removal and separation techniques.
  • Select material with high resale value such as copper wire and HVAC coils.
  • Plan for collection procedures and allocate space on site.

F. Question Salvage and Recycle Companies or Charitites:

  • What items or materials do they accept?
  • Will they accept drop-offs at their location?
  • Will they provide drop boxes?
  • Will they come to the site to remove the items or materials?
  • When can they come and how long will removal take?
  • Will they visit the site and place a bid?
  • Will they pay for the items or materials?
  • What are the charges/payments for pick ups or drop-offs?
  • Can the company provide a receipt for tax deduction of donated items?

G. Estimate the Costs and Savings.

  • What disposal costs are avoided?
  • What hauling costs are eliminated?
  • What revenue is generated?

H. Consider other Project Costs and Savings.

  • Compare the costs of reusing materials and salvaged items to purchasing new.
  • Compare costs to reuse materials and salvaged items (transportation, reconfiguration of equipment, storage, etc.) on-site.
  • What is the functional or aesthetic value of having reused material on-site?
  • What are the marketing and public relations benefits to reuse and salvage?
  • What is the tax benefit to donating items to charities?

I. Identify Hazardous Waste Considerations.

  • Some building materials may be contaminated with hazardous materials.
  • Hazardous products include lead paint, asbestos, fluorescent lamps and PCB ballast, Freon, and Halon.
  • Special attention must be taken when handling hazardous wastes.
  • Qualified professionals may be needed for proper handling and disposal.
  • Hazardous materials must be disposed of at a hazardous waste facility or recycled.
  • Some materials can be recaptured. Freon and Halon have a market value for reuse.

Check this List of Reuse or Salvage Items

At the start of a project, evaluate whether these materials can be salvaged, donated, or sold locally. Reused items can have functional or aesthetic features of importance. Salvaged woods can be of qualities or varieties hard to find today.
  • Appliances
  • Bathroom Fixtures
  • Bricks
  • Cabinets
  • Carpeting
  • Ceiling Tiles
  • Dimensional Lumber
  • Doors
  • Ductwork
  • Flooring
  • Insulation
  • Landscaping Materials
  • Lighting Fixtures
  • Marble
  • Metal Framing
  • Paneling
  • Pipes
  • OSB & Plywood
  • Siding
  • Tile
  • Trim/Antique Moldings
  • Windows
  • Wood Beams and Posts

 

Check this List of Recyclable Building Material

When opportunities for reuse or salvage are exhausted, recycling is the next level. Deconstruction and construction waste materials that can be recycled include:
  • Acoustical ceiling tiles
  • Asphalt
  • Asphalt Shingles
  • Cardboard
  • Carpet and carpet pad
  • Concrete
  • Drywall
  • Fluorescent lights and ballast
  • Land clearing debris (vegetation, stumpage, dirt)
  • Metals
  • Paint (use a hazardous waste outlet)
  • Plastic film (sheeting, shrink wrap, packaging)
  • Window glass
  • Wood

IV.  DESIGN A WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Successful and profitable job-site recycling begins with a Waste Management Plan. This section will help you through the process of developing a Waste Management Plan.

A. Make a Waste Management Plan. (See Planning & Reporting Form)

  • Identify materials to be salvaged, reused, recycled, and disposed of including materials subcontractors will be responsible for.
  • Outline procedures, expectations, and results for monitoring, collecting and promoting waste management planning.
  • Designate a coordinator responsible for implementing the plan.
  • Set waste management goals, such as “Reuse or recycle 75% of project wastes”.
  • Define types of wastes.
  • Estimate the amounts.
  • Indicate the disposal method for each material reused in place, reused on-site, salvaged, recycled, or landfilled.
  • Include handling procedures for removal, separation, storage, and/or transportation.
  • Communicate the plan to all crew members.
  • Document waste management requirements on project documents, including subcontracts and specifications.
  • Communicate the results.

B. Researching Recycling Options.

  • Contact recyclers and haulers using the Yellow Pages or Recycling Directories.
  • Use 1-800-RECYCLE (1-800-732-9253) or http://1800recycle.wa.gov/index.html 
  • Contact Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/local) or other charities.
  • What materials are accepted?
  • What are the specific guidelines for each material? For example, do they accept forming plywood in “clean wood”?
  • Decide which materials are co-mingled and which need to be source separated and the costs.
  • Are drop boxes and pick-up service available?
  • What are the collection options: call for service; monitored drop boxes; or, scheduled pick-ups?
  • What are the charges for services including drop box rental, hauling, and tipping fees/revenues?
  • Is there help to set up the program and provide training for the crew?
  • Are receipts provided for tracking types and quantities of recyclables collected?

