Do I have to separate?

How Do I Separate? Do I have to separate C&D materials on site before they are taken to a reuse or recycling facility?


  • Contact the receiving facility and determine their requirements. Many reuse and recycling facilities accept mixed loads of materials. However, some of these facilities charge a lower tipping fee if the materials are source separated and arrive at the facility as a clean load. Other facilities are only permitted to accept one type of material (such as concrete, asphalt pavement, wood, or metal) and cannot accept mixed loads.
  • Work with your waste hauler to determine how you can achieve source separation. Some job sites cannot handle a large number of dumpsters onsite. Different haulers can provide options for recycling containers, such as smaller containers, waste corrals, or container-less systems.
  • Mark recycling containers or locations with signs. Clearly mark any designated recycling container or area. Use large letters and different languages as appropriate.
  • Consider making your subcontractors responsible for their own waste in the contract. Since many subcontractors work with one type of material, it can be much easier to collect and recycle that material if they are responsible for disposing it instead of mixing it in general containers.
  • Always separate hazardous building components and mange them properly. There are many building materials, especially in older buildings, that may pose a threat to human health and the environment. Separate these materials and dispose of them properly.

Click here for more on setting up a job site recycling program. PDF

Make it Company Policy

Consigli Construction Company, Inc. has a company policy for C&D materials management. They have tiered their waste management options with the top tier being the most optimal selection and the bottom tier being the least optimal.

  • Tier I. Use C&D materials on-site.
  • Tier II. Source separate C&D materials on-site and send them off-site to (a) reuse or recycling facility(ies).
  • Tier III. Send mixed loads of C&D materials to a reuse or recycling facility.
  • Tier IV. Send C&D materials to a landfill.