Construction & Demo Waste

Landfilling Waste is a Big Deal A study shows 28.7% of waste placed in landfills is construction & demolition waste (C & D waste). Thats 850 thousand tons per year. Of the top 10 components of the waste stream, 3 are C & D waste. Ranking number one is untreated wood followed by roofing shingles; third and last is a combination of rock, concrete and brick.

Other common C&D waste stream components include treated woods, drywall, PVC, ceramics and porcelain, glass and metals. Waste paints, solvents, sealers and adhesives commingled in C&D waste have greater potential for environmental impacts. These materials are specifically excluded from the definition for C&D waste under s.NR (50) [exit DNR], Wisconsin Administrative Code.NR (50) [exit DNR]

Like other recycling efforts, there are more management options for C&D debris that isn't mixed with other waste materials. C&D debris consists primarily of asphalt, brick, concrete, glass, metal, drywall and wood, all having recycling potential. Brick and cement block can be recovered for reuse, but more often they are combined with concrete and asphalt and are crushed to form the base for roadbeds and driveways.

Excess unpainted and untreated wood lumber at construction sites can be recovered for reuse as dimensional lumber, but most often it is chipped for use in landscaping and composting. Metals can be marketed to scrap metal dealers.

Some firms specialize in systematically dismantling structures in order to recover materials in the best possible conditions. C&D debris is a solid waste subject to the provisions in chs. NR , Wisconsin Administrative Codes.

What is Clean Fill? Wisconsin Administrative Code exempts the following C&D materials as clean fill provided the fill is not placed within a floodplain, wetland, surface water environment or critical habitat: brick, broken pavement, building stone, clean soil, concrete, reinforced concrete and unpainted or untreated wood.

Waste Recycling Resources Find recycling centers near you – DNR Pre-Demolition Checklist Waste Management –