C. Decide Which Materials to Recycle

  • Determine potential recyclable materials and the recycling method.
  • Select what to recycle.
  • Determine cost and revenues for recycling different construction wastes (source separated and co-mingled).
  • Determine costs for disposing of wastes.
  • Calculate potential costs and savings for recycling on a project.
  • Identify, based on calculations, the materials to be recycled most cost-effectively.
  • Be creative in rural areas. Partner with local businesses, community groups, and others to determine if there is local interest in using construction waste materials.

V. PUT THE WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN INTO ACTION

A well developed Construction Waste Management Plan combines good communication with attention to details. Effective implementation will foster employee pride and elevate the corporate image. This will ensure success, maximize the benefits, and provide a marketing edge.

A. Educate Everyone About the Waste Management Program.

  • Share the formalized plan with everyone involved in the project administration.
  • Discuss waste handling requirements with crew and subcontractors.
  • Share procedures for checking bin status and the system for notifying haulers for extra containers or pick-ups.
  • Post easy to read signs with written information about the recycling program.
  • Continue education by making recycling updates part of your safety program.
  • Clearly label the recycling drop boxes. Post lists of what is and what is not recyclable and use pictures for quick identification.

B. Find the Space

  • Place garbage bins and recycling drop boxes close to the point of waste generation, but out of the traffic pattern.
  • Choose smaller containers and more frequent collection. There are a variety of container sizes and service options available from recycling services or haulers.
  • Use smaller containers to dump into large containers at the end of the day.
  • Ask recycling service providers about containers with multiple compartments to minimize the number of containers on site.
  • Rent a trailer for the major recyclable material generated in the first phase of construction and haul directly to the recycler.
  • If self-hauling, build custom containers to fit the space requirements using scrap or damaged plywood, concrete forms, or barrier fencing.
  • Use trash cans to collect recyclables generated in smaller amounts.

C. Make it Convenient

  • Place the recycling dumpsters as close to the work as possible.
  • Always provide a container for trash near the recycling containers.
  • Consider co-mingling small quantities of wood, cardboard, and metals to make one larger load of recyclables.
  • Provide maps of the job-site to haulers for dumpster placement and pickup.

D. Promote and Educate

  • Treat waste management like a safety program. Integrate recycle training into the safety education, or design a separate recycling education program.
  • Create a name or slogan for the recycling program.
  • Provide incentives to make the plan work.
  • Use signage and simple clear instructions to communicate.
  • Be positive! When the crew and subcontractors are motivated and understand the goals, they will figure out creative ways to work efficiently.
  • Include everyone in the process. Encourage suggestions on more efficient methods, or additional materials that can be recycled.

E. Prevent Contamination

  • Clearly label the recycling bins. Post lists with pictures of what is recyclable.
  • Provide trash bins to collect non-recyclable items. Have them emptied regularly so the overflow does not end up in the recycling bin.
  • Conduct regular site visits to verify that bins are not contaminated.
  • Consider bins with lids or locating bins in a locked or supervised area to discourage contamination.
  • Dump out contaminated loads and have the subcontractors and/or crew pull out the contaminants themselves.
  • Regularly check the wastes in the garbage dumpsters for recyclables.
  • Call the recycler before drop boxes are full to arrange for pick-up.

F. Track Your Success

  • Once construction has started, keep the receipts from recycling and garbage disposal for planning estimates in future waste management budgets. See Sample Tracking Form.
  • Use Worksheets to report the results and cost savings from recycling on your project. See Construction Waste Management Plan and Reporting Form.
  • Tracking the quantities and cost savings of diverted materials is required for BUILT GREEN™ and LEED™ certification.
  • Share the success by posting the volumes of materials reused or recycled.

VI. USE RECYCLED-CONTENT BUILDING MATERIALS

An important part of the cycle of reclaiming materials is the reuse of those materials. Buying recycled-content building materials supports efficient use of our natural resources without compromising building standards.

