Saving money
Recycling, salvaging and reusing construction waste can save you money by reducing disposal costs. Most construction waste can be dropped off at a recycling facility for fees ranging from nothing to $35 per ton. When you recycle, you not only save money, but you also help conserve natural resources.
Portland metropolitan area contractors disposed of approximately 360,000 tons of construction and demolition debris (about 95,000 drop box loads) in 2000. Metro estimates that 60 percent of this material could be reused or recycled.
How to begin recycling
Research options:
Investigate recycling and disposal options before the job begins.
Work with your hauler or recycler to determine what materials
should be separated for recycling. Call Clark County Solid Waste
at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4352 to find out what hauler/recycler serves
your job site.
Place bins carefully:
Place recycling bins in a location that will prevent misuse or contamination by the public. Even a small amount of garbage in a load of recyclables makes the entire load unacceptable for recycling.
Educate subcontractors:
Clearly identify recycling areas with large signs. Educate subcontractors about what materials will be recycled for the project. Include recycling in their subcontracts. Teach subcontractors to keep lunch bags, caulking tubes and other garbage out of the recycling areas.
Coordinate pickup:
Work with your hauler or recycler to coordinate pick up and delivery.
How to salvage
In partial or complete demolitions, consider deconstruction instead of mechanical demolition. Determine whether the structure is a good candidate for deconstruction or hand disassembly. The firms listed in the deconstruction/salvage contractors list should be able to help you evaluate the potential for salvage and deconstruction
Remove salvageable items as early in the project as possible. Allow time for this at the front end of the schedule. Look for salvage opportunities as the project progresses. For example, removing carpet may reveal salvageable hardwood flooring.
Definition of terms
Source separated:
Similar materials that are separated from other waste according to categories such as wood, drywall, metal, etc.
Mixed construction debris:
Several types of construction and demolition debris combined in one container. Mixed debris can be taken to a material recovery facility for recycling. Household garbage, food, liquid and hazardous wastes are not acceptable.
For more information, call the Clark County Solid Waste Program at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4352.
To view the Construction and Demolition Toolkit, a resource guide for recycling construction waste, go to http://www.metro-region.org/article.cfm?articleid=727
