Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is waste that is generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and other structures. C&D debris often contain bulky, heavy materials such as:
- Concrete
- Wood (from buildings)
- Asphalt (from roads and roofing shingles)
- Gypsum (the main component of drywall)
- Metals
- Bricks
- Glass
- Plastics
- Salvaged building components (doors, windows, and plumbing fixtures)
- Trees, stumps, earth, and rock from clearing sites
Finding ways to minimize the generation of C&D waste coming from your project, or creatively reusing or recycling as much of it as possible, is a winning strategy. Most often, these materials can be separated and then recycled or salvaged into useful products or beautiful new structures.
STATE OF VERMONT – ACT 175
The State of Vermont passed a law on recycling architectural waste known as “Act 175”. The law requires contractors to keep certain materials out of the trash by transferring them to a facility where they can be recycled. Materials that are considered to be architectural waste are:
- Clean Wood
- Asphalt Shingles
- Scrap Metal
- Drywall
- Plywood
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
The materials listed above must be delivered to a recycling facility if they are generated from a project that meets ALL of the following conditions:
- The project produces 40 cubic yards or more of architectural waste. Forty cubic yards is the typical volume of one construction site roll-off dumpster.
- The project site is within 20 miles of a solid waste facility that recycles architectural waste.
- The construction or demolition project is for a commercial building or a residential building with 2 or more units.
Currently, there is one facility in Vermont that accept loads of architectural waste, in addition to other materials, for recycling. That facility is located in Chittenden County.
- Myers C&D Recycling Facility 216 Red Can Drive, Colchester, VT
Your local waste hauler will be able to provide you with compliant and cost effective solutions for your C&D recycling needs or the EPA has many web resources to help you divert your C&D materials. For more information on the State of Vermont’s regulations on C&D check out the drywall and asphalt recycling guidance or visit DEC’s Solid Waste & Recycling website:
Drywall and Asphalt Shingle Recycling Guidance.FINAL.2018.17.9
http://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/solid/materials-mgmt/construction-waste