A. Identify Recycled-Content Building Materials.

Recycled-content building materials are durable and quality products, competitively priced with conventional materials, and they help conserve natural resources such as timber and oil. Many common building products like Homasote paneling and blown-in cellulose insulation, made from reclaimed newspapers, have been used for years. New products using recycled materials, such as carpet and plastic lumber, are being developed every day.

B. Know the Types of Recycled-Content Materials:

  • Materials can be post-consumer, made from materials after a first use.
  • Materials can be pre-consumer, created from waste materials as a byproduct of manufacturing and used in another product.
  • Buying either type of recycled-content building materials supports efficient use of our natural resources without compromising building standards.

C. Discover How to Buy Recycled.

  • Obtain information on recycled products. Contact suppliers and manufacturers for product specifications and samples.
  • Consistently communicate your interest in recycled-content building materials in your specifications, policies, and in your job-site meetings.
  • Look for products with the highest recycled-content available, especially post-consumer content that meets your strength and durability specifications.
  • Look for recycled-content products for your office or job shack. Copy paper, toner cartridges, and desk supplies are readily available with recycled-content.

RECYCLED-CONTENT BUILDING PRODUCTS
Building Materials Site Work
  • Carpet
  • Cellulose Insulation
  • Ceiling Tile
  • Ceramic/Porcelain Tile
  • Concrete Masonry Units
  • Countertop
  • Dock Bumpers
  • Ductwork
  • Exterior Sheathing
  • Fences/Posts
  • Fiberboard
  • Fiberglass Insulation
  • Floor Joists
  • Floor Mats
  • Flooring
  • Lumber
  • Paint
  • Pilings
  • Plastic Lumber
  • Recycling Containers
  • Roofing
  • Structural Steel
  • Underlayment
  • Wallboard
  • Asphalt
  • Base Coarse
  • Compost and Soil Amendments
  • Concrete
  • Drainage or Backfill aggregate
  • Ecology Blocks
  • Fill Material
  • Ground colored glass pipe bedding
  • Glassphalt
  • Parking Stops

VII. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

DECONSTRUCTION is the systematic disassembly of buildings in order to salvage as much material as possible. A complement to demolition, it allows crews to enter a building and take it apart, from appliances to floorboards, stair treads, roof joists, and down to the bricks. The recovered materials are then resold for use in new construction and renovation projects, or for remanufacture (i.e., turning wood framing into fireplace mantles).

LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating criteria developed by the US Green Building Council. The LEED Rating System is recognized nationally and internationally as the Green Building design standard.

MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITY (MRF) is a general term used to describe a waste-sorting facility. Mechanical, hand-separation, or a combination of both procedures are used to recover recyclable materials from other waste.

POST-CONSUMER recycled-content products contain materials that have been used by consumers and collected for reprocessing.

PRE-CONSUMER or post-industrial recycled-content products contain “waste” materials created as a byproduct of manufacturing that are and re-incorporated into the manufactured product.

RECYCLE is the separation of construction waste materials for remanufacturing or reprocessing into usable or marketable materials. Examples of recycling include separating wood off-cuts for recycling by a wood processor into paper pulp, or taking soil to a topsoil facility for reprocessing into topsoil.

CO-MINGLED recycling service allows contractors to put select recyclables such as wood, cardboard, and metals in one container that may result in less container space. The recycling company takes the materials to a MRF where the materials are separated for recycling. Co-mingled recycling is cheaper than garbage disposal but more expensive than source-separated recycling. It may be difficult to receive accurate recycling and disposal figures from this method due to the varied condition of the materials to be recycled and the current recycle markets.

SOURCE SEPARATED recycling service involves collecting recyclables in separate containers as they are generated. The recycling hauler takes the materials directly to a recycler or a transfer site. This method requires more individualized containers but makes accounting of materials easier and safeguards material quality. Items such as concrete, drywall, carpet, film plastic, and ceiling tiles may need to be source separated for recycling.

REUSE is to use a construction or demolition waste material again on-site. Examples include grinding concrete for re-use on-site and reusing lumber for constructing forms.

SALVAGE of construction or demolition waste material is to remove it from an existing building for reuse in the same form. Examples of salvage include removing lumber, doors, trim, plumbing fixtures, or brick.