Construction and demolition makes up nearly 23% of nationwide waste. Recycling is an excellent way to divert this significant amount of waste from landfills. Responsibly recycled construction materials can increase resource-efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and limit waste production. 

In the construction industry, recycling construction materials is as much an economical choice as it is an environmental one. Effective construction material recycling and building material recycling practices can help reduce disposal costs while keeping reusable materials out of landfills.

With green building at the top of the 2023 construction trends, sustainable construction is a major emphasis–as it should be. Recycling is another piece of the puzzle. However, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it. 

To help ensure that C&D materials are recycled properly, we’re sharing some of the fundamentals.

What are C&D Materials?

According to the EPA, “construction and demolition (C&D) materials consist of the debris generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and bridges.”

Examples of C&D materials include:

• Steel
• Wood
• Brick
• Clay
• Asphalt concrete

The average construction worker interacts with these materials every day. In 2018 alone, 600 million tons of C&D debris were generated nationwide. That’s more than double the amount of municipal solid waste that same year.

So how can we get that number down, offset our environmental impact, and conserve landfill space? Here are some tips to get you started.

Recycled Building Materials and Why They Matter

Recycled building materials are components salvaged or processed for reuse in new projects. Common examples include reclaimed wood, crushed concrete, recycled steel, and reused bricks. By integrating these materials into construction, builders can lower project costs, conserve raw resources, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new products.

Modern building material recycling methods allow these materials to be cleaned, sorted, and certified for reuse. Many states even offer incentives for recycling construction materials as part of green building initiatives.

If you’re planning a project, consider sourcing recycled construction materials from local suppliers or demolition reuse centers. They often offer high-quality materials at a lower price.

Focus on Deconstruction Over Demolition

Demolition involves tearing down buildings and then disposing of materials through recycling or landfilling. In contrast, deconstruction refers to disassembling or removing building components for reuse and is another form of recycling building materials.

There’s no doubt that deconstruction is a more careful and sometimes time-consuming process than demolition. That doesn’t sound all too appealing when a project is on a tight schedule. However, removing building elements with reuse in mind can save money and time in the long run. With deconstructed materials on hand, you won’t have to wait for replacement materials to be transported or purchase additional materials.

There are also entire organizations dedicated to salvaging building materials for future use.

Know Your Standard Building Dimensions

As a construction professional, you’re probably familiar with standard building dimensions, which exist for every part of the building and are determined by U.S. building authorities. These measurements represent the minimum size and other requirements to adhere to while designing a building.

Not only do these specifications enhance safety and comfort for building occupants, but they can also suggest how much material is needed for a given project. Being more intentional and strategic with how much building material you acquire can help lessen the amount of excess left over after completion.

Reuse Suitable Construction Materials

Another way to effectively recycle construction materials is to set aside materials in good condition. Keep them out of the way so that when you need extra wood, steel, or whatever else, you have some on hand. 

You won’t need to chop a 20-foot piece of lumber if you have smaller pieces on hand. When you start collecting materials that you would normally discard, you may be surprised by how much is still usable. Of course, be discerning about what scraps you reuse. Safety is paramount.

Get a Custom Waste Audit

Figuring out the best way to optimize your construction waste stream can be intimidating. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. A waste audit puts you in touch with a specialist who closely analyzes your waste stream and compiles an in-depth report on how you can meet more sustainable goals.

A waste audit involves collecting, weighing, and sorting all waste, recycling, and compostable materials at your facility or facilities. Because they’re typically done annually, you can constantly improve your waste operations and increase the amount of construction materials recycled.

Work With a Local Hauler to Recycle Building Materials

A local hauler is familiar with recycling centers near your site. Many haulers specialize in construction material recycling and can coordinate directly with facilities that accept metal, concrete, and lumber for reuse. They’ll make recycling building materials more convenient and when you partner with a local hauling company, you’re minimizing the environmental impact of transportation.

Each of these construction recycling tips can be incorporated into a larger green strategy. We’re always building on our recycling education materials in an effort to empower you to make a difference.

Contact our waste specialists today to learn more about how you can create a more sustainable system on your site(s). From recycling construction materials to sourcing recycled building materials, ZTERS helps businesses and contractors develop effective waste strategies that protect both their bottom line and the environment.